QA/QC Forester | Oklahoma City, OK

ACRT, Inc. About The Team At ACRT, we put safety first. Beyond that, our culture always has been, and always will be, about one thing: people. It’s about our employees, our customers, and the communities our customers serve. We empower the best people to help sustain our world. We’re the only independent national vegetation management consulting firm — giving us the freedom to put our clients first. We’re always looking for driven individuals with good customer service skills who love the outdoors and appreciate the support and independence we provide. We offer qualified training opportunities in areas where they are needed to help our customers reach their fullest potential, preparing them for what their work throws at them. About the Role The Quality Assurance & Quality Control Consulting Utility Forester (QA & QC CUF) reports to the Senior Consulting Utility Forester at ACRT Inc, and is contracted specifically for OG&E. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional with an educational background in forestry, horticulture, arboriculture, environmental studies, conservation, or related disciplines and with experience in these fields and line of work. Our foresters perform identification, inspection, and evaluation of trees and brush along utility lines. This role is responsible for making sure that production meets a set of standards. Individuals will submit inspection results to clients with recommendations; plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of assigned tree clearance crews; discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues; and serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers. What You’ll Do Vegetation Inspecting & Management Identify and inspect local trees with an understanding of growth rates Map circuits using client continuity lists Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and prescribed work to be performed by client tree trimming contractors Enter tree trimming/tree and brush removal prescription into hand-held computer or other similar systems, and uses computers and associated software to perform duties Notify property owners of tree trimming/tree and brush removal work to be performed relating to client specifications Manage the issuance of work and track work progress Perform outage investigations, when necessary Discusses and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues Perform herbicide audits Assist with storm restoration efforts Tree Trimming Assessments Audit tree trimming and tree removal work completed by the tree trimming contractor in the field to ensure compliance with work request forms and approved tree trimming Determine when the next tree trimming is required Complete post audit forms indicating adequacy of the tree trimming and tree removal work, and forward the completed forms to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator Maintain State, Local, & Organizational Compliance Obtain permits from public agencies and documents work Comply with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards As requested by the Senior CUF or Manager, perform all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with all safety requirements, law and regulations, and applicable labor agreements Adhere to all attendance and work hour requirements Conduct work in a safety-conscious manner as not to endanger themselves or others Wear safety-related equipment such as hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, etc Know and exemplify ACRT’s Guiding Principles Positively Build Upon New & Existing Relationships Serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers Display optimism about the work to be done and demonstrate a positive attitude towards customers, peers, and the company Maintain working relationships with local client personnel as well as all relevant federal, state and local governmental agencies May be required to participate in public presentations and meetings Other duties as assigned. About You Must haves: Education: 2-year or 4-year degree in forestry, horticulture, environmental science or closely related field OR in lieu of a degree, high school diploma plus 2 years of experience in Utility Vegetation Management or other related field (Ex. general Right-of-Way management, Integrated Vegetation Management, nursery work or timber cutting, etc.) Experience: Vegetation management experience; Valid driver's license Nice to haves: Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or Horticulture Experience: One year of experience on the Oncor VM System. ISA Certification and TDA Pesticide Applicator’s License is a plus; Experience working with GIS integrated data collection software/hardware preferred Your Skills: Ability to learn and use company or job-specific software systems Ability to multi-task and strong time management skills Proficiency with Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook] or similar software suite Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rates Ability to work in varied terrain and inclement weather with flexible schedules (available nights and weekends as needed) Ability to read and follow maps Ability to drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, work independently and as a team , self-motivated, organized, and production oriented Excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfortable interacting with senior management, customers, and clients Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to exercise good judgement to make good business decisions Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is a plus Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is a plus Comfortable working in an independent environment and managing a geographical area for all vegetation related activities Ability to work with stakeholders, utility customers and line clearance vendors and have excellent interpersonal skill; This role would not be a good fit if: You do not enjoy working independently or working outdoors Are not comfortable driving a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle You do not have the ability to calmly communicate with customer conflicts Employee Training Employee will need to obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification as an Arborist within thirty (30) months upon being assigned as a CUF All employees are required to take an online safe driver course and safety training. Drug/Alcohol Testing:  Drug/alcohol testing is required  Where We Work Employees will take their company provided vehicle to where they need to report for the day. They will generally not need to report to an office. Benefits Health and Safety Group health plans including medical/prescription, dental, vision and a variety of other coverage options offered Company paid group life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability Flexible Spending Accounts or an option for a Health Savings Account with company match Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and eligible family members Retirement Automatic enrollment in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost Roth or Traditional 401(k) Retirement plan with company match Time Off Paid Vacation Paid Holidays Veterans Day paid time off for our veterans Perks Company vehicle and gas card Meal and travel per diems (allowances) Boot allowance Certification reimbursement program We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@acrtinc.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) From coast to coast and everywhere in between, ACRT Services and its family of companies is looking to hire the industry’s best talent. We’re looking for independent, self-driven people who turn challenges into solutions. People who want to use their careers to help utilities keep their customers in power. People who want to help us sustain our world. If that’s you, then we want to talk. Explore our open positions now, and start a career that can make a difference for others nationwide. Our mission, vision, and guiding principles collectively form the foundation of ACRT Services’ identity, direction, and values. Each serves a distinct purpose in shaping our company’s purpose, aspirations, and behaviors. Our guiding principles are the bedrock upon which our actions and decisions are built: Accountable to self and others Customer and company fairness Responsibility of ownership Trustworthy in all things These guiding principles are not just words on paper; they are the pillars of our corporate culture, shaping our behavior and decisions in every aspect of our work. Our mission is to engage the best people and make them better to foster resiliency, environmental stewardship, compliance, stakeholder partnerships, and safer communities. This mission is the cornerstone of our work. It reminds us every day why we do what we do. In our mission, we see not just a duty but a calling, a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of communities, protect our environment, and empower the future. ACRT Services is committed to excellence in utility vegetation management and utility and environmental services and in doing so, contribute to the safety and resilience of our power infrastructure. Our vision is to be the leader for innovation and industry-shaping solutions within the infrastructure and environmental space. This vision drives us to innovate and find new ways to harmonize nature and technology. We aspire to be leaders in creating sustainable solutions that balance the needs of the environment and the demands of modern society. ACRT Services and our family of companies are fully committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. We seek to hire and empower the best people, providing exceptional service no matter where and when duty calls. We also believe in our people and invest in them through continuing education and believe in a positive, active workplace culture. If you require reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process due to disability, you may submit your request by calling 800.622.2562. For additional details please use the link provided below. careers.acrt.com/careers/job-listings Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities