Forester

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Vegetation Management
Manages vegetation in proximity to electrical facilities to promote resiliency of transmission services.

• Job Title: Forester

• Job Code: 6275

• Grade: 7

• Career Level: P3 – Career Professional

Requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems and takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works independently with minimal guidance and acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Scoping

• Performs safety audits

• Conducts job scoping

• Analyzes risks and prioritizes jobs based on urgency and location

Scheduling

• Plans, organizes, and oversees vegetation clearance activities

• Prioritizes work in alignment with department strategy

• Schedules contract crews

Vendor Management

• Ensures contract crew performance meets PGE standards and specifications

• Monitors crew productivity to ensure value relative to the statement of work

• Reviews and corrects tree pruning practices to ensure compliance with vegetation clearance policy

Consultation

• Advises regional engineering on vegetation clearance needs and issues for capital projects

• Represents the Forestry Department to contractors impacting or impacted by company operations

• Serves as a subject matter expert on projects

• Proactively analyzes issues and resolves complex problems in collaboration with stakeholders

• Coordinates herbicide applications with PGE transmission foresters

Coordination

• Coordinates vegetation clearance with line restoration crews during emergency periods

• Collaborates with regional line operations on maintenance and construction clearance needs

• Coordinates vegetation clearance and selective herbicide applications with city, county, and state agencies

Compliance

• Reviews new standards, regulations, and agreements

• Analyzes work processes to ensure compliance

• Adapts work direction to meet changing standards

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in earth science, horticulture, geology, forestry, natural resources, or a related field

• Equivalent experience may be considered

Experience

• Typically five or more years of experience in tree trimming, arborist work, nursery work, or related fields

• Experience must include vendor management and project management

Certifications, Licenses, and Training

• ISA Arborist Certification required at hire

• ISA Certified Utility Arborist and Oregon Pesticide Consultant certifications required within six months of hire

Functional Competencies

• Expert knowledge of forestry processes and procedures

• Thorough knowledge of forestry best practices, including tree trimming and herbicide/pesticide application

• Thorough understanding of regulations impacting vegetation management

• Strong knowledge of vendor management principles

• Intermediate critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills

• Working knowledge of database and documentation tools

General Competencies

• Intermediate decision-making skills

• Intermediate interpersonal skills

• Intermediate written and verbal communication skills

• Intermediate presentation skills

• Intermediate organizational awareness

Cognitive Level

Substantial — consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Cognitive Abilities

• Meet response times, deadlines, and time-sensitive tasks

• Maintain accuracy standards

• Follow through on decisions

• Collaborate effectively within a team environment

• Communicate and problem-solve under stress

• Adapt to frequent change

• Demonstrate self-awareness and accept constructive feedback

• Apply lessons learned to similar future tasks

• Maintain sound memory and process new information consistently

• Ability to work long hours (typically for exempt positions; overtime applies for non-exempt)

• Ability to work during severe inclement weather

• Ability to meet regular, reliable, and predictable full-time attendance standards

• Ability to work assigned shift schedules

Physical Capabilities

• Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
• Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)
• Lifting/pushing/pulling: More than 50 lbs.
• Carrying: More than 50 lbs.
• Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats) (check all that apply):
  • Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)
  • Confined spaces
  • Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
  • Stairs (over 10 steps)
  • Ladders (over 10 rungs)

Environment - Indoor/Outdoor (check all that apply):

• Office
• Field

Compensation Range:

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.

Join us today and power your potential!

Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.

PGE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Recruiter associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting [email protected] or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process. 

To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date.  Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.