Line System Investigator/Utility Vegetation Specialist

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Responsible for investigating, inspecting, and documenting vegetation maintenance needs along all Kirkwood Electric easements. Direct coordination and supervision with vegetation contractors to keep conflicts and hazards from interfering with electric utility infrastructure.

SUPERVISION:

Under direct supervision of the Urban Forester.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts field surveys of Kirkwood Electric distribution system assets to assess vegetation within utility easements and their impact on the system.
2. Investigates field conditions associated with vegetation maintenance and tree trimming work order requests to determine work order priority assignments.
3. Schedules vegetation management work for work order requests, planned construction projects, and any operational projects for Kirkwood Electric.
4. Inspects work performed by vegetation management crews to determine adherence to work order and vegetation clearance requirements.
5. Utilizes Automated communications systems to inform the community of scheduled and emergency vegetation work.
6. Communicates with customers to inform them of vegetation that is a nuisance and/or hazard to the distribution system, and the plan to remove it.
7. Provides coordination of after-hour storm related vegetation clean-up operations

A. OTHER FUNCTIONS

1. Obtains and maintains documentation associated with all vegetation management for the Kirkwood Electric Utility distribution system.
2. Manages the application of pesticides on vegetation in Kirkwood Electric easements.
3. Must be ready and available to work on special projects to assist the Forestry Division.
4. Must be available for stand-by emergency call out.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

1. Ability to identify common tree species in Missouri.
2. Familiarity with the basic use of personal computer email, word processing, spreadsheets, and internet access systems.
3. Proficient with the use of Geographic Information Systems. Familiarity with basic communication systems platforms associated with voice and data.
4. Working knowledge of electric utility safety standards and the National Electric Safety Code.
5. Basic mathematical and analytical skills.
6. Communication and

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have A Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Horticulture, or a related field.
2. Three years of experience in vegetation management and supervision.
3. A Valid Driver's License
4. Certified Arborist accreditation from the International Society of Arboriculture required, Utility Line Specialist qualification desirable.
5. Tree Risk Assessment Qualification from the International Society of Arboriculture is required, or the ability to obtain the qualification within 6 months.
6. Missouri Pesticide Applicators License or the ability to obtain within 6 months.
7. The availability to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends, and available on call for emergencies.

MENTAL EFFORT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be capable of performing field inspections in all types of weather conditions.
2. Must be able to lift 50lbs and carry 20lbs across uneven terrain.
3. Worker may occasionally perform in awkward or uncomfortable positions involving stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ENVIRONMENT, AND POSITION RELATED HAZARDS:

Indoor and outdoor working environment. Outdoor environment included being subjected to hazards from working in an environment of extreme weather conditions. Individual to work forty (40) hours a week, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Perform maintenance scheduled and unscheduled overtime (must be available).

NOTE:

This Job Description is not intended to limit the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned for the effective operation of the department.

Current Openings for Line System Investigator/Utility Vegetation Specialist Jobs at City of Kirkwood