Region Forestry Mgr Jobs

Position Summary:
Provide leadership and oversight of the Forestry department and the implementation of the vegetation management program(s). Implement continuous improvement and lean practice expectations, including metrics and performance improvement frameworks, for both AEP employees and contractors. Develop and execute new program strategy initiatives to ensure ongoing focus on customer experience improvement. Responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key residential communities /cities and SMB accounts, regulatory, governmental and other public authorities and organizations regarding the company's vegetation management activities. Communicate with key stakeholders as determined by organizational strategy and risk avoidance initiatives throughout the Operating Company service territory. Responsible for community outreach associated with forestry and distribution line contractor projects as assigned.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Oversees and ensures the planning and execution of the vegetation management program(s), including management of Forestry staff and contractors; as well as the Distribution vegetation management program budget(s):
a. Direct reports include Regional Forestry Supervisors. Indirect reports include Utility Forester Associates, Utility Foresters, Utility Forester Seniors and Administrative Assistants; as well as Vegetation Management Contractors and associated Work Crews.
b. Collaborates with Transmission Forestry management and staff to ensure coordination of efforts associated with the vegetation management program with a focus on trouble trees Out of Rights-of-Way.
c. Accountable for planning the annual vegetation management program schedule and ensuring the plan is accurate, timely, and efficiently completed within budget.
d. Liaison to the AEP Regulatory group for vegetation management and assists with the development of vegetation budget incorporated in the regulatory filings.
e. Ensures all expenses are charged in accordance with AEP accounting policies and coordinates the development of the annual O&M and capital budgets for distribution vegetation management; monitors budgets throughout the year to ensure compliance with assigned spending levels and work plans.
f. Coordinates the development and recommends for approval, all policies, practices and procedures pertaining to distribution vegetation management activities; coordinates the development and implementation of new vegetation management methods and technologies to be used in performing vegetation management work and makes recommendations regarding their use.
g. Assists in the development and maintenance of contract specifications and bid documents for vegetation management and distribution system construction work. E
2. Executes the Distribution Vegetation Management Program strategy: implements new program initiatives to ensure ongoing focus on customer experience improvement.
3. Drives changes in the process so that results are achieved and customer expectations are met or exceeded:
a. Fosters continuous improvement efforts for both internal employees and contractors.
b. Meets or exceeds performance goals, measures, and targets in support of company strategy.
4. Strategically builds and maintains key residential and business community contacts and relationships.
5. Serves as a liaison between Forestry, Contractor Support, Project Management, Customer Service, Community Affairs, and Corporate Communications, to ensure optimum customer experience.
6. Develops and coordinates communication plans associated with forestry and distribution line contractor projects.
7. Anticipates, forecasts, procures, and allocates resources based on organizational goals and on-going capital project schedules to mitigate operational risk.
8. Strategically builds, maintains, and manages key account relationships as needed. Assigned key accounts may change based on organizational needs and operating company strategy.
9. Promotes and enforces adherence to the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs to safeguard employees, the general public, business partners and Company property with a focus on Commitment to Zero Harm.
#APCO

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Engineering, Communications, Forestry, or other related degree preferred and Ten (10) years’ experience in Utility Forestry, Customer Services, Community Relations, Finance, Forestry, Engineering, Project Management or other supervisory experience.
or
Associate's Degree in one of the above listed fields and Twelve (12) years’ experience in Utility Forestry, Customer Services, Community Relations, Finance, Forestry, Engineering, Project Management or other supervisory experience.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Demonstrated leadership skills.
Travel throughout the operating company required.
Strong employee and customer relationship building skills.
Innovative and creative conflict management building skills.
Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to build strategic internal and external relationships.
Working knowledge of financial and economic analysis, project and risk management.