Vegetation Management Associate II

Duquesne Light Company, headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is a leader in providing electric energy and has been in the forefront of the electric energy market, with a history rooted in technological innovation and superior customer service. Today, the company continues its role as a leader in the transmission and distribution of electric energy, providing a secure supply of reliable power to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Duquesne Light Company is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We value and respect the unique differences and experiences of our employees. We believe that our differences lead to better collaboration, innovation and outcomes. We want you to join our team!

Overall Purpose

Manage annual vegetation maintenance work to be completed safely, in full compliance with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) Biennial Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) plan, DLC VM specifications, industry best management practices, and within the allocated budget. Assume fiscal responsibility for project assignments, support emergent work activities, and engage customers in the process.

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for regulatory PUC compliance from customer notification and work plan development through execution of the work plan.
  
  
  
  • Engages customers to notify them of upcoming VM maintenance activities on their properties and educates customers on the importance utility VM and proper arboricultural techniques.
  • Administers utility line clearing contracts and manages projects. Exercises appropriate controls, and maintains associated documentation (such as project details, budgets, schedule, etc).
  • Utilizes professional judgment to optimize the work plan. Facilitates contractor efforts in accordance with the work plan to maximize contractor efficiency, effectiveness, and end-product quality as per contractual requirements.
  
  
  
  
• Customer and Community Interaction
  
  
  
  • Manages and resolves customer concerns related to contractor activities to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Liaison with key community individuals and groups such as special interest groups, local, state, and federal officials and/or agencies, etc.
  
  
  
  
• Supporting the Operations
  
  
  
  • Available 24/7 for timely response to emergent situations (storms, callouts, etc.) requiring departmental representation and support.
  • Actively participate in the advancement of the program through completion of special assignments and daily assigned tasks.
  • Proactively support, and assume when requested, duties of peers.
  
  
  
  
• Obtain and retain professional credentials by pursuing available continuing educational opportunities.

Education/Experience Required:

• Associate's degree in a related field such as Forestry, Environmental Science, or other related disciplines.
  
  
  
  • A combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  
  
  
  
• Two (2) or more years of utility line clearance industry or closely related experience
• PA Dept of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicators License
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Forestry, Environmental Science, or other related disciplines
• Electric utility background
• Experience with ESRI software a plus; ArcGIS 9.x or higher
• International Society of Arboriculture Utility Specialist
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

Skills and Abilities Utilized in this Role Include:

• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify local tree species (including growth and failure characteristics)
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of MS Office, Excel is required
• Must be self-motivated, organized, and possess strong time management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Must be available for extended hours and weekends in time of need

Why you'll love working here: We live by our values!

• We aresafeabove all else. We must keep ourselves, each other, our customers and communities safe.
• We are guided by our commitment tointegrityand never compromising on ethics.
• We aredependable,collaborative and steady; we are a trusted partner to all.
• We believe inequityand equal access to work, resources and opportunities are critical elements of a clean energy future for all.
• We are ingrained in ourcommunity; we work where we live and are committed to serving our vibrant, diverse communities.

Work Location

Position works in the office or in the field. Reporting location and frequency may be subject to change based on job role and department needs.

Storm Roles

All Non-Union Employees will serve in storm roles as appropriate to their role and skillset. Please be sure to discuss storm roles with the hiring manager for this position, as duties can vary across the Company.Examples of storm roles could include but aren't limited to duties such as: working with operations for service center support or with the communications, customer service or government affairs teams to respond to public and customer requests for information, etc.

Data Governance

Utilize data to make business decisions as appropriate for the position, support data stewardship activities and partner with IT on underlying data needs.

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate Company or personal vehicles on an extended daily basis. Ability to safely walk rights-of-way, traversing difficult terrain under all weather conditions. Available 24/7 to respond to emergency situations, both single event and longer duration events. Must be cognizant of hazards associated with driving and walking circuits through diverse terrain. Exposure to chemicals, electrical energy, and noise. When in field must access and evaluate work activities along rights-of-way, in potentially severe weather, over distances which may exceed several miles. When in field, exposed to line clearance workers operating heavy equipment, working overhead in and around energized high voltage equipment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. This policy affects decisions including, but not limited to, hiring, compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, opportunities for promotion, transfer, layoffs, return from a layoff, training and development, and other privileges of employment. An integral part of Duquesne Light Holdings' commitment is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning equal employment and affirmative action.

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at HR@duqlight.com and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.