What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planned Transmission Forester position at ACRT, Inc.?
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 Planned Transmission Forester reports to the Senior Consulting Utility Forester 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, directs, and coordinates the activities of assigned tree clearance crews. This position requires a love of working outside, excellent attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal communications skills.
What You’ll Do
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 prescription into hand-held computer or other similar systems, and uses 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
Perform herbicide audits
Assist with storm restoration efforts
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
Determine when the next tree trimming is required
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
Obtain permits from public agencies and documents work
Comply with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards
As requested by the Senior CUF or Manager, perform all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with all safety requirements, law and regulations, and applicable labor agreements
Adhere to all attendance and work hour requirements
Conduct work in a safety-conscious manner as not to endanger themselves 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.
About You
Must haves:
Education: High School Diploma or GED required; may substitute 5 years of experience in lieu of a High School Diploma or GED
Experience: Two years of related utility experience. Must be 21 years of age or older. Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Nice to haves:
Education: Associates Degree in Forestry or Horticulture
Experience: One year of experience on the Oncor VM System. ISA Certification and TDA Pesticide Applicator’s License is a plus.
Your Skills:
Ability to learn and use company or job-specific software systems
Proficiency with Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook] or similar software suite
Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rates
Ability to work in rugged terrain and inclement weather
Ability to read and follow maps
Ability to drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle
Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, and work independently and 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 vegetation management and herbicide use is a plus
Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is a plus
This role would not be a good fit if:
You do not enjoy working independently or working outdoors
Are not comfortable driving a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle
You do not have the ability to calmly communicate with customer conflicts
Employee Training
Employee will need to obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification as an Arborist within thirty (30) months upon being assigned as a CUF
All employees are required to take an online safe driver course and safety training.
Drug/Alcohol Testing:
Drug/alcohol testing is required
Where We Work
Employees will take their company provided vehicle to where they need to report for the day. They will generally not need to report to an office.
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
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@acrtinc.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
