Utility Forester
Utility Forester
We are currently seeking a Utility Forester to join our team. This position is an entry level to intermediate level position with the purpose of learning professional, technical and organizational concepts to perform the work. We are looking for energetic professionals who enjoy working outdoors and value the freedom of working independently. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ECI.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- The Forester will manage day to day field and program related assignments, while providing support on issues that are moderately complex.
- Understands and applies company policies and practices to develop solutions.
- Assists in area planning, scheduling and program implementation.
- The Forester receives general instructions on routine work and more detailed instructions on new work-related assignments.
- Oversees utilization of Forestry contract work force within area of responsibility.
- Work with forestry team to organize and prioritize yearly work plan.
- Manage cycle work and continue program refinement to control costs and increase productivity.
- Coordinates with contract work force to relocate or reassign forestry crews as required, to support maintenance and capital project timeframes and externally driven work.
- Keeps apprised of project schedules, and pro-actively responds to changes.
- Collaborates with personnel in assigned area to evaluate and resolve reliability concerns.
- Keeps management apprised of progress.
- Exercises authority to approve or disapprove forestry work in order to ensure compliance with state and federal policies, standards and contract provisions.
- Monitors contractor productivity to maximize return on expenditures. Oversees program to inspect work sites or audit completed work to ensure compliance with specifications. Directs actions to correct problems.
- Anticipates needs, coordinates, and may direct forestry resources during storm emergency operations.
- Maintains a high level of customer satisfaction related to forestry operation. Point person in assigned area to manage and resolve customer concerns by using appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods.
- Communicates escalated issues and response to key executives.
- Confers with real estate, legal, landowners, and municipalities to interpret complex easement rights and resolve line clearance issues and disputes. Involves local law enforcement personnel when necessary.
- Handle customer request tickets as well as complaints related to scheduled pruning and/or completed pruning
- Audit tree contractor’s work for compliance with utility’s specifications
- Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Urban Forestry or a related field, or a two year degree in one of these fields and two years of relevant field related forestry, or ROW Vegetation Management experience is required.
- Internship experience may be included as relevant experience.
- Must have solid tree identification skills
- Must be able to read maps
- Must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong problem solving abilities, the ability to multi-task and an attention to detail.
- Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
- Must have basic computer skills (Microsoft Office)
- Certification as an ISA Arborist is a required within 1 year of employment.
- Bi-lingual speaking (English and Spanish) is a plus.
Physical Demands & Working Environment
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employee must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodations, if available, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment
Work with a team and alone; in a vehicle, indoor office, outdoor field environment and/or low light conditions; foot patrol of energy corridors in the vicinity of power lines and/or pipelines; remote locations as well as urban, city environment; physical demands and travel from site to site, including: walking/hiking on various surfaces including flat, dry, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills and slopes, dense vegetation; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all types of weather extremes including snow, ice, fog, humidity, and low and high temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic and wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants.
Physical
Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (5 to 10 lbs.); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with public; ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.
Company Overview
Environmental Consultants (ECI) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at ECI have come from a variety of backgrounds, including: forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more. ECI offers exciting career opportunities with an excellent compensation package and ongoing growth potential.
Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal background check.
All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.
ECI is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE/AA : Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.