Job Purpose

Maintain line clearance by evaluating, clearing, and trimming trees and other vegetation.

Specific Responsibilities

• Inspect and inventory power line easements and right of ways (ROW) for hazardous vegetation.
• Complete annual vegetation management inspections, maintaining accurate inspection and work planning records.
• Trim trees and operate the tools and equipment associated with trimming, including chainsaws, brush chippers, vehicles, bucket trucks, and other hydraulic tools and equipment.
• Perform all daily inspections, clean, test, and maintain equipment to keep it in proper working order and ensure efficient operation.
• Use safe industry accepted work practices and techniques when working around transmission and distribution lines.
• Stock trucks with required material, supplies, and tools.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain a culture of safety within the department. Support the Utility's safety programs, complete training appropriate for the position, and provide safe working conditions and practices.
• Maintain a culture of continuous improvement within the department. Utilize lean principles and other continuous improvement tools to maximize the efficiency of the department.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Demonstrate knowledge of tree species and various growth characteristics.
• Minimum 1 year tree-trimming experience preferred and be able to achieve journeyman status within 3 years. Experienced candidates must have completed a formal tree trimming apprentice program or have a minimum of 3 years tree trimming experience including climbing trees, using a bucket truck, trimming near energized lines with voltage ranging from 120V to 161kV.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all audiences, including customers.
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with ability to build productive professional relationships and promote a team atmosphere.
• Familiar with use of computers and mobile devices, including email, calendar, Internet browsers, and the Microsoft Office suite of products at a basic level.
• Good problem identification, analysis, and solving skills.

Abilities

• Work as part of a team, either as team leader or a member of a team.
• Drive results and ensure work is accomplished properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
• Work independently, effectively prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust work priorities as needed to meet department/organizational objectives.
• Must have mechanical aptitude and be comfortable working with power tools of all sizes.
• Develop, read, and interpret drawings, schematics, specifications, and technical manuals, including digital mapping applications.
• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Must be able to climb ladders and climb continual flights of stairs under various types of weather/seasonal conditions. Must be comfortable working in a bucket truck. Must be able to climb trees using arborist rigging.
• Be able to perform repeated duties such as dragging and chipping brush.
• Must be able to operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and skid steers.

Other Position Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver's license. Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required within 6 months of hire and be maintained while in the position. Position is included in the Utility's DOT drug testing program.
• Must comply with all safety and site rules at all locations. At times employees will have to comply with customer facial hair policies.
• Must be able to attend work on a regular basis, work overtime as needed and respond to callouts as needed.
• Must maintain a method of communication in order to be contacted by MPW outside normal work hours.
• Must be certified in CPR or become certified within 1 year of hire and maintain certification while in position.
• Certification in herbicide application required, or ability to obtain the certification within 6 months of hire.
• Must comply with the Utility's Residency Policy.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily completed at job sites throughout the community. Work is completed in all weather and seasons.

WorkSTEPS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The position is required to maintain appropriate weight for working in a bucket truck.

This position is rated VERY HEAVY in the WorkSTEPS program.