OPPD¿s T&D Operations Department is looking for a Utility Forester to join their team!

Responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of vegetation management programs associated with OPPD rights-of-way, easements, and properties. Coordinates OPPD compliance with state and federal regulations designed to protect and conserve avian populations by reducing the risks that result from interactions with utility facilities and activities. Coordinates OPPD compliance with NERC regulations for transmission line vegetation management. Acts as OPPD¿s representative on matters pertaining to private and city owned trees and negotiates with customers on tree trimming and tree removal required for routine maintenance and capital construction projects. Coordinates public relations with tree trimming and tree removal and public education programs associated with vegetation management. On-call 24/7 to respond to and coordinate vegetation management assistance during storm restoration activities.

Responsibilities and accountabilities include:

1. Responsible for directing the work of contractor tree trimming crews according to approved contracts, corporate policy, and department practices and procedures.

2. Represents the District¿s forestry group in field meetings with OPPD engineers and operating groups, government personnel, private property owners, and contractors.

3. Plan, schedule, direct, audit and evaluate tree trimming contractor activities to ensure an efficient and effective forestry operation and applies professional and technical skills in the development and implementation of new forestry practices and procedures, and provides education and guidance to the public concerning the selection, placement, welfare and environmental benefits of trees.

4. Responsible for coordinating the District¿s Transmission Vegetation Management Plan to maintain compliance with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) requirements.

5. Responsible for coordinating the District¿s Avian Protection Plan to maintain compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Threatened & Endangered Species Act, and Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act requirements.

6. Responsible for auditing contractors in order to measure and evaluate contractor crew performance.

7. Responsible for resolving customer complaints and tree trimming refusals, investigating special easement problems, and directing special care jobs.

8. Investigate vegetation related outages and Power Quality issues to determine appropriate actions as to the District¿s priorities.

¿ Exhibits professional behavior and promote positive working relationships internally and externally to OPPD.

¿ Adherence to all company/departmental policies, procedures and overarching safety expectations included but not limited to the District¿s Safety Manual, the Hold Order System and the Personal Protective Ground Manual.

¿ Regular and predictable attendance is required.

¿ Nothing in this job description restricts management¿s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Qualifications

Required:

• A bachelor¿s degree in Forestry or related field is required

• Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental policies and regulations.

• Vegetation management, customer interaction, work planning, work quality auditing experience required.

• Must have knowledge of professional tree trimming practices and procedures; local tree species and their characteristics; the application and environmental effects of herbicides and other chemicals to control tree growth.

• Must qualify as a Certified Arborist and Utility Specialist with the International Society of Arboriculture or obtain certification within 18 months of hire date.

• Must quality as a Nebraska Certified Pesticide Applicator (Right-of-Way Category) with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture or obtain certification within 18 months of hire date.

• Must possess and demonstrate excellent written and oral communications skills.

• Must possess and demonstrate excellent analytical skills.

• Knowledge of the District¿s safety procedures and work practices are required.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in arboriculture, preferred.

• Experience managing contractors, preferred.

• A valid driver¿s license is required.

  Closing Statement

Salary Grade: S2

Foundation $69,530

Midpoint $86,913

At Omaha Public Power District , we¿re passionate about three things: power, the people who make it, and the people who rely on it.

WE ARE: Where the Light Starts. OPPD is the 12th-largest public power utility in the U.S., serving over 850,000 people across 5,000 square miles and 13 counties.

WE¿RE COMMITTED TO: Each other and the people we serve. This commitment drives us. We¿re dedicated to providing our communities with affordable, reliable, and environmentally sensitive energy services today, tomorrow, and well into the future.

OUR JOB: To provide power with a purpose. We have real impact - on people¿s lives, on the environment, and on the future of energy. We¿re always looking for bright, capable people who want an opportunity to lead from where you are¿wherever you are¿ and know that your ideas will be heard. If you want to be a source of real, positive change for the community and the people who live in this region, then working for a company acknowledged for caring about these same things is likely a priority for you as well.

Org Marketing Statement

EOE: Protected Veterans/Disability

How To Apply

Apply online at www.oppd.com on or before May 1, 2024.

Recruiter: Athena Roberson - asroberson@oppd.com #LI-AR

PLEASE NOTE - Your application has not been submitted unless you have applied for a specific requisition. If you have not chosen a specific opening, your application will remain in 'DRAFT' form and will not be viewed by our Human Capital staff.