JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for effectively managing projects within a comprehensive Vegetation Management, Initial Clearing, and Civil Easement Programs, while utilizing a project management approaches. Ensures the successful implementation and execution of initial clearing of new transmission lines along with vegetation-related projects for Right of Way Provides support for Civil related functions and projects associates with TVA easements. Provides contractor oversight, monitors program performance, analyzes program results and identifies areas of opportunity. Develops and implements departmental strategies. Sponsors an environment that promotes safety, diversity and a high performance culture through continuous improvement. Promotes land owner and distributor relations through informed communication and professional interaction. Ensures accountability for environmental responsibility on transmission facilities. Supports storm and emergency response.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Manages Right-of-Way (ROW) initial clearing and vegetation management for existing lines and new lines associated with construction projects, with a priority of initial clearing for the assigned region with responsibility for an annual budget of approximately $2,000,000 and 1,000 miles of transmission facilities with direct and indirect responsibility for up to approximately 50 contract personnel simultaneously. Additionally, oversee all civil responsibilities associated with TVA’s easements. Typical Duties include the following but are not limited to:

• Preparation of estimates of maintenance costs and resource requirements in coordination with PMTM and ROW manager to establish and prioritize schedules to perform work within budget guidelines.
• Engage and communicate ROW issues at pre-construction meetings.
• Works closely with environmental support to ensure compliance with all necessary permitting agencies.
• Inspect rights of way for possible encroachments, vegetation threats, and determine requirements for control and methods of control for undesirable vegetation.
• Preparation and review of bid information and development of requisitions for awarding work to preapproved contractors.
• Planning, coordination, and direction of contractor activities to achieve efficient and effective vegetation control and removal for existing lines and new lines. Inspection of contractor work for safety, efficiency, effectiveness, quality, progress and adherence to contract specifications. Assessment of contractor performance with regard to productivity and effectiveness of work performed and assistance with contractor evaluations, including review of work practices, equipment condition and overall crew safety performance. Review of contractor work and time sheet information as well as invoices submitted for work performed; inspection of work completed and approval of final invoices upon completion of work.
• Ensures TVA’s right of way access and transmission line structure replacements along with removals and storm restoration activities meet required permits and contract specifications.
• Execution of a systematic quality assurance program to ensure acceptability of contractors’ operations and adherence to contract terms and conditions as well as TVA’s vegetation management guidelines/requirements.
• Identification of and compliance with state law and regulatory commitments for vegetation and easement related activities including acquisition of required permits. This includes translation of regulatory issues into practical work instructions for in-house and contract personnel.
• Communication with local, state and federal officials as well as identified environmental groups or agencies and property owners on proposed work and techniques to be used.
• Performance as liaison between the public and contractor.
• Communication with property owners concerning vegetation management, new line clearing, and civil related issues.
• Investigate damage claims for validity and verify estimates before submitting for review and approval.
• Inspects transmission line rights of way for possible encroachments on TVA easements and prepare detailed sketches of encroachments and disposition documentation.
• Verifies easement boundaries where necessary and the rights of all parties.
• Provides general information on easement rights to property owners and information/instruction to interested parties on methods to obtain public records of easement documents
• Inspects foreign line crossings and joint use requests from other utilities and coordinates foreign line crossing applications and utility attachment approval for the TVA Transmission System.
• Prepares initial field reports on local road or state transportation department projects that affects existing transmission lines and easements.
• Prepares documents and reports required by Notice of Intent to Use General Permits
• Researches easement requirements and resolves easement issues with federal, state, and local agencies, developers, railroads, indentified environmental groups and property owners.
• Prepares cost estimates and contractor resource requirements to establish right of way access for Maintenance and Construction Activities.
• Provides recommendations to management regarding best methods for right of way access and right of way.
• Work with environmental scientist in support of performing final inspection of like kind projects for right of way restoration required for environmental compliance.
• Oversee Contracted work associated with all easement type work. (ie. erosion projects, restoration, etc)
• Identify and provide input to management on critical lines in the sector i.e. radial feed or large amount of substation load.
• Assist other ROW Specialist as directed by ROW Manager
• Perform the function of staking structures as directed by ROW Regional Manager.

