Contract Specialist | Akron, OH

About The Team  

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. 

About the Role 

The Contract Vegetation Specialist 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 plans, facilitates, and coordinates the activities of assigned tree clearance crews. You will also be expected to participate in storm restoration events that requires extended hours and in-state travel. This position requires a love of working outside, excellent attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal communications skills. 

What You’ll Do 

• Execution of the annual vegetation management work plan utilizing utility work management software and reporting within the authority provided by FirstEnergy.  

• Resolution of property owner refusals, responding to property owner work requests, questions and resolving complaints within the authority provided by FirstEnergy.  

• Performing field inspections of vegetation management work completed by contractor tree crews and post-circuit inspections of rework to assure specification compliance 

• Administer required guidance, to contracted tree companies as it relates to implementing the FirstEnergy vegetation management specifications within an assigned territory  

• Implementing the quality control process. 

• Performing aerial, mitigation, and other vegetation inspections as necessary 

• Performing tree-related outage investigations 

• Assisting in forestry crew dispatching efforts including 24-hour on-call availability 

• Assisting with work-load estimates using predetermined methodologies 

• Reviewing and approving contractor timesheets 

• Performing all duties associated with clearing vegetation for new construction (not to include physically: removing trees, mowing, or operating heavy equipment) 

• Implementing the Vegetation Management Program and complete required documentation to ensure mandatory NERC FAC-003 Vegetation Management Standard, State Regulatory, and local environmental requirements are met 

• Other duties as assigned.

• $22-$26 depending on experience and certifications.  

About You 

Must haves: 

• Education: Bachelor of Science or Associate Degree in Forestry or related field experience 

• Certifications: Must be (or working towards becoming) an ISA Certified Arborist, and must hold (or working towards holding) a State Pesticide License. 

Nice to haves: 

• Education: Coursework in urban forestry, plant identification, hazard tree evaluation, pesticide applications and communication skills. 

• Experience: 6 months of Contract Specialist experience 

Your Skills: 

• Be able to communicate and present himself/herself in a professional manner. 

• Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate FirstEnergy position regarding tree inquiry to property owners. 

• Interpersonal skills to gain cooperation with internal and external customers. 

• Demonstrate excellent public speaking and presentation skills. 

• Be able to effectively handle conflict. 

• Basic knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code, as well as relevant ANSI Standards 

• Working knowledge of overhead construction types, able to identify basic equipment and have general understanding and knowledge of the operation of transmission and distribution facilities. 

• Basic knowledge of PC software applications which include Microsoft Office 

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines 

• Knowledge of the FirstEnergy’s Accident Prevention Handbook and ability to work safely 

• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and vehicle required 

• The individual must have the physical ability to perform field surveys and inspections in all weather conditions. 

This role would not be a good fit if: 

• You do not enjoy working independently or working outdoors 

• You are not comfortable driving a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle 

• You do not have the ability to calmly communicate with customer conflicts 

Drug Testing:  

• Drug testing is required  

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 (allowances) 

• Boot allowance 

• Certification reimbursement program 

• Scheduling flexibility at the discretion of Manager or Utility 

Where We Work  

Employees will take their company provided vehicle home to where they need to report for the day. They will generally not need to report to an office.