Intermediate Forester

Company Summary Statement

PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses throughout its 29-county service territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Through smart investments and innovation, it has built one of the most advanced electric grids in the United States. And, with over a century of expertise, PPL Electric remains focused on continuing to build the utility of the future, today. Regularly ranking among the country’s best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction, PPL Electric has won numerous awards, including 30 J.D. Power Awards for providing top-quality service to residential and business customers. PPL Electric is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. Empowering employees, community members and initiatives across its service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability, and wellbeing.
Overview

This position, under general supervision, performs the field and office activities associated with creating and executing the PPL EU Regional Transmission Vegetation Management Maintenance Annual Work Plans. These activities include inspection of Rights of Way (ROW) to prescribe appropriate treatments based on vegetation conditions and securing permissions where necessary for the completion of Transmission Vegetation work scope. This position is responsible for performing annual foot patrols to ensure compliance with PPL EU's Transmission Vegetation Management Program (TVMP), and FAC 003 standards. Work plan development shall be implemented by specifications, compliance standards, cost efficiency attainment, reliability standards, and customer service interface, which includes frequent direct contact with the public. This position reports to a Regional System Forester or Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the activities of the region's vegetation management program primarily on transmission, but also distribution planned work, capital projects, and storm response.
• Perform prescriptive vegetation work planning activities of the region(s) vegetation management program for both transmission planned maintenance work, LiDAR/ reactive mitigations, helicopter based visual inspections, capital projects, and storm response.
• Review existing easements and appropriately notify and or permission the prescribed work plan treatments including thorough documentation in PPL EU’s work management software.
• Responsible for ensuring system wide work practices are being followed in accordance with all related specifications, policies, and procedures of the vegetation management program and PPL Electric Utilities. This also includes clearly understanding and implementation of work standards in accordance with federal reliability standards.
• Assist with customer directed inquiries regarding vegetation management activities. This includes negotiating with property owners to balance customer satisfaction with scope completion.
• Work with contractors responsible for the removal, trimming, mowing, herbicide treatment, customer notification and quality assurance of all vegetation management work within a given region.
• Research and analyze new methods and procedures for vegetation management including tools, equipment, crew types and herbicides.
• Assist in the oversight of all vegetation management activities within a given region, which include meeting schedule timelines, environmental compliance, and achieving quality work scope completion while meeting cost targets.
• The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on-site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on-site may be required to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
• May be assigned a PPL Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.
• All positions in which driving is an essential function of the job, regardless if the job code is marked safety sensitive or not, will also be included as safety sensitive.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

1. Associate's Degree in Forestry Science, Agricultural/Environmental Science, or B.S./B.A. Degree

2. 2+ years of experience in Utilities Line Clearance, Maintenance or Construction

3. PA Pesticide Applicators License Currently possess or have the ability to obtain a PA pesticide license within 6 months of employment in this position.

4. ISA Certified Arborist Currently possess or have the ability to obtain a ISA certified arborist license within 6 months of employment in this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Project management certification by a recognized organization such as the Project Management Institute.

• Familiarity with electric utilities equipment and processes.

• Customer interface experience.

• Strong written, oral, presentation and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated initiative and leadership Skills.

• Knowledge in supervising subordinates and dealing with difficult personalities. Dealing with outside contractors and their subordinates. Ability to speak in front of large groups.