Tree Trimmer Foreman

Job Purpose

Provide technical expertise, knowledge, supervision, and execution of operations to maintain line clearance by evaluating, clearing, and trimming trees and other vegetation.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Provide direction to the crew at the beginning of each day and keep crew on track with daily schedule, providing advice and guidance.
2. Train crew on use of equipment and industry practices
3. Responsible for communicating job progress, information, and updates to T&D Superintendent
4. Ensure accurate and daily reporting of timesheets and work orders.
5. Ensure job sites are left in an acceptable condition, all material cleaned up and any remediation necessary completed.
6. Inspect and inventory power line easements and right of ways (ROW) for hazardous vegetation.
7. Complete annual vegetation management inspections, maintaining accurate inspection and work planning records.
8. Trim trees and operate the tools and equipment associated with trimming, including chainsaws, brush chippers, vehicles, bucket trucks, and other hydraulic tools and equipment.
9. Perform all daily inspections, clean, test, and maintain equipment to keep it in proper working order and ensure efficient operation.
10. Use safe industry accepted work practices and techniques when working around transmission and distribution lines.

Other Responsibilities

1. Maintain a culture of safety within the department. Support the Utility's safety programs, complete training appropriate for the position, and provide safe working conditions and practices.
2. Maintain a culture of continuous improvement within the department. Utilize lean principles and other continuous improvement tools to maximize the efficiency of the department.
3. Assist Manager and Supervisor with performance appraisals, budget preparation, and long-range system improvement projects.
4. May approve partial day absences for subordinates but all absences of 8 hours or more must be approved by the T&D Superintendent.
5. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge

1. High school graduate or equivalent.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of tree species and various growth characteristics.
3. Minimum 3-5 years tree-trimming experience preferred, including climbing trees, using a bucket truck, trimming near energized lines with voltages ranging from 120v to 161kV with 1-2 years supervisory experience preferred.
4. Must be ISA Certified or able to obtain certification within the first 6 months of hire. Certification must be maintained while employed.

Skills

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all audiences, including customers.
2. Excellent interpersonal and listening skills, with ability to build productive professional relationships and promote a team atmosphere.
3. Familiar with use of computers and mobile devices, including email, calendar, Internet browsers, and the Microsoft Office suite of products at a basic level. Good problem identification, analysis, and solving skills.

Abilities

1. Work as part of a team, either as team leader or a member of a team.
2. Drive results and ensure work is accomplished properly, safely, and in a timely manner.
3. Work independently, effectively prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adjust work priorities as needed to meet department/organizational objectives.
4. Must have mechanical aptitude and be comfortable working with power tools of all sizes.
5. Develop, read, and interpret drawings, schematics, specifications, and technical manuals, including digital mapping applications.
6. Ability to distinguish colors.
7. Must be able to climb ladders and climb continual flights of stairs under various types of weather/seasonal conditions. Must be comfortable working in a bucket truck. Must be able to climb trees using arborist rigging.
8. Be able to perform repeated duties such as dragging and chipping brush.
9. Must be able to operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, and skid steers.

Other Position Requirements

1. Must possess a valid driver's license. Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required within 6 months of hire and be maintained while in the position. Position is included in the Utility's DOT drug testing program.
2. Must comply with all safety and site rules at all locations. At times employees will have to comply with customer facial hair policies.
3. Must be able to attend work on a regular basis, work overtime as needed, and respond to callouts as needed.
4. Must maintain a method of communication in order to be contacted by MP&W outside normal work hours.
5. Must be certified in CPR or become certified within 1 year of hire and maintain certification while in position.
6. Certification in herbicide application required, or ability to obtain the certification within 6 months of hire.
7. Must comply with the Utility's Residency Policy.

Work Environment

1. Work is primarily completed at job sites throughout the community. Work is completed in all weather and seasons.

WorkSTEPS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The position is required to maintain appropriate weight for working in a bucket truck.

This position is rated VERY HEAVY in the WorkSTEPS program.

Provides electricity, water, and telecommunications services to Muscatine residents.