Utility Arborist II
Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 334,000 natural gas and 433,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 569,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU are major employers and active supporters of the communities they serve. They empower employees, community members and initiatives across their service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability and wellbeing.
Overview
This position is responsible for the administration of a cost effective, incentive-based Vegetation Management Program using best practices in the industry which includes the administration of contract work planners, tree clearing and herbicide crews.
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Responsibilities
•During the intermediate classification phase, arborist will work alongside manager and peer arborists to fulfill core responsibilities, including, but not limited to the following:
•Assisting in the coordination of work planner schedule and tree contractors work plan
•Assisting and prioritizing schedule to enhance reliability program
•Assisting in the coordination of program with Operation Center management team
•Assisting to ensure contractor passport safety program is implemented
•Assisting in the planning and scheduling of circuits to be trimmed, monitoring and inspecting Right of Ways for trim and spray schedules. Counting all trees on a given circuit, set target price, specify scope of work, and negotiate price with contractor
•Assisting in budget management to ensure cost effectiveness without exceeding budget dollars
•Assisting in customer relations and customer commitment. Meeting with customers and community leaders as required on sensitive tree trimming issues
•Weekly computer time sheet entry of the tree crews, check for contractor mistakes, verify accurate invoices, and produce reports
•Compile, submit, and maintain quarterly and annual contractor evaluations
•Assisting in the coordination of tree resources during storm events
•Performs other duties as assigned
•Complies with all policies and standards
Qualifications
Required Education
Associate's Degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related discipline
Required Experience
- 3+ years of vegetation management experience or equivalent experience on a year for year basis.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to handle complex customer related issues
Preferred Qualifications
•ISA Arborist certification
•Herbicide license
•Excellent organization skills and able to manage multiple priorities
•During the intermediate classification phase, arborist will work alongside manager and peer arborists to fulfill core responsibilities, including, but not limited to the following:
•Assisting in the coordination of work planner schedule and tree contractors work plan
•Assisting and prioritizing schedule to enhance reliability program
•Assisting in the coordination of program with Operation Center management team
•Assisting to ensure contractor passport safety program is implemented
•Assisting in the planning and scheduling of circuits to be trimmed, monitoring and inspecting Right of Ways for trim and spray schedules. Counting all trees on a given circuit, set target price, specify scope of work, and negotiate price with contractor
•Assisting in budget management to ensure cost effectiveness without exceeding budget dollars
•Assisting in customer relations and customer commitment. Meeting with customers and community leaders as required on sensitive tree trimming issues
•Weekly computer time sheet entry of the tree crews, check for contractor mistakes, verify accurate invoices, and produce reports
•Compile, submit, and maintain quarterly and annual contractor evaluations
•Assisting in the coordination of tree resources during storm events
•Performs other duties as assigned
•Complies with all policies and standards
Required Education
Associate's Degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related discipline
Required Experience
- 3+ years of vegetation management experience or equivalent experience on a year for year basis.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to handle complex customer related issues
Preferred Qualifications
•ISA Arborist certification
•Herbicide license
•Excellent organization skills and able to manage multiple priorities
