Vegetation Maintenance Specialist 1

Pedernales Electric Cooperative; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Pedernales Electric Cooperative is seeking a position focused on vegetation maintenance and oversight in the Austin area. The role involves supervising contractor crews, field visits, log sheet verification, and addressing member concerns related to vegetation work while maintaining safety standards.

Candidates should have an Associate degree in a related field or equivalent experience, and ISA Arborist certification or progress toward it within two years.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; experience may substitute for education.
• ISA Certified Arborist or obtain within two years of hire.
• Valid Texas Driver's License and Motor Vehicle Report per PEC policy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, schedule and monitor vegetation contractor crews.
• Conduct field visits of contractor crews.
• Verify and approve contractor log sheets.
• Investigate and handle member issues and complaints related to vegetation work.
• Maintain assigned vehicle and tools while adhering to safety standards.

Skills

Computer skills

Customer service

Electrical utility knowledge

Vegetation safety

Time management

Prioritization

Communication

Confidentiality

Active listening

Conflict resolution

Electrical distribution knowledge

Equipment troubleshooting

Education

Associates degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry, or related field

ISA Certified Arborist or within 2 years of hire

Job description

Physical Office Location

PEC Oak Hill District Office - 9115 Circle Drive, Austin, TX 78736

Salary

$32.35 Minimum Starting Base Pay* + KPI Bonuses + Competitive Benefits

Position Summary

This position is responsible for vegetation maintenance for the Cooperative.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee, schedule and monitor vegetation contractor crews


• Conduct field visits of contractor crews


• Verify and approve the accuracy of contractor log sheets


• Investigate and handle customer issues and complaints including access refusals, the work performed, and other vegetation maintenance activities


• Notify supervisor and other appropriate personnel of problems encountered


• Make recommendations for solutions to problems


• Maintain assigned vehicle and tools


• Adhere to PEC and industry safety standards


• Prepare written documents regarding vegetation maintenance activities to ensure department compliance with internal policies, NERC, PUCT and NMPRC regulatory requirements and environmental regulatory requirements


• Participate in call out, outage and restoration activities


• Represent PEC on vegetation maintenance issues and associated environmental issues.


• Assist supervisor in investigating and effectively resolving member complaints


• Periodic patrol of lines for tree encroachments and visibly faulty equipment


• Initiate requisitions for contractor work to be performed


• Approve invoices for work performed by contractors


• Operate PEC vehicle(s) for business purposes in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local law and PEC policies and procedures


• Maintain driver eligibility through appropriate valid Texas Driver's License and driving record in accordance with PEC policy


• Maintain the security of confidential information


• Stay abreast of advances in technology


• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance


• Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned

Supervisory and/or Leadership Responsibilities

Provides guidance to contractor crews. Oversees and approves the work of contracted crews

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of using computer systems, which may include setting up and using hardware and software programs, entering data, configuration, or processing information


• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service


• Knowledge of electric utility construction practices for transmission and distribution systems


• Knowledge of utility vegetation management safety rules and practices


• Skilled in time management


• Skilled in prioritizing and managing changing priorities


• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing


• Ability to maintain confidentiality


• Ability to listen and understand information verbally and in writing


• Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze and resolve conflict and problems


• Ability to learn and comprehend basic electrical distribution and transmission systems


• Ability to learn and identify problematic equipment

Minimum Qualifications - (Education, Experience)

• Associates degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry, or related field of study


• Directly related experience may substitute for education


• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist or obtain within two (2) years of hire


• Valid Texas Driver's License and Motor Vehicle Report that comply with PEC policy

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee may be required to stand; reach with hands and arms, stoop and kneel


• The employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time


• The employee may be required to lift, carry, push, pull or move up to 50 pounds


• The employee may be required to traverse all types of terrain


• The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions including wet and/or humid conditions


• Exempt employees receive a fixed bi-weekly salary to compensate them for all hours worked during each pay period


• This position may be required to work more than 40 hours per week

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of essential duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties that may be assigned based on the needs of the Cooperative.

Position Open Until Filled

Pedernales Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.