Union Power Cooperative has an immediate opening for a Vegetation Management Coordination or will be responsible for assisting Manager of Vegetation Management in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan for the ongoing management of vegetation along power lines, in rights-of-ways, and around associated electrical facilities. Effective plans shall be designed so as to protect electric assets, prevent outages due to line contact by vegetation, be cost effective, provide for timely communication to all stakeholders, foster good relationships with landowners, and provide for ease of ingress and egress to electrical facilities by service and maintenance crews all while continuously remaining focused on the Cooperative's Mission and Vision Statements, and the promotion of the Cooperative's Guiding Values. Essential Duties of the

Position:

Implements and manages the comprehensive plan for the ongoing management of vegetation along power lines, in rights-of-way, around associated electrical facilities, substations, facility access roads, landscaping at substations and Cooperative-owned buildings (Monroe headquarters and Oakboro office) that serves to help advance Union Power Cooperative's strategic planning goals including distribution and transmission system reliability and budget. Provides timely communications to all stakeholders, members, landowners, cooperative employees and management on plans and operational status of vegetation management efforts. Assist Manager of Vegetation Management with the receipt and evaluation of maintenance bids. Works with members and landowners to investigate and resolve inquiries and/or complaints involving line clearing and/or tree cut down activities. Fosters good member and landowner relationships through proactive communications. Inspects rights-of-way to assess vegetation conditions and determine required maintenance, including the marking of work where required. Works closely with vendors to answer questions concerning work specifications. Coordinates with vendors and contractors to ensure compliance with vegetation management plans and specifications. Inspects work completed by contractors for compliance with utility specifications. Assist Manager of Vegetation Management with data collection and validation. Assist in the coordination of contractors during storm restoration operations. Perform all duties assigned by supervisor.

Work Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in forestry, arboriculture, Natural Resource Sciences, or related field. Must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or have the ability to obtain the certification within two (2) years of hire date. Five (5) year applicable work experience preferred. Valid driver's license. Excellent customer service skills. Excellent interpersonal, team and collaboration skills. Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment; must include Excel and skills in database management and record keeping. Ability to read and interpret both digital and paper maps and diagrams. Must be able to work independently as assigned by manager. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills. Maintains regular and predictable attendance. The employee is frequently required to stand/walk on steep and/or uneven terrain, reach with arms and hands, climb, or balance, and to stoop, kneel, or crouch and periodically lift up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities required by this position include close and distant vision. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, veteran status, or other legally protected status.