Salt River Project Hiring for Utility Forester at Phoenix, Arizona Full Time

Utility Forester

Date: Jul 7, 2023

Location: Phoenix, AZ, US

Company: SRP

SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.

Job Brief

Provides industry specific technical support to professional organizations internal and external to SRP by conducting field inspections and audits of skilled line clearing crews, forester/permitting crews, and other specialized industry-related vegetation management contractors. Responsible for auditing vegetation management activities along utility owned and operated Transmission (500, 230, and 115kV); Sub transmission (69kV), and Distribution corridors. Monitors contractor work performance according to industry approved tree pruning and removal techniques. Responsible to assure compliance with safety, contract and industry standards and requirements. Works closely with State and Federal agencies for vegetation management compliance. Assists in creation of environmental compliance documents. Utilizes professional forestry expertise in all aspects of job functions. Identifies electrical hazards regarding tree encroachments. Investigates and resolves customer complaints as needed.

Job Responsibilities

• Inspects and monitors production and performance of vegetation management crews and activities for compliance with line clearing and vegetation management contract requirements. Inspect for a safe working environment for all by monitoring contractor performance to ensure adherence to SRP requirements and guidelines for safety policies and procedures and policies associated with line clearing and vegetation management activities.

• Conducts audits of contractor work to monitor the execution of an efficient vegetation management program to support uninterrupted service on SRP’s Transmission and Distribution systems.

• Responsible for auditing integrated vegetation management activities for Transmission (over 1000 span miles, Sub transmission (600 span miles), and Distribution (over 1200 distribution sq. miles)

• Performs field validation of trees pruned/removed on completed work orders, maps, timesheets; including validation of completions for work with operational “hold tags” and municipal barricading. Creates reports and maintains all associated audit records.

• Performs a 100% validation of all transmission integrated vegetation management clearance work. Participates in helicopter and ground inspections and patrolling of transmission corridors. Identifies areas of concern and assists with the coordination and scheduling of the line clearing activities.

• Works closely with all Land agencies regarding land rights and easements; Transmission clearance on forest-and other agency-owned lands; working to ensure SRP and its contractors comply with all requirements.

• Participates in the clearance/maintenance of NERC/WECC transmission line segments and corridors. Performs a 100% ground inspection to identify scope of work and follow-up 100% ground inspection to validate the completed work. This involves working closely with the contractors and the forest service throughout the project.

• Coordinates with National Forests, National Monument lands, Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Land Dept, Arizona Fish and Wildlife, t lands and territories, municipalities and other agencies as needed regarding line clearing and vegetation management activities.

• Participates in all activities associated with regulatory compliance.

Education

Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution that prepares the employee for the assignment.

Experience

5 years’ experience in vegetation management with three years’ experience in utility operations preferred.

Practical experience and application in line clearing and vegetation management techniques and using industry-related tools and equipment to safely and effectively control vegetation near high voltage power lines. Possesses knowledge of current regulatory requirements governing Transmission and Distribution line activities and related equipment.

Additional Information

Must hold a Certified Arborist designation as certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); Preference given for an ISA certification as a Utility Specialist.

While job duties cover both office and field work; the largest percentage of work is conducted in the field in varied weather conditions ranging from cold conditions in higher elevations to extreme heat temperatures in the desert. The work includes a great deal of driving (vehicles, 4WD vehicles, and on occasion ATV’s or UTV’s). Periodic travel is required outside the urban area (Metropolitan Phoenix) to remote areas (Mining and Forest regions) to inspect transmission lines and sites. This includes travel; working out-of-town for several days at one time; sometimes over a period of weeks and/or months; and working outdoors in remote locations. Job position assists in the development of emergency response procedures for Vegetation Management & Maintenance and responds to occasional emergency trouble calls (typically during summer storm season).

Certifications or Testing Required

First Aid/CPR classroom training required.

Must possess the appropriate valid Arizona driver’s license.

Requisition Details

Requisition ID: 16036

Hybrid Workplace

SRP currently offers a hybrid workplace, which allows employees whose jobs can be performed remotely, and who have sufficient technical capability, to telework up to three days per week. Although teleworking is available, all employees must live and work in Arizona. We are taking steps to protect the health and well-being of all team members, and by following a number of health and safety protocols, to reduce the risk of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Salt River Project (SRP) recognizes diversity and inclusion as key drivers of innovation and growth, and seeks to attract a diverse employee base that reflects our community. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law. Ultimately, SRP aspires to fully apply the power of diversity and inclusion to build a more equitable and sustainable future for our customers, employees and community.

Drug/Alcohol Policy Statement

In order to promote the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and the communities we serve, SRP is committed to maintaining a drug/alcohol free work environment. Although marijuana may now be legal in Arizona, except as otherwise specified under Arizona law, SRP considers it to be an illegal drug for the purpose of our drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Any candidate found to be impaired during the hiring process or who has the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance in their system during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test may be disqualified from further consideration in the hiring process.

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Currently, SRP does not sponsor H1B visas.

Why Work at SRP

SRP’s success is rooted in our employees’ happiness, health and safety. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and enhance their well-being. In addition to competitive pay and performance incentives, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits:

• 401(k) plan with employer matching

• Retirement pension

• Paid vacation

• Parental leave

• Holiday pay

• Sick leave

• Medical, vision, dental and life insurance

• Wellness programs

• Pre-tax benefits

• Short and long-term disability plans

• Tuition assistance