Line Clearance Estimator / Work Planner

Line Clearance Estimator / Work Planner   

Position Summary:

Provides timely and efficient audits that properly distribute the workload for future work priorities of the crew while maintaining operation schedule timelines, safety of the crew and employees and establishing timelines for project completion for the utility per contracted specifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Obtains oral or written permission/notification from property owner, municipal, business to trim, remove or apply herbicide to trees. Secures appropriate permits when necessary. Arrange with customer or property owner to obtain access and advise of any interruption if applicable. Explain work to be done and establishes timelines.


• Responsible for the maintenance and accuracy of all records and reports related to permission/notification from customer/homeowner to General Foreperson and crew personnel.


• Plans and lays out work for crew members. Considering factors such as the ability to get power equipment to locations, time required to complete work, clean-up time, equipment available, weather conditions and special instructions by customers/homeowners.


• Has an understanding and follow all applicable work methods pertaining to line clearance work.


• Inspect the right of ways to assess vegetation conditions and determine required maintenance.


• Responds to questions and concerns regarding work specifications and requirements.


• Inspects work completed by crew/contractors for compliance and utility specifications.


• Assists in the management of crew/contractors during storm restoration operations.


• Provides support and assistance on special projects assigned by the utility.


• May work on rough terrain due to nature of responsibilities.


• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.


• Requirement of the position - maintain a clear driving record for the ability to operator company vehicle.


• Strong computer skills necessary for this position.


• Overnight travel may be required on a temporary basis.

Safety Standards & Skills

• Able to identify Job Hazards, Job Briefings and Drop Zones.


• Able to identify tree species & proper procedures based on the nature of the layout.


• Identifies dangers in trees that pertain to co-workers working on ground or falling of limbs that might cause damage to yard ornaments, clothes lines, septic tanks, overhead lines, etc. & strategizes the best plan to make the removal/work safer.


• Knowledgeable of utility guidelines.


• Utilizes facial recognition via Motive biometric DashCam in company vehicles.

Noteworthy Behaviors

• Problem-solver


• Ability to communicate well with others


• Ability to work as part of a team when necessary


• Ability to work alone and adequately manage time for projects


• Organized


• Eagerness to learn

Most often a work planner works as a solo, independent employee. Depending on the location and terrain of the utility circuit being planned, some of the work may be actual walking the right of way, some may be visible and planned from a vehicle. Much of the planner’s time will be in a vehicle, navigating to and from the area to be planned. 

Stooping, bending, squatting – 5%

Driving or sitting – 50-60%

Walking – 25%

Standing – 10%

Computer work – 70 – 80%