ABOUT US
At FortisAlberta we invest in our greatest resource – our people. As Alberta’s largest electricity distribution provider, we are positioned for growth. Each day, FortisAlberta employees strive to exceed customer expectations while maintaining a focus on our commitment to safety.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 9, 2024
TITLE: Forestry Field Representative (U24-256)
DEPARTMENT: Corporate Services
WORK LOCATION/OFFICE: Red Deer - Petrolia Park
STATUS: 01 Full Time - Salaried
NUMBER OF HIRES: 1

DESCRIPTION:
Under the general direction of the Manager Forestry the Forestry Field Representative is responsible for maintaining the rights-of-way of the distribution system in a condition that supports reliability, integrity and safety. By using good vegetation management practices, this position plans and coordinates the use of external contractors to clear new and maintain existing rights of ways. This includes also working with internal and external stakeholders including Field Operations and Design, timber management companies, municipalities, government agencies, aboriginal communities, rural electrification associations (REA’s) and private landowners.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):
Vegetation Management:
• Develop annual vegetation management plans for assigned area; this includes preparing cost forecasts and tracking budgetary and production burn rates.
• Provide working knowledge, expertise, solutions and training to internal departments within the company.
• Work with Field Operations and/or contractors to develop project plans and clear new rights-of-way.
• Assist with Environmental Field Reports/Supplements for new work on Crown lands.
• Obtain appropriate approvals or permits from government, stakeholders and private landowners.
• Coordinate patrols while maintaining a consistent application of FortisAlberta standards; this may include coaching Patrollers and contractors on brushing standards and quality of work.
• May be required to perform field work (i.e. manual trimming; slashing).
• Manage risk in the Green Zone; this includes planning hazard reduction initiatives such as the Hazard Tree Removal Program.
• Provide recommendations and assistance in the development and implementation of ongoing forestry environmental standards and strategies.
• Assist in the review, analysis and improvement of the effectiveness of existing environmental and land use practices as they pertain to evolving forestry provincial legislation, guidelines or best practices.
• Resolve day-to-day customer concerns and or complaints.
• Assist the Manager with long range planning (i.e. multi-year), budgeting and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Alberta Forestry and Parks/Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP)/Rural Electrification Associations (REA’s).
• Support in the review and execution of the yearly Wildfire Control Plan for the Forest Protection Area in consultation with internal and external stakeholders.

Contract Management:
• Develop and pre-qualify other contractors for construction projects.
• Schedule contractors and manage contracts for delivery of quality work, on time and to budget.
• Manage the performance of maintenance contractors: review and observe contractor work procedures; conduct safety audits and inspections of contractors; perform audits and inspections of contractor’s tools and equipment; report all contractor incidents and participate in investigations as required; review and approve contractor payment.
• Participate in startup meetings including either internal or contract staff.
• Maintain records in both electronic and hard copy; this includes instructing and ensuring contractors perform the appropriate records management.
• Resolve issues between private landowners and stakeholders; this includes recommending effective solutions that supports FortisAlberta’s commitment to superior customer service.
• Coordinate large work forces on specific projects (logging).
• Keep abreast of developments in the forestry industry; this may include applying new standards and developing new procedures.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Working knowledge of distribution operations systems and construction.
• Working knowledge of related regulations, standards, and codes.
• Familiarity with GIS/Mapping practices and technologies.
• Understanding of forestry related equipment and technical instruments commonly used in forestry task work (i.e. brushing).
• Strong customer services focus with a proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders; this includes excellent communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgment in leading daily activities and working effectively with a variety of contractors; this includes strong analytical skills required to resolve issues and evaluate possible solutions.
• Proven organizational and time management skills in order to manage multiple projects and competing demands.
• Strong computer skills with intermediate proficiency in Field View, Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Proven ability to both lead and work within a team environment; this includes leading by example in promoting and applying safe work practices.
• Experience training and mentoring

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Utility Specialist Certification plus a minimum of five (5) years of experience in a forestry-related role in the utilities industry is required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A valid class 5 Alberta Motor Vehicle driver’s license in good standing is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Degree or Diploma in Forestry or Natural Resources or a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) designation is considered an asset.
• A Certified Utility Arborist (CUA), Utility Tree Worker (UTW), or Utility Tree Trimmer (UTT) and/or Industrial Pesticide Applicator License is considered an asset.
• A Certified Utility Vegetation Management Professional Certificate is considered an asset.
• A Project Management certification is considered an asset.
• 3 years of experience managing external field contractors is considered an asset.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
• Due to the geographic distribution of FortisAlberta’s service territory, travel including overnights is required.
• This has been identified as a safety-sensitive position. All successful candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

TO APPLY TO THIS POSITION: Please submit your resume via the button below: "Apply"

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates to be considered for an interview will be contacted.

If you receive an error message when applying, please contact the system administrator at: Recruitment@fortisalberta.com