Line Clearance Arborist Lead

Line Clearance Arborist Lead

Position Concept: Lead effort to ensure safe, efficient, and cost‑effective line clearance for construction and maintenance of Tampa Electric Company’s transmission and distribution systems. Drive change, promote continuity of oversight, and manage contractors, budgets, equipment, and methodology. Coordinate daily clearing for new construction, maintenance activities, and vegetation programs.

• Perform Line Clearance Arborist duties (30%)
• Serve as Line Clearance subject‑matter‑expert on FERC/NERC/FRCC and Florida PSC matters; prepare Transmission Vegetation Management Plan, Annual Storm Hardening Report, and related audits (10%)
• Act as departmental expert on industry trends, conduct data analysis of metrics, and maintain work specifications (10%)
• Independently manage large projects and road widenings: contract development, price negotiation, and field management; coordinate right‑of‑way activities beyond line clearance (10%)
• Recommend to management on governmental and community relations, application of standards, and budgeting; build relationships with local agencies and stakeholders; assist Land Use Committee and pursue industry awards (20%)
• Mentor Line Clearance Arborists on crew work, contractor resource allocation, performance standards, and call‑out response (10%)
• Participate in mutual‑assistance storm trips and support the Line Clearance Manager as needed (10%)

Indirect supervision of line clearance contracted employees, ensuring quality, safety, and productivity. Acts as liaison between TEC and contractors to resolve daily concerns.

Key internal relationships with Energy Delivery departments (Planning & Scheduling, System Service, Distribution & Transmission Engineering, Project Management, Joint Use, Lighting). External relationships with Community Relations, Customer Service, Regulatory, Real Estate, Contracts, Environmental, and Telecommunications.

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Horticulture, or related field preferred.

Certification/Licenses: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist or Utility Specialist certification required; must obtain within one year. State of Florida ROW herbicide applicator license preferred.

Experience: Minimum 3 years performing duties of a Line Clearance Arborist, managing contractors, and overseeing large projects; experience with FAC‑003 and FPSC guidelines preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Strong leadership, teamwork, negotiation, project management, contracting scope development, and contractor management. Expertise in NERC/FERC/FRCC compliance, FAC‑003, and Local, County, and State regulations. Proficient in communication, change management, and high‑stress decision making.

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) savings plan with company matching
• Pension plan
• Paid time off and holiday time
• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Tuition assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and bonus plan

Responding to storms is a condition of employment. Team members must participate in emergency response and recovery activities to maintain service to TECO Energy customers. Compensation will follow company procedures.

TECO Energy is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, unless otherwise protected by law. TECO Energy will provide reasonable accommodation for all qualified disabled individuals.

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants for pay inquiries or disclosures. The contractor may disclose pay information only in response to a formal complaint, investigation, or consistent with legal duty to provide compensation information.

The company will provide reasonable accommodation for all qualifying disabled employees and applicants. Applicants may request accommodation at least five business days before the required date. Pre‑employment physical exams may be required for positions with bona fide job‑related physical requirements.