Forestry Field Associate

Forestry Field Associate (Non-Exempt SCT05-07)

Job Summary

The Forestry Field Associate position will support the Transmission Vegetation Management team and will be responsible for inspecting span to span Georgia Power Company’s transmission system to identify and document vegetation-related hazards. Additional duties include, monitoring contracted tree crews, communicating with GPC customers, assisting with work planning, and supporting the integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan of the Forester territories across the area. The specific work territory will be Rome, Atlanta Road, Oakley, Conyers, and Columbus Transmission Maintenance Center (TMC) areas. Some overnight travel may be required. Storm response and business needs may require work outside regular hours and days. The successful candidate must reside within a reasonable commuting distance to the assigned territory. Modified relocation assistance may be available for this position.

Job Duties

• Contribute to the development, planning and Implementation of an integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan across the assigned territory
• Perform rights of way patrols, vegetation, and electrical clearance assessments
• Communicate with customers and landowners regarding rights of way and utility vegetation matters
• Assist with management of the daily work-plans of multiple contractor resources to ensure work practices are performed safely, productively, and within schedule
• Perform on-going quality control inspections of completed work as well as work in progress to ensure compliance with contract specifications
• Establish and maintain relationships with various federal, state, municipal, and local government agencies and departments related to vegetation management
• Represent Georgia Power to various organizations such as local tree boards, neighborhood associations, professional organizations, and industry committees
• Effectively communicate vegetation maintenance objectives and practices to both internal and external customers
• Ensure all compliance and regulatory obligations are met
• Ensure compliance with requirements of Transmission Vegetation Management standard FAC-003-5 always
• Operate all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and participate in annual helicopter vegetation inspections
• Work outside normal business hours in support of emergency restoration efforts is expected

Job Requirements

Education / Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry or related field preferred
• Must possess, or obtain within industry guidelines, ISA Certified Arborist certification 
• ISA Utility Specialist desired
• Must possess, or obtain within industry guidelines, appropriate herbicide application license
• Knowledge of distribution and transmission utility electrical systems desired
• Familiarity with ANSI Z-133, A-300 standards desired
• Knowledge of NERC Standard for vegetation management, FAC 003-5, preferred
• Utility integrated vegetation management experience desired
• Contractor management experience desired
• Knowledgeable about the growth patterns and typical mature heights of ornamental and landscape plants

Competencies

• Demonstrate commitment to personal safety and the safety of your team
• Must be able to meet schedules and critical deadlines
• Ability to inspect vegetation conditions along transmission rights of way in all terrain and weather conditions
• Able to value and interact with people with different perspectives and backgrounds
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills highly desired
• Must be self-motivated and demonstrate ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to work with commonly used applications including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel
• Experience with mobile, GIS, and GPS applications
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a plus
• Early start and extended work hours will be routine
• Must be able to identify the species of local vegetation and their growth characteristics
• Ability to perform emergency call-out response and storm restoration support is required

Behavioral Attributes

• Safety focused
• Demonstrate Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance daily
• Possesses a questioning attitude
• Function independently while serving the needs of your team

This position has been identified as a role that will require the use of a Georgia Power fleet vehicle.  The following will be required if you are selected for this position:

• Must have at least one year of verifiable driving experience (Must hold a valid driver’s license for the class vehicle to be operated. Driving permits are not typically considered a valid driver’s license).

• Must have no revocation of driving privileges within the 36 months prior to application, no convictions of major traffic violations (DUI, hit and run, reckless driving, etc.) within the 12 months prior to application, or any pending charges for a major traffic violation at the time of application.