Regional Staff Forester I

Accountable for the daily management and coordination of NYPA's overall operations, including: Overseeing, monitoring, and evaluating the operational performance; directing the preparation of operating budgets and proposals for capital expenditure and investments in infrastructure, technology, equipment, systems, or other assets and resources; analyzing and approving operational investments that best meet the organization's business needs.

Manages regulatory compliance with NYPA's Transmission Maintenance Organization (TMO), identifies and coordinates research, and provides regulatory and project support Oversees and manages all elements of the annual work plan, inspection schedule, clearance conditions, State and Federal permit regulations, landowner concerns, public safety, contractor work forces, worker safety, and record keeping.

• Understand, communicate, execute tasks, and/or implement specific elements of the New York Power Authority's (NYPA's) NERC Reliability Standards Compliance program as defined in Business Unit Policies and Procedures established to support Corporate Policies CP 10-4 and CP 2-9.
• Plan, oversee and schedule all elements of ROW maintenance work to include Vegetation management and maintenance of access roads and gates.
• Use automated tools to assist in vegetation maintenance activities.
• Review bid documents and related budgets for ROW vendors.
• Oversee, manage and approve payment to vendors by (i) leveraging existing vegetation inventory and documenting the specific work, with agreed upon activities/estimates, supported in writing; (ii) documenting all field activities in GIS; and (iii) reconciling/validating the actual work as captured in the field to vendor invoices.
• Implement and maintain documentation methods for attestation of physical observation as well as actual work performed. Utilize applicable databases such as MRM and GIS to capture and reference pertinent data and document equipment and maintenance work critical to the associated programs for compliance.
• Utilize existing controls over ROW contract management.
• Effective and regular communication with ROW Manager, Line Supervisors, Real Estate Administrators, Environmental Engineer, NYPA vendors, regulators, landowners and when appropriate community entities in which the work is being performed.
• Ensure NYPA is in compliance with all regulatory permits and environmental regulations in and around the ROW.
• Develop job plans and packages by physically inspecting work sites and equipment. Plan work orders utilizing established methods and procedures coordinating with applicable staff and using credible estimates of labor, materials, etc. Ensure resources are provided in the timely manner so that work can be performed effectively, minimizing delays, increasing resource utilization within the budgetary constraints while improving quality. Schedule at optimal times and coordinate with internal and external customers for execution and generate work orders and provide to labor force for implementation and completion.
• Assist with the handling of landowner notifications, complaints and issues to ensure the success of the integrated vegetation management program.
• Ensure personnel are versed in safety and coordinate with other NYPA personnel to provide a safe work environment. Develop job safety analyses and work with applicable personnel for input.
• Provide oversight of annual budget. Begin to organize and present budgetary requirements and relative costs projected for the coming fiscal year.
• Maintenance of ROW including vegetation, access roads, substation bare ground maintenance and ensuring other related environmental aspects of transmission maintenance facilities.
• Develop relationships and administer work performed by multiple contractors; perform stakeholder management and positive community relations with landowners across NYS.
• Assist ROW Manager in preparation and defense of annual NERC self-certification, identifying and reporting on elements that may be appropriate for self-reports, and developing an overseeing the implementation of mitigation plans as necessary.
• Manage contracts and contractors.
• Assist other departments or projects with their vegetation management requirements.

• Aptitude and ability to perform job duties with an understanding of the NERC Reliability Standards and other appropriate federal, state and regional regulatory requirements, environmental health and safety laws, regulations and standards applicable to NYPA, as well as their relationship to ANYA's assets, policies and procedures.
• Ability to learn to prepare comprehensive and analytical documentation about compliance program and NYPA's implementation. Make any necessary recommendations for improvements or changes.
• Excellent written, oral and presentation skills.
• Ability to work with and influence all levels of the organization.
• Ability to conduct presentation and technical training to all levels of internal and external customers and maintain accountability for compliance with critical information.
• Understanding of conservation restrictions/easements, current use programs and other state management and land-use planning tools.
• Ability to act independently and take initiative.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage competing deadlines and multiyear contracts.
• Ability to analyze technical and administrative problems and develop effective and practical solutions.
• Understanding of the regulatory context in which environmental issues are managed and analyze operations and maintenance tasks for environmental impact and provide achievable options and technological solutions that minimize impacts upon ROW maintenance activities.
• Understanding of how the Authority interacts with other utilities and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, manuals pertinent to complex electrical, mechanical and civil works.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and schedule projects independently. Ability to ensure NYPA's preparedness for emergency response to system problems. Ability to manage numerous tasks, deadlines, and regulatory submittals simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and possess a professional attitude while leading groups and representing NYPA's interest with outside agencies.
• Ability to design, direct and review the work of contractors and consultants.
• Working knowledge of MS Office, GIS, GPS, Maximo, SAP, Datasplice and LiDAR computer programs

• Bachelors of Science in Forestry, Natural Resource Management or equivalent Environmental degree.
• Minimum of 4 years demonstrated progressive electric utility experience responsible for managing integrated vegetation management program over a large geographic area or equivalent.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified Arborist and Utility Specialist Certification or active pursuit of certification.
• NYS registered pesticide applicator license in category 6a (right's-of-way) or active pursuit of certification.
• Training credentials for federal and state regulation in this field.
• Supervisory experience or project lead preferred.
• Experience working in a union environment preferred.
• Valid NYS Driver's license.

• Ability and willingness to travel 100% primarily within NY State.
• Ability to walk, ride and drive on even and uneven terrain for prolonged, frequent periods.
• Ability to traverse the ROW (Right-of-Way), steep inclines, rough, heavy vegetative terrain.
• Ability and willingness to travel and attend training seminars in and outside of NYS.
• Valid NYS Driver's license.