An Arborist provides care for trees. Trims and prunes trees to promote healthy growth and cuts trees or clear branches near utility lines, street signs or houses. Monitors trees for disease and insect damage. Manages trimming, watering and planting in parks and urban areas.
Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window. Veterans Preference General Purpose of Job This position is responsible for planning , quality assessing, and auditing vegetation clearance work needed on the company transmission and distribution system. This includes cycle and non-cycle maintenance trimming/removals, mowing and herbicide application , and debris hauling. This position must ensure that all line-clearing and work planning is performed in accordance with company Line Clearance Specifications, Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) guidelines and adheres to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The overall goal of this position is to pursue the elimination of tree caused electrical outages in a safe, member focused, efficient, and environmentally responsible way. This position must demonstrate a firm commitment to customer service as they will frequently interact with both internal and external customers. Minimum Required Qualifications and Competencies The following includes the minimum job requirements and essential duties for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions . Some job requirements may exclude individuals that cannot be reasonably accommodated or who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
Education Minimum:
Two (2) year associate degree in h orticulture, arboriculture, forestry, or related field of study . A high school diploma or GED with four (4) years of vegetation management experience in the electric utility industry or six (6) years of related experience in the electric utility industry may be considered in lieu of an associate degree with two (2) years of vegetation management experience in the electric utility industry or four (4) years of related experience in the electric utility industry.
Experience Minimum:
Two (2) years of vegetation management experience in the electric utility industry or four (4) years of related experience in the electric utility industry.
Preferred:
ISA certified Arborist Certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of employment
Preferred:
ISA Certified Utility Specialist or ability to obtain within 30-months of employment.
Preferred:
Possess a Commercial Applicator License issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Pesticide Certification Office, or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment. Other Requirements Ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including a personal computer, printers, copy machines and telephone . Ability to work irregular hours for assignment completion and flexibility to change scheduling and report to work on short notice during emergency situations. Normal work hours will either be eight (8) or ten (10) hours between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Employer conducts a pre-employment background check, physical and drug screen . Personal Protective Equipment X Yes No Living Requirement X Yes No This position qualifies for a commute vehicle. All employees must live within a 40-mile radius (as the crow flies) from the company Headquarters in Sumterville, FL.
Driving Requirements X Yes No Valid Florida Driver's License Core Competencies Safety:
Follows safety procedures diligently, identifies potential hazards, and takes appropriate action to maintain a safe working environment.
Member Commitment:
Provides service to members, actively listening to their needs and ensuring their satisfaction.
Honesty & Integrity:
Acts with honesty and integrity in all tasks, maintaining transparency and ethical standards.
Work Ethic:
C onsistently meeting deadlines and achieving performance in all tasks.
Inclusive Culture:
Contributes to an inclusive culture by respecting and valuing diverse perspectives and collaborating with all team members.
Accountability:
Takes responsibility for their actions and decisions, ensuring they meet commitments and deliver high-quality work.
T eamwork:
Works collaboratively with team members, sharing information and supporting collective goals.
Job Specific Competencies Leadership, Judgment & Ethics:
Leadership and decision-making under pressure, maintaining professionalism and prioritizing safety in all situations. Exhibits integrity, discretion, and ethical conduct while upholding confidentiality in accordance with company policies.
Planning, Prioritization & Resource Management:
Manages stress and shifting priorities in a dynamic environment. Applies planning, budgeting, and forecasting skills to allocate resources responsibly and meet operational objectives.
Vegetation Management & Compliance:
Applies company Line Clearing and Vegetation Management program to achieve safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Adheres to ANSI Z133-2012 and
ANSI A300
standards, striving for zero tree-caused outages through safe, cost-effective operations.
Technical Proficiency & Safety Knowledge:
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, corporate databases, and customer information systems. Exhibits understanding of electric distribution and transmission systems, applying OSHA regulations and safety codes to ensure compliance and workplace safety.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
Communicates clearly and professionally with employees, contractors, vendors, and agencies. Written, verbal, and listening skills; prepares accurate reports, presentations, and correspondence to support organizational objectives.
Customer & Stakeholder Relations:
Maintains a customer service orientation with a courteous, solutions -focused approach. Builds positive relationships with property owners, subcontractors, and community partners to support safety and reliability goals.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills:
Applies mathematical and analytical abilities to forecast workloads, manage budgets, and evaluate operational performance. Apply reasoning and problem-solving to achieve desired results. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 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 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 c ooperative. Vegetation Planning, Assessment, & Quality Control Plans, inspects, and audits vegetation clearance work on company transmission and distribution systems, including trimming, removals, mowing, herbicide application, and debris management. Ensures vegetation activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally responsible manner. Supports the cooperatives goal of eliminating tree-caused electrical outages through proactive vegetation management and quality assurance practices. Contract Oversight & Performance Evaluation Assists the supervisor in evaluating contractor performance and identifying opportunities to improve methods, procedures, and overall efficiency. Collects and maintains accurate records of vegetation management activities, assisting with report preparation and data tracking. Supports continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, productivity, and compliance within contracted vegetation programs. Subject Matter Expertise & Professional Development Serves as a subject matter expert in tree biology, utility pruning, and herbicide application consistent with ISA standards, Best Management Practices, and the National Electric Safety Code. Maintains professional certifications including ISA Certified Arborist and Commercial Applicator licenses and completes required Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Participates in professional associations to stay informed of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging vegetation management practices. Education, Outreach & Community Engagement Supports public education initiatives on tree-power line safety, proper planting practices, and the importance of line clearing activities. Contributes expertise to community outreach and cooperative safety awareness efforts. Represents the company in industry and community forums that promote best practices in vegetation management and environmental stewardship. Regulatory Compliance & Agency Coordination Ensures departmental compliance with all local, state, and federal laws governing vegetation management and herbicide use. Maintains awareness of regulatory changes affecting vegetation operations and ensures alignment with internal policies and procedures. Serves as a liaison with state and local government agencies as needed to coordinate vegetation management projects and resolve compliance issues.