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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Utility Forester
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 18932 Salary Grade: ZL1
Approved: December 01, 2000 Last Revised: September 11, 2017

Purpose:
  Responsible for the planning, development and implementation of Utility Forestry Section programs, processes, and procedures.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Develops approved vegetation policies. Develops, implements, and monitors Utility Forestry Business Plan.
  2. Conducts cost benefit analysis for vegetation management programs.
  3. Manages an environmentally safe Integrated Pest Management Program that complies with all governmental regulations.
  4. Develops and implement performance measures for forestry contractors. Negotiates with contractors regarding changes in established Austin Energy Contracts.
  5. Communicates Austin Energy's Utility Forestry Programs and Procedures to internal and external customers.
  6. Promotes confidence and public trust through communications and actions.
  7. Monitors project budget and track expenditures and alert supervision to any deviations from the approved cost projections.
  8. Monitors compliance with City Council, Electric Utility Commission, and management directives related to line clearance tree pruning.
  9. Develops and maintains a Utility Forestry Training Plan for Utility Forestry Section staff and representatives.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 
• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Skill in negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution.
  • Ability to develop and manage a comprehensive vegetation management program.
  • Ability to calculate resources required to perform vegetation management program.
  • Knowledge of Austin Energy's pruning specifications, Dr. Alex Shigo's principles, Austin Energy's General Permit requirements and the City of Austin's environmental codes.
  • Basic knowledge of electrical facilities operation.
  • Basic knowledge and identification of flora and fauna indigenous to the area.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Forestry or in a field related to the job. Four (4) years related experience, two (2) years of which were in a lead capacity
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
• Valid Texas Class C Drivers 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 

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 particular 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 duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.