Contact Forester

Job Overview

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is a progressive member owned utility with a service area that spreads from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. REC serves over 165,000 connections in portions of 22 Virginia counties.

Audits vegetation management work for adherence to work specifications to minimize tree-related outages. Communicates with property owners on vegetation management plans and secures approval for removing hazardous trees within and outside of REC’s rights-of-way.

Duties

- Audit line clearance crews’ work to ensure that it follows specifications and communicated efficiencies to line clearance crew and leadership using WMS.

- Communicate effectively to members, crews and leadership.

- Identify and communicate live and dead hazard trees prior to crew starting work, as well as coordination and permission with the tree owner.

- Maintain accurate records of rights of way cleared by each crew, including equipment breakdown, absentee crew members, claims and other pertinent information.

- Evaluate member requests for tree trimming or removal.

- Investigate property owner complaints related to the vegetation management work.

- Utilize a variety of computer software and hardware including, Microsoft Office suite, electronic mapping software, NISC software and Apple.

- Update digital circuit maps daily to reflect the progress of work, member concerns, claims and other pertinent information.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead vegetation management crews during restoration work.

- Assist with clearing of new rights of way.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, or a related scientific field is required. Candidates must obtain International Society of Arboriculture certifications, including Certified Arborist and Certified Utility Specialist, within two years of employment. Additionally, an FAA Drone Pilot license must be secured within one year. A valid, unrestricted Virginia driver’s license is mandatory, along with certification as a pesticide applicator in Virginia.

- Adherence to proper tree pruning, ANSI300, ANSI Z133 by contractors.

- Adherence to safety practices including OSHA 1910.269, OSHA 1910.331 and MAD by contractors.

- Adherence to industry BMPs by contractors.

- Learn REC safety rules and follow them.

- Read and use maps and electronic mapping systems.

- Know or be able to learn REC’s Work Order procedures and be able to interpret construction drawings.

- Communicate proficiently - with internal and external customers.

- Demonstrate outstanding customer service.

- Prioritize work to meet deadlines and manage multiple responsibilities.

- Clearly writes reports, letters and notes, with deadlines.

- Uses two-way radios and mobile phones including texts, email and voicemail.

- Patrol rights of way and accurately report findings.

- Computer skills, to include: Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint and Apple systems

Responsibilities include operating trucks and other vehicles safely in off-road conditions, remaining clear-headed during emergencies, and making decisions that ensure reliability and customer satisfaction. The role involves fieldwork in all weather and site conditions, as well as flexibility to work weekends, evenings, and extended shifts for restoration activities. Candidates should be willing to participate in training programs, which may occasionally require travel.

Job Number: 11BR02032026

Pay: From $34.70 per hour

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Flexible spending account

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Paid time off

- Parental leave

- Retirement plan

- Tuition reimbursement

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person