Utility Arborist 

Job Summary

The position supports the integrated vegetation management activities at GPC Generation facilities across the GPC service area. 

This includes the vegetation management activities at Plants Bowen, Wansley, Yates, Sherer, McIntosh, McManus, Grumman Road, Boulevard CT, and Wilson. The area is a statewide territory with plans to expand services at other GPC Generation facilities over time. 

The office location for the position is not fixed but, currently, the work taking place is in Northwest, Central and Coastal Regions. The successful candidate must live within a reasonably commutable distance to the work management areas. Day travel and occasional overnight travel within the state may be required. Relocation assistance is available for this position.

Job Duties

• Implementation and management of an integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan across the assigned territory.
• Perform on-going quality control inspections of completed work as well as work in progress to ensure compliance with contract specifications.
• Manage an annual IVM budget to complete the scheduled work plan.
• Manage contractor resource levels to complete funded work plan.
• Manage and coordinate the daily work-plans of multiple contractor resources to ensure work practices are performed safely, productively, and within schedule.
• Establish and maintain relationships with various federal, state, municipal, and local government agencies and departments related to vegetation management. 
• Represent GPC to various organizations such as local tree boards, neighborhood associations, professional organizations, company, or industry committees, etc. 
• 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 FAC-003-5 always.
• Work outside normal business hours in support of emergency restoration efforts is expected.
• Ensure vegetation management contractors follow proper plant notification and safety procedures.
• Keep informed of specific plant compliance requirements and pesticide restrictions.
• Update plant managers and financial specialists of vegetation management budgets and projected spend forecasts.

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, an appropriate herbicide applicators 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.

Competencies

• Demonstrate commitment to personal safety and the safety of your team.
• Must be able to meet schedules and critical deadlines.
• Ability to learn basic business skills such as budgeting and finance.
• Able to value and interact with people with different perspectives and backgrounds.
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are highly desired.
• Must be self-motivated and demonstrate the ability to work without direct supervision.
• Ability to work with commonly used applications including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Access, and Excel.
• Experience with mobile applications and GIS / GPS applications is a plus.
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is a plus.
• Early start and extended work hours will be routine.
• Ability to perform emergency call-out response and storm restoration support is required.
• State Registered Forester license a plus.
• Must be able to identify the species of local vegetation and their growth characteristics.

Behavioral Attributes

• Safety focused.
• Demonstrate our values: Safety first, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment 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.
• Must consent to a continuous monitoring of your Motor Vehicle Record.