Forester

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Manage vegetation in proximity to electrical facilities to promote resiliency of transmission services.

Grade/Exemption:
Grade 7/EX

Individuals at this level require in-depth knowledge and experience. They use best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services. They solve complex problems, taking a new perspective using existing solutions. They work independently, receiving minimal guidance. They act as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

• Performs safety and contractor performance audits (Quality Assurance/Quality Control)
• Conducts scoping
• Work layout(s)
• Notifies customers and all stakeholders of impending work and helps to manage and review work processes.
• Analyzes risks and prioritizes jobs according to urgency and location.

• Plan and coordinate vegetation clearance activities.
• Prioritizes work in accordance with the company and department strategy.
• Schedules work assignments and contract crews based on manager/supervisor priorities.
• Helps to organize and maintain tasks and the ability to track progress throughout multiple projects.
• Ensures contract crew performance meets PGE standards and specifications.
• Continually analyzes and monitors crew productivity to ensure PGE is receiving benefits for vegetation clearance expenditures relative to statement of work.
• Reviews and corrects as needed tree pruning practices to ensure conformance to PGE’s vegetation clearance policy.
• Adapts tree pruning practices as needed to optimize resource use.

• Advises region engineering with capital job vegetation clearance needs and problems.
• Represents PGE’s Forestry department to contractors impacted by/impacting company operations.
• Serves as subject matter expert on projects.
• Proactively analyzes issues and resolves complex problems in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Works with PGE transmission forester to coordinate herbicide applications in assigned area.

• Coordinates vegetation clearance with line restoration crews during emergency periods.
• Collaborates with regional line operations to determine and schedule maintenance and construction vegetation clearance needs.
• Coordinates vegetation clearance and selective herbicide applications with city, county and state agencies.

• Reviews new standards, regulations and agreements and analyzes work processes to ensure compliance.
• Adapts work direction as needed to meet changing standards.

Education: Requires a bachelor’s degree in earth science, horticulture, geology, forestry, natural resources or similar field or equivalent experience.

Experience: Typically five or more years in utility tree trimming, private tree trimming, arborist work, nursery work or related field including vendor management and project management.

Preferred Experience: A background in UVM, focused on wildfire risk reduction and mitigation.

Experience in implementing fire prevention strategies, hazardous tree removal, and maintaining vegetation clearance around power lines in high fire risk areas, is highly valued.

Knowledge of wildfire risk assessment protocols and collaboration with local agencies for fire safety compliance will be considered a plus.

Certifications, Licenses and Training: Valid driver’s license and ISA Arborist Certification required. ISA Utility Specialist credential and Valid Oregon State Pesticide Consultant license preferred and required within six months of obtaining position. ISA TRAQ preferred.

• Expert knowledge of utility forestry processes and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge…