Tree Trimming Foreman

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for assisting, directing and supervising the activities of the tree trimming crews. This position engages in vegetation control and routine and emergency maintenance of DMEA's system. This position requires the ability to work with or around hazardous equipment and to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time. This position is part of a union position and requires candidates to be willing to join the applicable union upon hiring.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent required (GED).
• Five (5) or more years of tree trimming experience required. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
• Proficiency using a computer and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Must have or obtain extensive knowledge of the operation of power and manual operated equipment.
• Possess organizational and time management, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Must have knowledge and understanding of electrical distribution and transmission system operation and hardware.
• Must maintain and apply a working knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), ANSI A300, ANSI Z133, and OHSA 1910.269(r).

QUALIFICATIONS AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• This position is subject to non-standard working hours including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call when required.
• Valid Class B CDL with airbrakes endorsement and the ability to obtain a Class A CDL within ninety (90) days from the date of hire.
• CO Flagging certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year from date of hire.
• First Aid and CPR certification required upon hire within 180 days from date of hire.
• Must complete and pass DMEA's select basic electricity modules and tree and bucket rescue and retrieval courses within one (1) year from date of hire.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises Tree Trimmers in maintenance and construction projects, right-of-way clearing, line clearance, access, system improvements, brush control and all other associated tree trimming activities.
• Oversee and perform a variety of tree trimming tasks and work. Working as the ground person, from a bucket truck, or a tree to trim tree and/or fell trees and remove branches obstructing existing energized lines or proposed electric line routes.
• Must be able to read and interpret maps to ensure work orders are completed correctly.
• Responsible for responding to emergency power outages caused by storms or accidents and regular pre-planned maintenance and new construction to assist Line Crews as needed.
• Assist in coordinating tree permits from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and respective City/Town and County Planners as needed.
• Assist in the development and implementation of procedures and practices for vegetation control. Responsible for instructing the Tree Trimming crews in these practices including monitoring their performance and recommending continued development.
• Assists the Vegetation Management Supervisor in providing the necessary training for Tree Trimmer crews to remain compliant with all OSHA, state, and local government regulations.
• Performs a variety of tree trimming techniques including felling, climbing with ropes, saddles and gaffs to prune and remove live and dead limbs. Uses power and manual operated equipment, chainsaw, pruner, ropes, hand tools, bucket truck, etc.
• Assembles, inspects, loads and transports necessary materials, supplies and tools. Inspects and services vehicles and equipment.
• Drives and operates utility vehicle, brush chipper, trailer, dump bed, lift truck, and bush mower to remove brush and wood.
• Handle inquiries from and situations with members of the public and coworkers in a courteous and respectful manner. Report complaints to Vegetation Manager immediately.
• Responsible for notifying Vegetation Manager and leading the other Tree Trimmers in rescue protocols including the use of spikes, saddles, climbing ropes.
• Assists Vegetation Management Supervisor with special projects as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties and requirements for personnel in this position. Performs other duties of a like or lesser grade that may be assigned.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires the ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• 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 occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, and grasp.
• Requires frequent walking/hiking/standing on various surfaces including dry, wet, slippery, flat, uneven, rough, steep terrain, hills and slopes.
• Requires vehicle and foot patrol of utility power lines in remote locations as well as in urban city environments.
• Requires the use of keyboard/computer/handheld electronic devices and to make repetitive hand movement motions in the performance of daily duties.
• Requires finger dexterity and vision to operate equipment, good hearing and the ability to speak to communicate with coworkers and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• Approximately 75% of the work is performed outdoors, which includes exposure to noise, dust, and all types of inclement weather and conditions. Exposure to hazardous traffic conditions.
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner in a team environment.
• Daily transportation in a company vehicle is required and occasional travel by commercial means may be required.