Forester I

Connect to a career at City Utilities! CU has been connecting our community to the services they need for every day life since 1945. From electricity to power our lives, clean water to be healthy, natural gas to stay warm, internet to keep businesses connected, to transit services to get them where they need to go.

# Salary:

Grade 56

Minimum: $1,226.66/ week

Midpoint: $1,502.66

# Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm

# Job Description:

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the direction of the Supervisor-Vegetation Management, provides technical assistance in the areas of species selection for tree planting and tree trimming methods; coordinates trimming activities with contractors; and assists in promoting effective customer relations and programs for the coexistence between the electric utility and urban environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists with trimming notification with customers for tree trimming activities and the coordination and scheduling of these agreements.

2. Utilizes a pole saw in a limited capacity for minor trimming near low voltage secondary lines.

3. Assists with recommendations to customers for appropriate tree species to be planted near electrical facilities, and technical assistance regarding tree growth patterns and characteristics, crown height, proper tree care, and other information for various tree species.

4. Assists with procedures, practices, and equipment to meet utility tree trimming policies and other electric operations requirements.

5. Performs contractor assistance personnel duties during outage restoration activities, serving as a liaison between personnel in the outage management center, and tree trimming contract crews.

6. Assists with training and other support activities as required to meet Tree Line USA and other vegetation management program goals and objectives.

7. Performs final audits of tree trimming packets to ensure contracted tree trimming work and contracted work planning services meet utility specifications and requirements.

8. Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree associated with Forestry, Environmental Science, or a related field from an accredited university is required. Three years of recent practicable work experience in arboriculture is required. Working within a utility system and in customer relations is preferred. Significant experience in CU’s vegetation management operation and programs is strongly preferred.

Licensing/Certification:

Must have a valid driver’s license (minimum Class F). Ability to obtain ISA Certified Arborist credential within the first 12 months of employment.

Working knowledge of:

- Working knowledge of:

o Required tree clearances around electric facilities and the operation of electric transmission and distribution systems.

o International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) pruning practices and knowledge of tree species and their growth patterns.

o The American National Standards Institute trimming requirements and ISA Best Management Practices.

- Ability to:

o Meet deadlines and schedule work for a timely completion.

o Rapidly analyze and resolve problems.

o Effectively utilize a range of digital tools and platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, artificial intelligence-enhanced applications, and self-service systems. Must possess a willingness and capacity to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, including mobile devices, cloud-based systems, and data-driven platforms relevant to utility operations.

- Maintain adherence to all company policies.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through oral communication. Physical requirements include: sitting, standing, grasping, bending, crouching, reaching, balancing, twisting, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and climbing. Ability to lift at least 75 pounds and to climb poles, towers, and fixtures, and to work at heights. Work within the rated capacity of the Utility’s aerial lifts, ladders, fall restraint devices, and/or other related equipment. Requires a large amount of climbing, walking, and working from a standing position.

Working Conditions:

Work is divided between indoor and outdoor activities with regular exposure to cold, heat, noise, and machines/equipment.

Miscellaneous Requirements:

- Subject to Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program requirements.

- Required to wear uniform clothing provided by City Utilities, including flame retardant/arc rated clothing. Management retains the right to require replacement due to wear or staining.

- Must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

- Shift work and/or overtime may be required.

- Employee must remain alert and aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain the ability to respond to changing circumstances in a timely manner.

- Must be able to work successfully with diverse groups of people.

TESTING

Testing may be required.

EEO

City Utilities offers equal employment opportunities to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information or marital status. Learn more about CU and EEO.