RIGHT OF WAY TECHNICIAN

Athens; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Athens is seeking a skilled vegetation management support technician to maintain electrical utility right-of-way. You will inspect sites, coordinate with property owners, assist with tree pruning and herbicide applications, and help ensure safe, reliable service during outages and storms.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain ISA Arborist certifications within six months.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to obtain ISA Arborist certification within six months of hire.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Checks vegetation management call-in tickets and communicates with owners.
• Inspects circuits for potential tree removals and obtains owner permission.
• Directs traffic for work crews in high traffic areas.
• Performs pole inspections and documents work requiring attention or replacement.
• Assists in circuit audits and supports contract tree crews as needed.
• Applies pesticides/herbicides and maintains grounds at headquarters/substations.

Skills

Problem solving

Prioritizing

Interpersonal relations

Oral and written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Computers

Job description

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JOB SUMMARY:

This position performs technical duties in support of the maintenance of the electric utility right-of-way.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Checks vegetation management call‑in tickets; communicates with customer/property owners; reports findings to the Right‑of‑Way Manager.
• Checks time and material crews to ensure tasks are completed in a timely and safe manner.
• Inspects circuits for potential tree removals; communicates with property owners to obtain permission to remove hazardous trees.
• Assists in directing traffic for work crews in high traffic areas.
• Performs pole inspections; documents poles in need of attention or replacement; reports information to Manager.
• Checks trees and limbs on line calls during outage and storm situations; reports findings to Supervisor; assists contract tree crews as needed.
• Assists the Supervisor with circuit audits as needed.
• Applies pesticides and herbicides at headquarters and substation as needed; mulches beds and trims trees and shrubs.
• Performs related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 18 year or older.
• High School Diploma, GED and/or equivalent work experience.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Sufficient experience usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Pesticide Applicator Permit within six months of date of hire.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain ISA Arborist certification and ISA Specialist certification.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

• Knowledge of vegetation management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of tree pruning and removal principles.
• Knowledge of herbicide and pesticide application guidelines.
• Knowledge of computers and job‑related software programs.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK:

The work consists of related technical duties. The need to respond to inclement weather and storm events contributes to the complexity of the work. The purpose of this position is to provide technical support for the vegetation management program. Successful performance contributes to the safety and efficiency of the electric system.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color. The work is typically performed in an office or outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and electrical hazards, and sometimes works in enclosed spaces. Work requires the use of personal protective equipment. Physical strength, ability, and mobility to perform all essential job functions with or without accommodation. Must be willing to work overtime, non‑standard work hours, holidays, shifts, and weekends as necessary. Must be willing to be on‑call.

City Application Required

Apply online via City website www.athensal.us or in person at City of Athens Human Resources, City of Athens Annex, located at 304 E Hobbs St., Athens. Inquiries: 256-233-8737. The City of Athens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all facets of the Americans with Disabilities Act. All reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified applicants. The City is a drug‑free workplace. Pre‑employment drug screen and physical required. The City of Athens does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services, programs, or activities.