Under general direction, plans and schedules work for tree crews engaged in pruning and removing trees on SMUD easements, and rights-of-way to maintain proper line clearance from high and low voltage power lines.
Nature and Scope
This is an advanced journey-level classification responsible for organizing, planning, and scheduling work for contract tree crews.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Patrols power lines in a designated area to determine management needs of vegetation located on private utility easements or publicly owned land.
- Negotiates with property owners for permits to prune or remove vegetation in close proximity to primary or secondary power lines, as well as other SMUD facilities.
- Performs post audit inspections to gauge compliance with SMUD's line clearance standards.Identifies construction alternatives, which improve reliability, most notably where trees are involved.
- When appropriate, schedules and recommends tree crew makeup and work to tree crews.
- Assists with SMUD's G.O.165 patrol program to assure compliance with CPUC mandated schedules.Assists tree crews as necessary; may perform non climbing, minor tree trimming work or services.
Required Education
- High School diploma or equivalent
Required Experience Qualifications
- Equivalent to two (2) years utility vegetation management work planning experience in an electric utility environment.
Required Licenses/Certificates
- Must possess and maintain a valid California Drivers License and a satisfactory driving record not more than two moving violations in the last two years.
- Arborist/Utility Specialist: Must possess a valid ISA Certified Arborist credential.
- Within one year of assuming the Vegetation Work Planner position, must achieve and maintain the ISA Utility Specialist credential.
Knowledge Of
Industry standards and practices pertaining to utility vegetation management; contract administration; G.O. 95; G.O.165: CDF requirements for line clearance; Transmission and distribution facility maps and symbols; OSHA and ANSI safety rules and work procedures related to energized line clearance tree pruning/removal work; tree identification, common names, growth habits and structure characteristics as to strengths; job planning; hazards involved in working in trees in the vicinity of high voltage lines; avoiding electrical shock;, first aid, and CPR; worksite protection requirements; and, hazard identification.
Skills To
Lay out, plan, and schedule work for contract tree crews; prepare written and/or computer-generated estimates for tree trimming and removal work; monitor tree work in progress and prepare post job audits; inspect and prepare reports on the condition of overhead transmission and distribution facilities; read Electrical facility maps and prepare preferred routes for tree crews; assist Lineworkers in construction, maintenance and repair of transmission and distribution lines, as it relates to vegetation management; identify and prepare work requests for line modifications which may potentially eliminate or significantly reduce tree trimming requirements; understand and follow oral and written instructions; read and understand safety procedures and training manuals on electrical theory; work in a safe manner; communicate effectively with co-workers and the general public; and operate SMUD vehicles safely and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Desirable Education
- Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ), and Professional Utility Vegetation Management Certificate University of Wisconsin certifications.
- Associates or Bachelor's degree in a natural resources related field (Arboriculture, Forestry, Environmental) desirable, but not required.
Desirable Qualifications
- Previous lead or supervisory experience equivalent to two years of utility vegetation management work planning experience.
- Knowledge of G.O.95 Rule 35, Public Resource Code (PRC 4292 & 4293), and Federal Regulatory requirements specifically (FAC 003) for Utility Vegetation Management.
Sacramento Municipal Utility District
6201 S St
Sacramento
California United States
www.smud.org
