Transmission Utility Forester | Albany, NY

ACRT•Albany, NY

12d•$26 - $39

About The Position

At ACRT, we put safety first. Beyond that, our culture always has been, and always will be, about one thing: people. It’s about our employees, our customers, and the communities our customers serve. We empower the best people to help sustain our world. We’re the only independent national vegetation management consulting firm — giving us the freedom to put our clients first. We’re always looking for driven individuals with good customer service skills who love the outdoors and appreciate the support and independence we provide. We offer qualified training opportunities in areas where they are needed to help our customers reach their fullest potential, preparing them for what their work throws at them. The Transmission Utility Forester reports to the Operations Manager at ACRT Inc. This position will play a key role in identifying, inspecting, and evaluating trees and brush along utility lines and submitting inspection results to clients with recommendations. This position requires a love of working outside, excellent attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal communications skills.

Requirements

Education: High School Diploma or GED required; may substitute 5 years of experience in lieu of a High School Diploma or GED
Experience: 1 year of experience in transmission electric utility line-clearance or transmission utility work planning.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
Proficiency in job-specific software systems (e.g., GPS and GIS based systems) and basic computer/technology skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook] or similar software suite
Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rates
Ability to identify hazard trees
Ability to work solo in remote conditions, rugged terrain and inclement weather
Ability to read and follow digital maps
Ability to drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle
Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task and work independently as well as a team
Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with senior management, customers, and clients
Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to exercise good judgement to make good business decisions
Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware
Proficiency with using a laser rangefinder
Willingness to travel throughout eastern Oregon and southern Idaho

Nice To Haves

Education: Associates Degree in Natural Science, Forestry or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or an ISA Certified Arborist
Experience: 2 years of experience in electric utility line-clearance or utility work planning
ISA Arborist certification or able to get within 6 months

Responsibilities

Vegetation Inspecting & Management
Identify and inspect local trees with an understanding of growth rates
Map circuits using client continuity lists
Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and prescribed work to be performed by client tree trimming contractors
Enter tree trimming/tree and brush removal recommendations into hand-held computer or other similar systems, and use computers and associated software to perform duties
Notify property owners of tree trimming/tree and brush removal work to be performed relating to client specifications
Manage the issuance of work and track work progress
Perform outage investigations, when necessary
Discusses and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues
Tree Trimming Assessments
Audit tree trimming and tree removal work completed by the tree trimming contractor in the field to ensure compliance with work request forms and approved tree trimming
Complete post audit forms indicating adequacy of the tree trimming and tree removal work, and forward the completed forms to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator
Maintain State, Local, & Organizational Compliance
Comply with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards
As requested by the Manager, perform all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with all safety requirements, law and regulations, and applicable labor agreements
Conduct work in a safety-conscious manner as not to endanger yourself or others
Wear safety-related equipment such as hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, etc
Know and exemplify ACRT’s Guiding Principles
Positively Build Upon New & Existing Relationships
Serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers
Display optimism about the work to be done and demonstrate a positive attitude towards customers, peers, and the company
Maintain working relationships with local client personnel as well as all relevant federal, state and local governmental agencies
May be required to participate in public presentations and meetings
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health and Safety
Group health plans including medical/prescription, dental, vision and a variety of other coverage options offered
Company paid group life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts or an option for a Health Savings Account with company match
Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and eligible family members
Retirement
Automatic enrollment in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost
Roth or Traditional 401(k) Retirement plan with company match
Time Off
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Veterans Day paid time off for our veterans
Perks
Company vehicle and gas card
Meal and travel per diems when traveling overnight (allowances)
Boot allowance
Certification reimbursement program
Scheduling flexibility at the discretion of Manager or Utility