Forestry Journeyman-EnerStar

Company Description

EnerStar Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative that is locally owned and controlled by its members. The cooperative powers the lives of more than 5,300 homes and businesses in east-central Illinois. It operates over 1,500 miles of lines in Clark, Coles, Douglas, Edgar, and Vermilion counties. The headquarters are located in Paris, IL.

Electric cooperatives are member-owned, not-for-profit businesses that provide electricity and related services to their members. They are distinguished from investor-owned utilities by their cooperative structure, where profits are returned to members rather than shareholders. Electric co-ops were initially formed to bring power to rural areas where investor-owned utilities were not providing service. 

Here's a more detailed look at electric cooperatives:

• Member-owned:

Unlike traditional utilities, electric cooperatives are owned and controlled by the members they serve. 

• Not-for-profit:

Any margins (profits) are returned to the members, often in the form of capital credits, rather than going to shareholders. 

• Community focused:

Electric cooperatives are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, with a focus on providing reliable and affordable electricity, as well as supporting local initiatives and economic development. 

• Democratic control:

Members have a voice in the cooperative's operations through democratic member control, and elect fellow coop members to serve on the board of directors. 

• Rural focus

Electric cooperatives were instrumental in bringing electricity to rural areas where investor-owned utilities were not present. That commitment to rural communities continues today.

Position Purpose/Summary

The Forestry Journeyman assists in leading the cooperative’s efforts in the clearing of right-of-way of electric power lines to minimize storm and short-circuit hazards by performing these essential duties.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions of the job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the execution of an annual vegetation management plan for the cooperative.
• Supervises the work of other forestry team members, in the absence of the Forestry Foreman and Assistant Forestry Foreman.
• Assists to ensure that each forestry team member is equipped with the training and PPE required to perform the tasks assigned to them.
• Performs vegetation management practices including, but not limited to, spraying, tree trimming, brush cutting, chipping, and debris clean up.
• Operates power-driven machinery such as chain saw, hydraulic pruning equipment, gasoline-powered hedge trimmer, stump grinder, chipper, chemical sprayer, mower/bush hog, and/or similar equipment.
• Applies knowledge of modern tree trimming and tree surgery techniques, as well as vegetation management hazards and safe work practices.
• Prunes trees to eliminate hazards and to preserve tree health.
• Applies herbicides in accordance with applicable rules/statutes, as required.
• May be required to drive equipment requiring a Class A CDL license.
• Demonstrates proper care/maintenance of specialized tools and equipment.
• Communicates effectively with members regarding the value of EnerStar’s vegetation management practices on an as-needed basis
• Offers recommendations that have the potential to improve safety, efficiency, or best work practices related to vegetation management.
• Must be willing to participate in safety meeting and take part in continued education on and off-stie which may require overnight stays.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position may supervise the Forestry team in the absence of the Forestry Foreman and the Assistant Forestry Foreman.

Education and Experience

• Qualified candidate must have High School Diploma or GED
• Have worked in the field of forestry/vegetation management for a minimum of 4000 hours and provide proof of same
• Must have a current Class A CDL license.
• Must hold a Journeyman Card.
• Must exhibit proficiency/competency to climb.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to use hands and arms.
• Regularly stand; walk; sit; climb; balance; stoop; kneel; crawl; talk; hear, twist, pull and push
• Occasionally lift up to 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required such as close vision; distance vision; color vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.
• Must wear PPE as required to perform task
• May be working in close proximity to energized high voltage lines

Work Environment

• Exposed to all outside weather conditions
• Exposed to moving items at various heights
• Exposed to airborne particles
• The noise level is moderate

Additional information:

A comprehensive benefit package is available.  This is not an exhaustive list:

* 401K-traditional and Roth-employer and employee eontributions

* Defined Pension-employer contributes for employee

*Clothing allowance

*Health, dental and vision insurance

*11 Holidays per year

*Life insurance paid for by EnerStar with more available with employee payroll deduction 

*Very generous vacation and sick leave

*and much more