Capital Vegetation Field Coordinator

Entergy; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Entergy is seeking a Lead Operations Coordinator in its Vegetation Management group to safely and reliably execute VM programs along rights of way across transmission, distribution, and substations. This role leads, mentors, and coordinates internal VM staff while ensuring adherence to processes and safety standards.

Responsibilities include scheduling VM contract work, coaching contractors on safety, managing budgets and contracts, and coordinating with engineering, line, and construction

Qualifications

• 4-year college degree in Forestry or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• With degree, minimum 8 years electric utility vegetation management or related experience; without degree, minimum 10 years.

Responsibilities

• Schedule, assign, and monitor VM contract work in accordance with safety and procedural requirements.
• Promote and support safety of contract partners via field observations and coaching.
• Develop and promote safety leadership with coworkers, contract workforce, and customers.
• Ensure work activities follow Safe Work Rules Manual and procedures.
• Apply utility experience to ensure safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with engineering, line, and construction for VM projects including planning and QA.
• Communicate work plans and status reports to internal customers.
• Coordinate contract personnel during emergency or storm restoration.

Skills

Vegetation Management

Contract Management

Budget Management

Leadership

Safety Leadership

Stakeholder Communication

Project Coordination

Emergency Response

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Safely perform the functions of the Lead Operations Coordinator in the Vegetation Management (VM) group. Provide continual focus on the safe, reliable, and compliant execution of Entergy’s VM program. This includes all aspects of work projects needed to control and manage the vegetation on and along Entergy rights of way that could interfere with reliable service across the transmission, distribution, and substation system. Responsible for leading, directing, and mentoring internal VM staff as well as ensuring internal processes, procedures, and expectations are monitored and consistently adhered to within assigned area(s).

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Scheduling, assigning, and monitoring VM contract work in accordance with Entergy’s safety and procedural requirements.
• Promoting and supporting the safety of contract partners by performing and documenting field observations, engagements, and associated coaching to address any improvement opportunities.
• Developing and promoting strong safety leadership with co-workers, contract workforce, and internal/external customers.
• Ensuring all work activities follow Entergy’s Safe Work Rules Manual and procedural expectations.
• Applying electric utility experience and industry knowledge to ensure expectations are met regarding safe work practices, industry standards, regulations, and procedures. (Incl. Job Safety/Hazard Analysis)
• Applying working knowledge of current IVM programs, techniques, and industry practices to help promote and develop the advancement of Entergy’s VM program.
• Contract management including oversight of multiple contract projects simultaneously with minimal direct supervision.
• Developing, implementing, coordinating, and providing oversight for annual work plans in assigned areas.
• Monitor and manage contractor spend to meet annual budget targets in assigned areas.
• Perform field and accounting audits of contractor invoices to ensure accuracy of contractor billing.
• Monitor reliability performance and implement improvement plans in assigned areas.
• Work with internal groups such as engineering, line department, and construction to support various projects as it relates to Vegetation Management such as planning, estimation, oversight, and quality assurance.
• Effectively communicate work plans and status reports of all projects to internal customers.
• Use of excellent communication and customer relation skills to maximize a positive customer experience.
• Respond to all customer vegetation issues in accordance with Entergy expectations, policies, and procedures.
• Effectively utilize conflict mitigation skills to manage and/or resolve issues with internal and external customers as well as contract partners.
• Coordinate contract personnel during emergency and/or storm restoration throughout Entergy service territory and travelling off-system during mutual assistance opportunities if required.
• When needed, work extended hours in challenging terrain, environment, and conditions while coordinating emergency restoration efforts.
• Participate in internal/external communication and educational programs as it relates to VM.
• Participate in group and/or departmental teams in developing process improvement opportunities.
• Demonstrating proficiency with PC skills that include Entergy and Microsoft applications to perform, track, and document work.
• Support Construction teams including Mega, CP, PM&C, and networks for technical reviews of ROW plans, clearing estimates, Air saw, and quality assurance.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Preference will be given to those applicants with a 4-year college degree in Forestry or a related field. Equivalent work experience will be considered for those without a degree.

Experience: With a 4-year college degree in Forestry or related field, a minimum of 8 years of electric utility vegetation management, line, substation, safety, project, or related experience. Without a 4-year college degree in Forestry or related field, a minimum of 10 years of electric utility vegetation management, line, substation, safety, project construction, or related experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience in Utility Vegetation Management, Electric Utility Operations (Transmission and/or Distribution), and/or Contractor Management for safety and process compliance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to monitor and manage budgets within assigned areas.
• Ability to manage multiple activities and changing priorities.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Ability to promote and adapt to change.
• Ability to lead and participate in problem solving teams as required.

Certificates/Licenses

• Arborist or Utility Arborist License/Certification (preferred, or be able to obtain within 1 year).
• State Certified Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator License (preferred, or be able to obtain within 1 year).