Manager - Vegetation Programme

This position is responsible for the establishment and implementation of the vegetation management strategy and objectives. The incumbent shall have responsibility for the planning, implementation, and the administration of the Integrated Vegetation Management Programme island wide.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the establishment and implementation of the vegetation management strategy and objectives. The incumbent shall have responsibility for the planning, implementation, and the administration of the Integrated Vegetation Management Programme island wide. This role involves managing a team of vegetation management professionals, coordinating work schedules, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve vegetation management objectives.

EDUCATION & SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES

1. Minimum of Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry, Environmental science/Biology or a related field.
2. Or Undergraduate degree in Engineering or equivalent discipline.
3. Professional ISA certification as a Utility Arborist or Utility Specialist Arborist would be an asset.
4. Working knowledge of Project Management theory and/or techniques,
5. Advanced knowledge of MS Office applications including Project, Excel, Word, Power Point and SharePoint.

 EXPERIENCE AND LEARNED DISCIPLINE

1. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in vegetation management and/or utility line management, three (3) of which should be at a senior supervisory level.
2. Knowledge of Electrical Power Systems Operations and Construction.
3. Knowledge of JPSCo’s technical systems and standards, operating policy and procedures and applicable safety standards.
4. Possesses working knowledge of how Vegetation Management affects the safety and reliability of the electrical system.
5. Familiarity with GIS databases and other geo-spatial systems.
6. Demonstrated ability to implement vegetation management methods, processes and procedures.
7. Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
8. Well-developed understanding of local environmental laws and regulation.
9. Knowledge of current vegetation management techniques and best practices.
10. Knowledge of applicable herbicide/pesticide regulations.
11. Demonstrated proficiency using all Microsoft Office applications.         

ELEMENTS OF MAJOR DUTIES 

1. Develops the strategy for vegetation management for the distribution rights of ways.
2. Executes vegetation management programs island wide and manage vegetation electrical line clearances on the Distribution System to prevent power outages and improve safety.
3. Manages compliance with regulatory requirements from various government agencies including NEPA and the Ministry of Local Government.
4. Works with Engineering Standards and Reliability & Central Planning Departments to develop suitable vegetation management standards and strategies to improve system reliability.
5. Adheres to the stipulations of the JPS Vegetation Management Policy and participate in revision of same when required.
6. Works with local emergency operation and maintenance personnel to address vegetation related referrals outages and requests.
7. Develops and manages annual budgets, plan trim cycles, develop bid packages for contractors.
8. Utilizes mechanisms to effectively measure achievement of system performance and customer satisfaction; continually reviews departmental performance and recommends appropriate measures for enhancement where necessary
9. Recommends and oversee development and implementation of systems, technologies, programmes, or processes to improve the efficiency of the operations.
10. Serves as the subject matter expert for all things vegetation related.
11. Explores sustainable and environmentally friendly methods for vegetation control.
12. Maintains accurate records of project activities, expenditures, and vegetation control methods.
13. Manages multiple work crews, schedules, equipment, and timelines.
14. Routinely monitors adherence to and participate in continuous review/update of safety and quality standards ensuring alignment to industry standards and relevance to specific environment; and initiates sanctions in cases of violation
15. Prepares routine operational reports