Vegetation Management Associate I

Duquesne Light Company•Pittsburgh, PA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

Manage annual vegetation maintenance work to be completed safely, in full compliance with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) Biennial Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) plan, DLC VM specifications, industry best management practices, and within the allocated budget. Assume fiscal responsibility for project assignments, support emergent work activities, and engage customers in the process.

Requirements

Associate's degree in a related field such as Forestry, Environmental Science, or other related disciplines.
A combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Strong analytical skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to identify local tree species (including growth and failure characteristics)
Proficient computer skills and knowledge of MS Office, Excel is required
Must be self-motivated, organized, and possess strong time management skills
Strong verbal and written communication
Must be available for extended hours and weekends in time of need

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Forestry, Environmental Science, or other related disciplines
Electric utility background
Two (2) or more years of utility line clearance industry or closely related experience
Experience with ESRI software a plus; ArcGIS 9.x or higher
PA Dept of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicators License
International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

Responsibilities

Responsible for regulatory PUC compliance from customer notification and work plan development through execution of the work plan.
Engages customers to notify them of upcoming VM maintenance activities on their properties and educates customers on the importance utility VM and proper arboricultural techniques.
Administers utility line clearing contracts and manages projects.
Exercises appropriate controls, and maintains associated documentation (such as project details, budgets, schedule, etc).
Utilizes professional judgment to optimize the work plan.
Facilitates contractor efforts in accordance with the work plan to maximize contractor efficiency, effectiveness, and end-product quality as per contractual requirements.
Manages and resolves customer concerns related to contractor activities to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
Liaison with key community individuals and groups such as special interest groups, local, state, and federal officials and/or agencies, etc.
Available 24/7 for timely response to emergent situations (storms, callouts, etc.) requiring departmental representation and support.
Actively participate in the advancement of the program through completion of special assignments and daily assigned tasks.
Proactively support, and assume when requested, duties of peers.
Obtain and retain professional credentials by pursuing available continuing educational opportunities.
Utilize data to make business decisions as appropriate for the position, support data stewardship activities and partner with IT on underlying data needs.