About This Position

 

The Contract Inspections Distribution Vegetation Management (VM) team is comprised of 12 field staff who oversee 6 or more contractors, representing 50–100 crews performing work for the Austin Energy Vegetation Management Program. The Line Clearance Coordinator (LCC) will support the management of newly approved FY24 VM Distribution contracts and additional contractor resources, assisting with work management, contractor invoicing, auditing, and quality assurance for both Distribution and Transmission operations. Key responsibilities include tracking and reporting contract expenditures, reviewing and approving contractor invoices, resolving customer issues and negotiations, directing contracted crews during storm restoration, participating in project design and scheduling to minimize tree-line conflicts, and engaging in public meetings to educate customers on Austin Energy’s line clearance program and standards.

 

Job Description:

Coordinator, Line Clearance

Purpose: 

Under general direction, this position is responsible for coordination, oversight, and inspection of electrical line clearance activities, including contractors within the Austin Energy (AE) service area.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: 

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Coordinates, oversees, and inspects contracted crews field activities in the clearance and removal of vegetation that may interfere with the transmission and distribution of electricity.

• Reviews and approves contractor crew expenditures.

• Tracks and monitors contractor progress on individual projects. Monitors and manages the productivity of contractor crews to meet established work standards and improve cost effectiveness and efficiency. Directs contracted crews during storm restoration as needed.

• Communicates AE's Pruning Specifications, Shigo's principles, and required modifications to customers, staff, and contracted forces.

• Meets and negotiates with customers to educate and obtain AE clearance standards.

• Attends public meetings to educate and inform customers about AE line clearance program and standards.

• Provides input on assigned contractor performance evaluations, sets schedules, and assigns tasks within the scope of assigned projects.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: 

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of construction types, techniques and equipment common to electric utilities.

• Knowledge of electric utility line clearance equipment and techniques.

• Knowledge of local tree species and special considerations and constraints associated with their management.

• Knowledge of all processes within the Utility Forestry Section.

• Knowledge and skill in integrated vegetation management.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with internal and external customers.

• Skill in using computers and available software packages to manage work activities.

• Skill in negotiating among the diverse perspectives of internal and external customers.

• Ability to exercise sound judgement, tact, and diplomacy in all public contacts.

• Ability to plan work and allocate resources effectively and efficiently.

• Ability to work in stressful situations and adverse weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job.

• Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required: 

• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.  Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.

• Current certification from International Society of Arboriculture.

• Licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture for pesticide application or ability to acquire license within 180 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance maintenance programs.

• Customer Service experience with problem solving and resolutions with Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance maintenance for a diverse set of stakeholders (City Council, environmental, neighborhood groups and utility customers.

• Experience planning, monitoring and approving vegetation Management work performed and completed by contracted Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance Crews.

• Experience working with Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance program staff members from a governing electric utility company or consulting arborists within Transmission and Distribution Energized Line Clearance program.

 

Notes to Candidate:

Salary is commensurate with experience and the approved salary range.

Schedule: Monday - Friday (6:30AM - 3:00PM)

Location: 2500 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741 (SCC)

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. 

• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.

• Responses to supplemental questions regarding experience should also be clearly documented in the ‘Experience’ section of the main application.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.

• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.

• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.

• To ensure a thorough evaluation of your qualifications, please answer all applicable questions in the questionnaire section completely. Incomplete, brief, or one-line responses may not provide enough detail and could impact your eligibility to move forward in the selection process.

• Current City of Austin employees must submit their application through ‘Job Hubs’ in Workday to be considered.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution

• This position may require a criminal background investigation.

Good Standing Employees

Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and all of the preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview. Department/division employee must remain in Good Standing through the Top Candidate Selection phase at which time the Good Standing status will be re-verified. 

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a Valid Texas Class "C" Drivers License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Safety Standards. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Work Schedule:
This position is designated as Essential Personnel with the City of Austin and may be required to work during emergencies, severe weather, or other operational needs, including when not regularly scheduled.

• Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, call back, and additional hours outside the regular schedule.

• Shifts may change based on departmental or business needs.

• This position is eligible for on-call and call back pay, as applicable.

• Employees are required to follow all applicable City policies, procedures, and work rules related to on-call and call back assignments.

Fair Labor Standards Act:

This position is considered FLSA non-exempt. Non-exempt employees will be compensated for any additional hours worked when such compensation is required by law.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system" at the end.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

 

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

 

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

 

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.