City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Line Clearance Superintendent

This position formulates, implements, and directs the execution for the Forestry programs for Austin Energy (AE). Coordinates all vegetation management activities for AE and acts as the single point of contact between Section Supervisors, Line Clearance Contractors, general public, and City of Austin personnel.

1. Plans, organizes, directs, and manages the system Forestry function of AE.
2. Directly supervises the activities of the Section Supervisors, Utility Foresters, and other section personnel, and ensures all work is accomplished efficiently and cost effectively.
3. Assures the adherence of Section personnel to stated system goals and objectives during daily operations.
4. Is responsible for an annual O&M budget and an annual Capital budget of over $1,800,000.
5. Assures circuit evaluations are performed effectively and participates directly in prioritizing and scheduling circuits for pruning activities.
6. Assures effective development and direction of an environmentally-safe program of herbicide application to provide cost effective vegetation control that complies with all governmental regulations and instills favorable company and public acceptance.
7. Assures all work is in compliance with all AE, ECSD, County, State, and Federal regulations.
8. Manages any storm restoration activities through the Section Supervisors, including contractor coordination and facilities restoration (i.e. opening/closing line fuse devices), to ensure the timely restoration of electrical service.
9. Monitors storm restoration progress and assesses contractor's performance during restoration.
10. Actively communicates with all UFS and AE personnel to ensure all new modifications of process are accurately conveyed to all and implemented.
11. Actively promotes and participates in the AE safety program while monitoring compliance to ensure the health and well being of employees, contractors, and the general public.
12. Assesses legal and damage claims filed against AE or contractors and regarding forestry activities, and prepares written opinions for City Legal staff.
13. Attends all necessary meetings as AE UFS representative.
14. Communicates and notifies other City departments such as ECSD, Parks and Recreations, Street and Bridge, Fire and Police on daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis, as necessary.
15. Communicates knowledge of AE electrical facilities, specifications, and clearance guidelines to all UFS personnel and line clearance contractor to ensure compliance and safety of all projects are maintained.
16. Provides and direct effective, safe, and cost-efficient forestry contractors for AE's system needs.
17. Administers existing AE contracts for vegetation management.
18. Works closely with the line clearance contractors to ensure all contractor field supervision (E.g., General Foremen, Foremen) are properly trained and qualified for the job.
19. Assures all contract specifications are met by contract personnel: specified clearances for existing facilities, specified quality, and overall productivity of contract crews
20. Mediates any conflicts between the Line Clearance Contractor and the Section Supervisors.
21. Directs and actively participates in negotiations with contractors regarding any changes, additions, or variances in established AE contracts.
22. Coordinates all line clearance contractor activities with Power Delivery.
23. Manages customer issues resolution process to ensure all customers are addressed in a timely and courteous manner, maintaining professional working relationship that is demanded by AE customers.
24. Attends meetings with neighborhood associations and other civic groups for customer education.
25. Filters all customer requests to the correct Section Supervisors and line clearance.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of equipment and construction techniques common to utility construction.
• Knowledge of all processes within the UFS.
• Knowledge of workforce requirements and work output for all UFS.
• Knowledge of construction projects common to electrical facilities.
• Ability to function in extreme weather conditions, traverse rough terrain, steep inclines, and dense vegetation.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus ten (10) years experience in a field related to the job, three (3) years of which were in a supervisory capacity.
• Associate Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Forestry or related field may be substituted for (2) two years for required experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in Forestry or in a field related to the job. Education may substitute for experience up to four (4) years.

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License. Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Current certification from International Society of Arboriculture.
• Licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture for pesticide application or ability to acquire license within 180 days of employment.