Forestry Operator

GASCOSAGE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

FORESTRY OPERATOR

OBJECTIVES

The Forestry Operator will provide support in the construction, maintenance and repair of system lines related to the electrical and fiber plant. This work will be around electrical lines either dead or energized at various voltages. Performance will be under general supervision of the Right-of-Way Supervisor/Foreman. The Forestry Operator will participate in the work of a crew engaged in the cutting, trimming, planting, cultivating, maintenance, and removal of trees; and to perform related duties as assigned. This position will be cutting new and old right-of-way and will dispose of all brush in accordance with Cooperative policies and property owners’ requests, as directed. This position will be required to operate heavy right-of-way vehicles and equipment.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports directly to the Operations Manager, Right-of-Way Supervisor/Foreman, Journeyman or Lineman in charge, and subsequently to Management.

RESPONSIBLILITIES

The Forestry Operator participates in activities such as cutting of trees, cutting shrubbery, trimming or removal of excess, dead or diseased limbs or branches from trees or shrubbery from around high voltage power lines in conformance with safety regulations. The Forestry Operator performs a wide range of ground-work duties, operates heavy equipment, or works out of a bucket and is personally responsible for duties such as:

- Cuts and prunes trees along a designated route or foliage that interferes with utility lines using ropes, axes, hand saws, pruning shears, chain saws, other various portable tools, and heavy-duty right-of-way equipment.

- Operates an aerial bucket truck, mower, side trimmer and other heavy equipment in the cutting and trimming of trees.

- Guides, directs, and flags traffic and must obtain vehicle flagger certification, provided by the cooperative upon employment.

- Performs tree maintenance functions including reinforcing trees and spraying vegetation management substances on trees and shrubs.

- Removes trees and stumps using handsaws, power saws, axes, aerial bucket trucks, ladders, ropes, safety harnesses, heavy equipment, and other related equipment and personal protective equipment.

- Operates a truck hauling debris and equipment; operates attachments including loaders and hoists; operates mower, side trimmer and chipper; performs routine truck and heavy equipment maintenance; performs daily DOT inspections of trucks and equipment.

- Cuts, rakes, and loads branches, leaves, and other debris on a truck and through a chipper.

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- Sharpens saws and other tools.

- Uses safe work practices and complies with OSHA regulations and the Cooperative’s statewide organization (AMEC) safety manual.

- Stays alert to any dangers while working around energized lines and maintains a position to assess hazards.

- Attends training related to ROW and vegetation management substance application.

- Acquires permission where needed from property owners on cutting and/or vegetation management applications.

- Complies with all vehicles traffic laws, safety rules and regulations.

- Must obtain and/or maintain First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogen, AED, and CPR certifications, provided by the cooperative upon employment.

- Performs all other duties as assigned.

- Continued employment is conditional upon satisfactory completion of annual DOT physical examination and medical examiner certification, performed by a physician contracted by the cooperative.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT PROVISIONS

- The position of Forestry Operator is a non-exempt position under the provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is subject to the Cooperative’s policies and procedures to overtime hours and premium pay. This position may be subject to shifts or changes in work hours with little notice.

PERSONAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficient reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics skill desired. Additional vocational schooling to provide knowledge or application of related subjects desirable, but not essential.

- Must possess ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

- Must demonstrate initiative, good judgment, ability, and willingness to assume responsibility.

- Must believe in, be sympathetic with, and be interested in furthering the public understanding and acceptance of the Cooperative objectives.

- Must understand the need for and be willing to work unpredictable hours and under pressure to meet multiple deadlines.

- Must be able to read and interpret instructional material and job specifications.

- Must be able to interpret maps.

- Must be able to address work situations that involve frequent changes of tasks using different techniques, procedures, or degrees of attentiveness without loss of efficiency or composure.

- Must be able to communicate effectively, in both verbal and written form.

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- Must be able to communicate using telephone and two-way radio.

- Must display initiative to work without close supervision.

- Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a spray license, provided by the cooperative upon employment.

- Must obtain and/or maintain a current, valid Class “A” CDL license with no restrictions, provided by the cooperative upon employment.

- Must be able to lift and carry heavy objects up to 75 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts and moves up to 100 pounds.

- Must be able to pull, push, stoop, kneel, and reach.

- Must be able to work safely around both hazardous substances and materials.

- Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.

WORKING REQUIREMENTS & CONDITIONS

- The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress that requires a range of safety and other precautions.

- The employee is subject to considerable exposure to energized line hazards and risk of electrical shock. The employee is exposed to considerable walking, standing, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, kneeling, bending, and reaching. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration. This position is subject to shifts or changes in work hours with very little notice.

- All employees must maintain and demonstrate a high regard and respect for the organization’s equipment, as well as personal safety and the safety of others.

- All employees are required to reside within a (35) thirty-five-mile radius from Cooperative Headquarters located at 803 South Ellen Street, Dixon, MO.

- All potential candidates are subject to a criminal background check & drug testing prior to employment, and random drug and alcohol testing is required of all employees during employment.

- Gascosage shall not employ on a regular full-time basis any family members of the Board of Directors or Cooperative employees including Cooperative management. This policy’s prohibition on employment of family members shall not apply to individuals employed by the Cooperative on March 22, 2016, but shall apply to all new hires thereafter. The term “family members” for the purpose of this policy shall mean and include any person who, by blood or marriage (including in-law, half, foster, step and adopted) is a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece or first cousin of an employee or director.

- The Forestry Operator is an entry-level position. Prior related experience is preferred, but not a requirement.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $64,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Experience:

- Heavy equipment operation: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

- CDL A (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

- Dixon, MO 65459: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person