Right of Way Specialist

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We're leaders in environmental stewardship and we're committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky.

As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.

EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance.

For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc

EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Key Roles

This position is responsible for providing right-of-way oversight in service center territory. This includes developing, implementing, and reviewing plans to control right-of-way maintenance costs, and ensuring prompt maintenance of existing transmission right-of-way and the detection of potential right-of-way problems. The position works with other departments to ensure no potential problems are present after initial right-of-way is cleared on new projects, works with inspectors and crews to address identified issues found during patrols, and assists with implementing procedures for optimization and standardization for right-of-way maintenance practices across EKPC territory. In addition, the position is responsible for developing positive working relationships with property owners, staff, and contractors.

Key Responsibilities

Prepares annual work plan, capital and operating budgets, and presents to the team. Reviews work accomplished and expenditures compared to the work plan and budget.

Inspects right-of-way and makes recommendations for specific maintenance programs.

Inspects and monitors work of outside right-of-way contractors including clearing, herbicide spraying, aerial saw, and mowing. Ensures work is completed in accordance with contract specifications in a safe and efficient manner.

Provides contractors with property restrictions and ensures contractors provide proper notification of work to property owners.

Assists with developing and maintaining vegetation management work plans/schedules for contracted crews.

Provides effective customer service to land owners in review of contractor performance, maintenance concerns, and damage claim review. Represents EKPC and educates property owners about transmission maintenance projects.

Negotiates settlement for damage claims in consultation with leadership when applicable.

Initiates methods to reduce or eliminate possible claims of damage against EKPC as a result of right-of-way maintenance operations.

Maintains files and records as required, and handles associated administrative duties (e.g. progress reports, mileage and expense reports, spraying records, time sheets).

Participates in peer group and weekly meetings to drive issue resolution, work planning, and standardization.

Assists with investigation, documentation, and reporting of right-of-way encroachments.

Assists in developing and preparing bid documents for contracting right-of-way maintenance.

Performs high-risk aerial patrol, by contracted helicopter, of EKPC transmission lines to monitor vegetation. Patrols require riding as passenger in high-risk environment performing low-altitude flight within close proximity to hot power lines. Patrol 3,000 miles of vegetation two times per year. Assist with weather related and system disturbance patrol of outages as needed.

Documents aerial patrol for FAC-003.

May be required to work in field to accomplish team goals.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Key Requirements

Education:

- Associate's degree in a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

- ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist preferred.

- Must have, or be willing to obtain, and maintain a Herbicide Applicator License within one (1) year of hire.

Experience:

- Five (5) years of related experience. Experience in the administration of right-of-way management contracts preferred.

- Forestry, vegetation management, and aerial patrol experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

- Excellent listening, written, and oral communication skills required.

- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the organization and external contacts.

- Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

- Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently with minimal oversight.

- Ability to interpret legal documents (e.g. contracts, deeds, easements, leases, permits).

- Ability to plan and schedule assigned work activities.

- Ability to read and interpret EKPC Electric Transmission Specifications and Drawings Book and Plan and Profile Sheets.

- Knowledge of the construction and maintenance of electric transmission lines.

- Must be able to operate a chain saw safely and have experience in felling (cutting) a tree or trees around a transmission line.

- Proven ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.

- Proficient use of Microsoft Office and other software (e.g. Maximo).

Competencies

Technical/Professional Knowledge & Skills

Planning and Organizing

Safety Awareness

Communication

Negotiation

Building Partnerships

Working Conditions

Usual office conditions apply to this position. Outside conditions apply when performing site visits, patrol, etc.

Working conditions may involve extended periods of walking across rough and uneven terrain.

Required to ride in a helicopter or fixed wing aircraft.

Must live within one (1) hour driving time of the Service Center or other agreed upon location within service territory. Telephone required.

Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Must use personal protective equipment as appropriate.

Work is in and around energized facilities.

Regular lifting up to twenty (20) pounds and occasional lifting up to 100 lbs. required.

Some work outside normal hours required. Occasional overnight travel may be necessary.