Utility Forester Associate

American Electric Power•Bluefield, WV

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Utility Forester Associate is responsible for assigning and recommending industry-accepted management practices to control non-compatible vegetation in utility rights of way. This role involves working with vegetation control contractors, inspecting ongoing and completed assignments to ensure contract compliance, and reducing preventable vegetation interruptions of service. The position also aims to provide access to facilities for repair and inspection.

Requirements

Knowledge and safe use of pesticides required.
Competency in GIS systems and Microsoft Office components such as: Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word in addition to other analytical tools is required.
Extensive travel is required to inspect and plan for the Company's right-of-way maintenance program.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor Degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and two (2) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired.
Associate's degree in one of the same fields and four (4) years’ experience in utility vegetation management industry.
High school diploma and six (6) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.
Arborist certification is desirable.
Possession of Certified Pesticide Applicator's license is desirable.
Courses in horticulture and/or vegetation management are desirable.

Responsibilities

Patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations.
Maintain records of work and make arrangements with landowners for vegetation management and access to facilities.
Investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns.
Estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding of new and existing facilities.
Determine future utility vegetation management requirements and recommend short and long-term vegetation management work plans and best management practices.
Contact governmental agencies, other utilities, landowners and others to arrange and coordinate right-of-way vegetation management work plans.
Inspect vegetation management and work planning contractors for contract compliance, recommending acceptance or corrective action.
Recommend work plans, priorities, schedules and contractor requirements in accordance with the vegetation management program.
Apply and keep informed of current contract provisions.
Maintain records and prepare reports on costs, production and work quality.
Operate forestry computer programs and records systems.
Guide and train others involved with the vegetation management program in proper work practices and utility vegetation management procedures.