bout the OpportunityThis is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp]The selected candidate may be offered a position within the same job family, at a level that is lower than what was posted. This will be determined based upon the results of the interview process which considers the candidate’s skills, work history, experience level, and other relevant qualifications.Forestry Specialist - Vegetation Management Oversight SupportThis job is responsible for corporate oversight of the Distribution and Transmission vegetation. management operations of the Company. Responsible for large geographical areas throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and New York. This position requires regular inter-company travel and occasional overnight stays.NOTE This position will be based in Eastern Ohio, or West to mid Pennsylvania.Responsibilities:
Demonstrate and direct a solid commitment to all aspects of safety. Provide oversight and technical
support to the FEU Operating companies for the execution of the annual vegetation management work plan.
Conduct field VM Forestry observations of vegetation management work completed by contractor tree crews.
Conduct VM Time Sheet Observations to assess timesheet reporting accuracy and work quality.
Provide oversight and guidance to contracted vegetation companies within FirstEnergy service territory; this includes all related vegetation management work such as work planning, tree work, herbicide work, new construction, aerial saw work and all unplanned workactivity.
Ensures system wide work practices are followed in accordance with all related specifications, policies, and procedures of the FirstEnergy vegetation management program.
Lead the research and analysis of new methods and procedures for vegetation management including tools, equipment, crew types and herbicides.
Support Operating Company completion of documentation to ensure mandatory State and Federal regulatory standards are met.
Lead and support vegetation management initiatives related to operations, technology and contract strategies.
Support Operating Companies with Tree Line USA activities.
Participate in timber sales on FirstEnergy owned lands.
Support storm restoration activities as required including 24-hour on-call availability.
Develop and provide key business metrics for monitoring Distribution Vegetation Management programs, identifying and analyzing trends and measuring contractor effectiveness.
Qualifications at the Forestry Specialist role include:
Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Forestry Science or related discipline (agriculture or environmental), or
Associate’s degree in Forestry Science or related discipline (agriculture or environmental) along with 4 to 6 years of related work experience. In lieu of degree, a High School Diploma (or GED) along with 8 or more years related work experience. Related work experience would include utility vegetation or right of way management.
Must be an ISA Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist.
Must hold a State pesticide license.
Must have full proficiency and independence with VM Forestry oversight.
Strong background in urban forestry, plant identification, hazard tree evaluation, pesticide applications and communication skills.
Excellent ability to communicate and present himself/herself in a professional manner.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong understanding of National Electrical Safety Code.
Strong understanding of the American National Standards Institute – ANSI Z133.1 – Arboricultural Operations – Safety Requirements.
Strong understanding of the American National Standards Institute – ANSI A300 Part 1 - Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practice – Pruning.
Strong understanding of the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations – ANSI-A300 - Part 7 Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practice – (Integrated Vegetation Management a. Electric Utility Rights-of-Way)
Strong understanding of the OSHA Safety Standard 29 CFR Part 1910.269 as it applies to all tree pruning and removal personnel who may work near electrical conductors.
Strong understanding of overhead and underground construction methods, maintenance practices, overhead and underground construction standards, rates, procedures and service practices.
Ability to understand and apply knowledge of regulatory requirements.
Full proficiency of SAP, GIS View, CREWS, VGMS, Qlikview and PowerOn computer systems.
Full proficiency with PC software applications which include Microsoft Office, Outlook and Skype.
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Understand the Company’s Accident Prevention Handbook and possess the ability to work safely.
Must be self-motivated and able to multi-task with competing priorities, provide both internal and external quality customer service and demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
Must possess interpersonal skills necessary to operate in a team or consensus decision-making environment, possessing the ability to make quick assessment and deliver well thought out decisions when situations arise that require independent judgment.
Possess leadership qualities that allow one to provide effective guidance to others, coach others in effective decision making and facilitate meetings.
Must have a personal vehicle to commute to various facilities and locations as required, possessing a valid driver’s license.
Possess the physical ability to perform field observations and inspections in all weather conditions
Ability to build relationships and credibility, and provide staff support to management and higher levels of professionals, as needed.
Benefits, Compensation & Workforce DiversityAt FirstEnergy, employees are key to our success. We depend on their talents to meet the challenges of our changing business environment. We are committed to rewarding individual and team efforts through our total rewards philosophy which includes competitive pay plus incentive compensation, a company-sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution, a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs, as well as skills development training with tuition reimbursement. Please visit our website at www.firstenergycorp.com to learn more about all of our employee rewards programs. FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. Unable to sponsor or transfer H-1B visas at this time.SafetySafety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all of our business activities. We ensure employees have the tools, information, and processes to perform their duties in a manner that assures safety for themselves, their co-workers, our customers and the public. Our goals are to provide a safe work environment, to maintain an accident-free, injury-free workplace, and to promote and maintain public safety. To meet these goals, we dedicate ourselves to achieving world-class safety standards.Position Classification[SCOO]FirstEnergy Human Resources Team