Forester

Job Title: Forester Staff

Job Code: 128371

Grade: Exempt 55

Responsible for the coordination of vegetation management activities across the Company transmission system, distribution system, substations, plants and other properties. Member interacts with contractors, Company internal groups, customers and property owners. Schedules work and assigns resources as company needs dictate within assigned area. Ensures compliance with federal, state and municipal regulations. Provides job estimates for vegetation management work on capital projects. Monitors work production, quality, and expenditures associated with vegetation management.

General responsibilities with standardized processes. Works under limited supervision. Resolves routine questions and problems. Refers the more complex issues to higher levels. Follows established procedures to accomplish requirements of job. Some latitude for deviation.

* Promotes a safety culture by performing duties consistent with IIF.

* Coordinates, plans and schedules work for vegetation, pole treating and inspection work.

* Provides cost estimates for Vegetation Management work.

* Performs job site inspections to confirm job site readiness and coordinates necessary resources to optimize manpower and equipment utilization.

* Monitors and assesses progress for contractors, as needed.

* Ensures corrective actions are taken as necessary to ensure performance meets contract and standards.

* Coordinates vegetation activities with Power Plants, dispatch, local management, and other entities, as required.

* Discusses and negotiates line-clearance issues with customers, vendors, local government entities, and special interest groups.

* Acts as primary contact for contract crews on company property responsible for authorizing and communicating changes in work scope.

* Responsible for communicating the completion of work to necessary parties.

* Coordinates and monitors emergency work as required.

* Investigates claims and is responsible for resolution of complaints and negotiates positive solutions.

* Maintains a positive working relationship with all departments of the Company.

* Provides expert utility arborist knowledge as required.

* Reviews and approves contractor invoices to ensure proper billing and accounting.

* Performs audits on contractor work to ensure all work is complete, accurate, and meets OG&E specifications.

* Accurately maintains records of completed circuit clearing and other vegetation management work and keeps records up to date and ensure information can be readily accessed and used.

* Bachelor's Degree in a Life Science field such as Horticulture, Forestry, Biology, Botany, or Landscape Architecture, And 2 years experience working in a field associated with primary duties such as a Lineman, Sales Professional, Geographic Information System (GIS) Professional, Arborist, or in Land Management; Or

* Bachelor's Degree in any discipline And 3 years of work experience in the field of Arboriculture; Or

* High School Diploma/GED And 5 years of Field Experience in a job involved with Utility Construction, Maintenance or Service Restoration to include all Utilities (i.e., Electric, Water, Phone, or Gas), And

* 3 years of experience in the field of Arboriculture.

* Required to maintain permanent residence within thirty (30) minute commute of operational location where the position is based.

* May require occasional overnight stays for routine work and extended stays of 3-7 days for emergency storm restoration.

* May be required to work non-standard work schedules to include on-call weekends, and holidays.

* Exposed to extreme conditions and inclement weather.

* Required to operate motor vehicle safely in all traffic, weather and light conditions.

* May be required to work under hazardous conditions.

* This position is classified as a Safety-Sensitive Job under state law. Individuals in this position are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in OGE Energy Corp.'s Drug Testing Plan.

* All positions in which driving is an essential function of the job, regardless if the job code is marked safety sensitive or not, will also be included as safety sensitive. Individuals in positions in which driving is an essential function are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in OGE Energy Corp.'s Drug Testing Plan.

* Working knowledge of IVM (Integrated Vegetation Management) and the proper application of IVM techniques.

* Strong knowledge of arboriculture, horticulture or vegetation management.

* Ability to link the impact of arboriculture, horticulture or vegetation management to the efficient and safe operation of an electric utility.

* Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.

* Ability to read/create maps and utilize GIS based applications.

* Strong ability to work in partnership with other members.

* Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.

* Ability to interact effectively and professionally with team members, leaders, customers and communities.

* Ability to troubleshoot, diagnosis problems, and resolve effectively.

* Ability to work with minimal supervision.

* Ability to understand and comply with company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs and SSOPs).

* Demonstrated ability to adjust and adapt across varied working conditions.

* Strong Organizational Skills and an ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities.

* International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification (Required)

* OK or AR Pesticide Applicator License with ROW Classification (within 90 days of hire) (Required)

* Valid Driver's License (Required)

* Pre-Employment Drug Screen

* Safety Sensitive

$70,512 - $94,016