SKILLS AND PROFICIENCIES:

Strong knowledge of arboreal maintenance techniques and practices. Strong knowledge of Construction Clearing practices. Knowledge of line construction equipment. Knowledge of floor vegetation management techniques and practices including chemical selection and application. Ability to identify tree and plant species and knowledge of their growth characteristics. Strong communication skills, both written and oral in group and one on one settings. Demonstrated project management skills. Computer skills especially with Microsoft Office Suite applications. Knowledge of easement rights, landowner records, special use agreements. Ability to perform tree related interruption investigations, aerial and ground based vegetation inspections. Ability to negotiate volatile property owner disputes. Understanding of transmission line conductor response to loading and temperature. Ability to fly in helicopter for long periods of time. Ability to use basic survey equipment and perform surveying calculations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree in forestry, biology, civil engineering, or similar degree is preferred or an associate degree in forestry, biology, civil engineering with 2 years of related experience is preferable or equivalent education, training with 4 years of related experience. International Arborist Society certification desirable. Demonstrated experience in right of way activities. Experience in overseeing others in right of way related programs. Experience in herbicide applications, surveying, or contract management is desirable. Must be medically qualified and capable to fly in a helicopter, walk in rough terrain and work outside in all types of weather.
Equal Employment Opportunity
TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

• Preparation of estimates of maintenance costs and resource requirements in coordination with PMTM and ROW manager to establish and prioritize schedules to perform work within budget guidelines.
• Engage and communicate ROW issues at pre-construction meetings.
• Works closely with environmental support to ensure compliance with all necessary permitting agencies.
• Inspect rights of way for possible encroachments, vegetation threats, and determine requirements for control and methods of control for undesirable vegetation.
• Preparation and review of bid information and development of requisitions for awarding work to preapproved contractors.
• Planning, coordination, and direction of contractor activities to achieve efficient and effective vegetation control and removal for existing lines and new lines. Inspection of contractor work for safety, efficiency, effectiveness, quality, progress and adherence to contract specifications. Assessment of contractor performance with regard to productivity and effectiveness of work performed and assistance with contractor evaluations, including review of work practices, equipment condition and overall crew safety performance. Review of contractor work and time sheet information as well as invoices submitted for work performed; inspection of work completed and approval of final invoices upon completion of work.
• Ensures TVA’s right of way access and transmission line structure replacements along with removals and storm restoration activities meet required permits and contract specifications.
• Execution of a systematic quality assurance program to ensure acceptability of contractors’ operations and adherence to contract terms and conditions as well as TVA’s vegetation management guidelines/requirements.
• Identification of and compliance with state law and regulatory commitments for vegetation and easement related activities including acquisition of required permits. This includes translation of regulatory issues into practical work instructions for in-house and contract personnel.
• Communication with local, state and federal officials as well as identified environmental groups or agencies and property owners on proposed work and techniques to be used.
• Performance as liaison between the public and contractor.
• Communication with property owners concerning vegetation management, new line clearing, and civil related issues.
• Investigate damage claims for validity and verify estimates before submitting for review and approval.
• Inspects transmission line rights of way for possible encroachments on TVA easements and prepare detailed sketches of encroachments and disposition documentation.
• Verifies easement boundaries where necessary and the rights of all parties.
• Provides general information on easement rights to property owners and information/instruction to interested parties on methods to obtain public records of easement documents
• Inspects foreign line crossings and joint use requests from other utilities and coordinates foreign line crossing applications and utility attachment approval for the TVA Transmission System.
• Prepares initial field reports on local road or state transportation department projects that affects existing transmission lines and easements.
• Prepares documents and reports required by Notice of Intent to Use General Permits
• Researches easement requirements and resolves easement issues with federal, state, and local agencies, developers, railroads, indentified environmental groups and property owners.
• Prepares cost estimates and contractor resource requirements to establish right of way access for Maintenance and Construction Activities.
• Provides recommendations to management regarding best methods for right of way access and right of way.
• Work with environmental scientist in support of performing final inspection of like kind projects for right of way restoration required for environmental compliance.
• Oversee Contracted work associated with all easement type work. (ie. erosion projects, restoration, etc)
• Identify and provide input to management on critical lines in the sector i.e. radial feed or large amount of substation load.
• Assist other ROW Specialist as directed by ROW Manager
• Perform the function of staking structures as directed by ROW Regional Manager