CLOVERLAND ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

VEGETATION CONTROL COORDINATOR

STATUS: NON-UNION, SALARY, EXEMPT

JOB CODE 55-7341

1.     POSITION FUNCTION/OBJECTIVE

The Vegetation Control Coordinator is responsible for assisting in the planning, coordinating, and communication of activities within the Cooperative’s vegetation control management program for electric distribution right-of-way, stations and other Cooperative assets exposed to vegetation.

2. PRINICIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist in the coordination of annual budgeted maintenance and respective project activities of contracted vegetation control crews through written and oral instructions.
2. Perform observations of vegetation crew work procedures, safety records and policy, and validate work performed, will develop reports when required.
3. Recommend program changes, assist in the prioritization and scheduling of ROW maintenance as necessary to the Cooperative’s Vegetation Control Manager.
4. Assist the Vegetation Control Manager to develop, review, maintain, recommend and submit work orders for vegetation management activities.
5. Maintain records of vegetation management activities and provide program progress reports.
6. Contact, communicate and coordinate with property owners, members and customers who are subject to the vegetation management activities of the Cooperative.
7. Coordinate and relay information and technical instructions between vegetation control crews and appropriate department heads concerning right-of-way clearing operations.
8. Will work closely with Communications Department regarding member notification, ensuring the timeliness of all notifications and which circuits will have work performed.
9. Investigate complaints, communicate verbally and in writing, work with members, property owners, public, municipal, government, public and private entities, clubs, organizations, and departments on right-of-way vegetation management issues.
10. Support major storm restoration by assisting in procurement of vegetation contractors, providing direction for contract crews, assist in damage assessment and assist CEC line crews as necessary (birddog).
11. Assist the Vegetation Control Manager in compiling, submission of work plan and annual budget items to be included in the Cooperative Work Plan and Budgets.
12. Will work closely with engineering to ensure all easements, permits and GIS maps are updated and accurate.
13. Perform all other duties as assigned.

3. AUTHORITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Always ensure there is an open line of communication regarding all work in progress and completion of tasks and duties assigned.
2. Will carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position in conformity with established policies and procedures.
3. Is accountable to his/her supervisor and the management of the Cooperative for the efficient performance of these responsibilities and although some of the responsibilities may be delegated or assigned to another person, the accountability cannot be.
4. Project a positive public image and maintain satisfactory public relations by responding to   consumer inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
5. Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

4.     POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore not subject to the Cooperative’s policies and procedures pertaining to overtime hours and premium pay. See Cloverland’s Employee Handbook for policies on exempt/salaried employees.

5.     EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. High School diploma or equivalent.

2. Minimum of an associate degree in forestry, environmental technology, or another related field. Must be willing to work towards obtaining Arborist/Utility Specialist certification (ISA).

3. Preferred experience in electrical utility distribution; field land surveying, arborist, GIS or mapping systems.

4. Demonstrated knowledge of ANSI Z133.1 safety standards, OHSA 29CFR 1910.269 (line clearance/tree trimming) and other safety/arborist related rules and regulation.

5. Demonstrated knowledge of Michigan tree and vegetation species, plus a greater understanding of the growth and vulnerabilities of trees and vegetation local to the service territory of the Cooperative, the Upper Peninsula, and Northern Michigan.

6.     KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Demonstrated and proficient oral and written communications skills.
2. Demonstrated ability and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook. Must be able to understand and use spreadsheets, word processing and other programs/equipment, including computer programs, provided by the employer now or in the future.
3. Demonstrated ability to read and interpret work orders, staking sheets, construction drawings, and similar type work consistent with RUS and the Cooperative’s standard guidelines, practices and policies, and the current National Electric Safety Code.
4. Must have strong understanding of construction, construction practices, land related issues such as property conveyances, deeds, easements, mapping, and laws pertaining to land.
5. Must be able to interpret and apply National Electric Safety Code for clearance purposes. Must be able to complete mathematical calculations with a strong emphasis on coordinate geometry, as required.
6. Must be familiar with heavy construction equipment, techniques and safety practices for both tree trimming/removal needs and a simple understanding of electric line construction equipment.
7. Must be able to read and interpret property descriptions, land divisions, site grading plans and easement documents.
8. Occasional work is required outside of regular office hours.
9. Excellent organization and time management skills.
10. Demonstrated knowledgeable in the areas of right-of-way maintenance, vegetation control, and chemical applications.
11. Personal Characteristics: team player, demonstrates integrity, must maintain confidentiality, regular work attendance, courteous and friendly, tact and persuasiveness, able to work well with diverse groups of people, and gain and maintain respect of others, both inside and outside the Cooperative.

7.     ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Day to day work is performed both indoors and outdoors.  Indoor work can be performed in a traditional or remote office environment.  Work performed indoors is typically in a climate-controlled office environment at a desk with minimal physical exertion. Position requires repetitive motions with hands and fingers for keyboarding.  Must be able to adhere to deadlines and work independently.  Accessible via mobile technology (cell phone, email, other mobile devices) 24 hours a day for timely response during emergencies.  Work performed outdoors can vary based on weather conditions; inclement at times, temperature may range from subzero to high heat and humidity.  Good physical dexterity is required, position may require walking in all typed of terrain, sitting, standing, and driving/riding in a vehicle.
2. During an outage must be available to assist in coordination of vegetation crews for restoration purposes. Must be able to work during adverse weather conditions.
3. Travel is mostly within the Cooperative’s service area to field locations including substations and member sites. Occasional travel to trainings, seminars and/or conference outside the service area may be required. Must be willing to work outside of regular business hours, as needed to complete tasks and meet deadlines. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

8. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

1. Reports to: Vegetation Control Manager
2. Supervises: None

JOB DESCRIPTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Job descriptions are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities, depending on risk to health and safety of the employee and/or others. The basic requirement of every position is to perform all tasks as assigned.  Duties and scope of position may change based on needs of the Cooperative.  This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Cloverland Electric Cooperative staff members are required to work in a safe manner and in accordance with the procedures listed in the Cooperative’s Safety Handbook. Cloverland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.