Vegetation Inspector

JOB TITLE: Vegetation Inspector

Location: North Fort Myers, FL

Work Hours: M-F 7:00am - 3:30pm

Our benefits include:

- Company-wide annual incentive plan

- Medical, vision and dental insurance

- 401(k) plan with a generous 6% company match

- Company funded Pension Plan

- On-site wellness/medical facility

- Company paid Short & Long-Term Disability insurance

- Health Savings Account with an employer contribution

- Flexible Spending Accounts

- Paid time off and paid holidays

- Wellness program with financial rewards

- Tuition reimbursement

- Group life insurance

- Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

LCEC provides reliable, cost-competitive electricity to more than 250,000 members throughout a five-county service territory located in Southwest Florida. We employ approximately 460 skilled employees and are one of more than 900 electric distribution cooperatives located throughout the United States. LCEC has been recognized locally and statewide as an industry leader and continually receives acknowledgment for the work that our employees do in the community along with other civic, environmental and professional honors.

Position Summary: This position is responsible for providing daily direction to vegetation contractors by acting as the liaison between contractors and LCEC personnel. The Vegetation Inspector will be responsible for patrolling and evaluating potential conflicts between overhead electric power lines and vegetation. Oversees work performed by vegetation contractors and prescribes work plans as needed. Additional responsibilities include responding to customer requests and escalations for vegetation management, inspecting and approving vegetation management work performed by contractors, effectively managing internal request for vegetation control, prioritizing and scheduling workflow, perform outage investigation and prevention, and promote a safe, efficient, and productive work environment.

Position Responsibilities

- Inspect vegetation along transmission rights of way and distribution easements.

- Identify and direct work plans for vegetation line clearance.

- Audit completed work for quality control.

- Ensure compliance with ANSI A300 standards for Integrated Vegetation Management.

- Customer contact, notification, and conflict resolution.

- Determine equipment needs and access points for vegetation crews.

- Respond to internal and external customer requests.

- Assign work to others and provide work direction. Mentor and train personnel, as needed.

- Direct contract personnel and LCEC line clearance personnel within assigned area.

- Complete all work in conformance with LCEC’s Accident Prevention rule manual. Enforces safety practices or ensures adherence to safety practices.

- Ensure department compliance with LCEC vehicle policy.

- In case of major events this position may be required to perform temporary assignments in other areas including construction/maintenance.

- This position is required to respond to and assist with emergency restoration work needs.

- Respond reliably and timely to calls during regular work hours and off regular work hours

- Maintain effective working relationships with employees and customers at all levels within LCEC. Ensure smooth operations, productive communications, and effective understanding during all interpersonal contacts. Provide current and accurate information to all requesters, courteously and in a timely manner.

- Perform other related duties as assigned.

- Support Storm Restoration efforts when needed. Work in emergency storm situations (i.e. hurricanes) and work long hours (>12 hours per day) for many continuous days/weeks as needed.

Education

- High School Diploma or equivalent (Required)

- Associate's Degree Forestry, or related discipline (Required) or

- Bachelor's Degree Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry (Preferred)

Experience

- 5+ to 7 Years experience in utility vegetation management (Required)

- Previous experience to driving and operating a 4x4 utility vehicle and a bucket truck (Preferred)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Familiarity with all local and state landscape and arboricultural laws. (Required)

- Ability to identify local tree species and knowledge of growth rates. (Required)

- Ability to read and follow maps. (Required)

- Ability to work independently and safely. (Required)

- Proficient in MS Excel. (Required)

- Proficient in field data collection. (Required)

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written. (Required)

- Project/Work Group Coordination and/or Supervision. (Preferred)

Licenses and Certifications

- Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license (within 30 days of becoming a Florida resident). (Required)

- Class B CDL License Valid Florida commercial driver’s license (CDL – Class B) (Preferred)

Additional Licenses and Certifications

- ISA Certified Arborist (must obtain within six months of employment) within 180 Days (Required)

Physical Demands and Working Environment: The physical demands and working environment characteristics described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Physical Demands: Standing Frequently,

Walking Frequently,

Sitting Frequently,

Lifting Occasionally,

Carrying Occasionally,

Pushing Occasionally,

Pulling Occasionally,

Climbing Rarely,

Balancing Occasionally,

Stooping Occasionally,

Kneeling Occasionally,

Crouching Occasionally,

Crawling Occasionally,

Reaching Rarely,

Handling Occasionally,

Grasping Occasionally,

Feeling Occasionally,

Talking Frequently,

Hearing Frequently,

Repetitive Motions Occasionally,

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently.

- Working Environment: Occasionally Air-conditioned office environment, Frequently Extreme cold, Frequently Extreme heat, Frequently Humidity, Frequently Wet, Frequently Noise, Frequently Hazards, Frequently Temperature Change, Occasionally Atmospheric Conditions, Occasionally Vibration.

STORM DUTY REQUIREMENTS.... Responding to storms may be considered a condition of employment: LCEC provides critical services to our community during an emergency. Employees may be required to participate in the response/recovery activities related to emergencies/disasters to maintain service to our LCEC members. Employees are required to work in their normal job duties or other assigned activities. Proper compensation will be made in accordance with the company's guidelines and procedures.

Please note that at the time a candidate is made a job offer, the candidate will be subject to a background check and a drug screening.