Forester

OGE Energy Corporation; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 72,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

OGE Energy Corporation in Oklahoma City coordinates vegetation management across the transmission and distribution network. The Forester Staff schedules work, assigns resources, and ensures regulatory compliance while engaging with contractors, customers, and owners.

You will prepare cost estimates, monitor production and quality, and maintain detailed records. ISA certification and a pesticide license within 90 days are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline with 3 years in Arboriculture or related field.
• Alternate degree paths with related construction/land management experience.
• Must have ISA certification and pesticide applicator license within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate vegetation management across transmission, distribution, and facilities.
• Inspect and audit contractor work for compliance with OG&E specs.
• Prepare cost estimates and monitor work production and expenditures.
• Communicate work scope changes to contractors and internal teams.
• Maintain records of completed vegetation work and map assets with GIS.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Minimal supervision

Troubleshooting and problem solving

Adaptability across varying conditions

Communication skills (oral & written)

GIS map reading and usage

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in any discipline + 3 years Arboriculture experience

Bachelor's degree in Life Science (Horticulture/Forestry/Biology/Botany/LA) + 2 years related experience

High School Diploma/GED + 5 years utility-related field experience + 3 years Arboriculture

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office Suite

Maps reading tools

Job description

JOB INFORMATION

• Job Title: Forester Staff
• Job Code: 128371
• Job Grade: 55

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the coordination of vegetation management activities across the Company transmission system, distribution system, substations, plants and other properties. Member interacts with contractors, Company internal groups, customers and property owners. Schedules work and assigns resources as company needs dictate within assigned area. Ensures compliance with federal, state and municipal regulations. Provides job estimates for vegetation management work on capital projects. Monitors work production, quality, and expenditures associated with vegetation management.

LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY

• General responsibilities with standardized processes. Works under limited supervision. Resolves routine questions and problems. Refers the more complex issues to higher levels. Follows established procedures to accomplish requirements of job. Some latitude for deviation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accurately maintains records of completed circuit clearing and other vegetation management work and keeps records up to date and ensure information can be readily accessed and used.
• Provides expert utility arborist knowledge as required.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with all departments of the Company.
• Performs audits on contractor work to ensure all work is complete, accurate, and meets OG&E specifications.
• Reviews and approves contractor invoices to ensure proper billing and accounting.
• Responsible for communicating the completion of work to necessary parties.
• Acts as primary contact for contract crews on company property responsible for authorizing and communicating changes in work scope.
• Investigates claims and is responsible for resolution of complaints and negotiates positive solutions.
• Coordinates and monitors emergency work as required.
• Ensures corrective actions are taken as necessary to ensure performance meets contract and standards.
• Monitors and assesses progress for contractors, as needed.
• Discusses and negotiates line-clearance issues with customers, vendors, local government entities, and special interest groups.
• Coordinates vegetation activities with Power Plants, dispatch, local management, and other entities, as required.
• Coordinates, plans and schedules work for vegetation, pole treating and inspection work.
• Promotes a safety culture by performing duties consistent with IIF.
• Perform job site inspections to confirm job site readiness and coordinates necessary resources to optimize manpower and equipment utilization.
• Provides cost estimates for Vegetation Management work.
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in any discipline and 3 years of work experience in the field of Arboriculture; Or
• Bachelor's Degree in a Life Science field such as Horticulture, Forestry, Biology, Botany, or Landscape Architecture and 2 years experience working in a field associated with primary duties such as a Lineman, Sales Professional, Geographic Information System (GIS) Professional, Arborist, or in Land Management; Or
• High School Diploma/GED and 5 years of Field Experience in a job involved with Utility Construction, Maintenance or Service Restoration to include all Utilities (i.e., Electric, Water, Phone, or Gas), and 3 years of experience in the field of Arboriculture.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• May require occasional overnight stays for routine work and extended stays of 3-7 days for emergency storm restoration.
• May be required to work non-standard work schedules to include on-call weekends, and holidays.
• Required to maintain permanent residence within thirty (30) minute commute of operational location where the position is based.
• May be required to work under hazardous conditions.
• Exposed to extreme conditions and inclement weather.
• Required to operate motor vehicle safely in all traffic, weather and light conditions.

SPECIAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Member will not be required to drive in order to perform their job duties.
• The operation, maintenance or oversight of critical services and infrastructure including but not limited to, electric utilities, power generation or distribution;
• Performing firefighting duties - Fire fighter duties does not include responding to incipient stage/coal fires;

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAS)

• Strong Organizational Skills and an ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnosis problems, and resolve effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to adjust and adapt across varied working conditions.
• Ability to understand and comply with company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs and SSOPs).
• Strong ability to work in partnership with other members.
• Ability to read/create maps and utilize GIS based applications.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with team members, leaders, customers and communities.
• Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing.
• Strong knowledge of arboriculture, horticulture or vegetation management.
• Working knowledge of IVM (Integrated Vegetation Management) and the proper application of IVM techniques.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to link the impact of arboriculture, horticulture or vegetation management to the efficient and safe operation of an electric utility.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Required Certifications/Licensures: (International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification)
• Required Certifications/Licensures: (OK or AR Pesticide Applicator License with ROW Classification (within 90 days of hire))
• Required Certifications/Licensures: (Valid Driver's License)

HEALTH AND SAFETY (MEDICAL/DOT REQUIREMENTS)

• Pre-Employment Drug Screen
• This position is classified as a Safety-Sensitive Job under state law. Individuals in this position are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in OGE Energy Corp.'s Drug Testing Plan.

SALARY RANGE

$72,280 - $96,366