Supervisor, Forestry Management

Division: Asset Management - Electricity

Location: Edmonton, AB

Amazing team. Rewarding work.

Position Summary:

Always there. Anywhere. That's us! We are committed to delivering inspired solutions for a better world. We care about our communities, we care about each other, and we care about showing up for those who need us. We never break a promise, and we have the courage to do the right thing, even when it's hard. We take pride in holding ourselves to the highest standard of integrity and excellence in all that we do.

ATCO Electric's Climate Adaptation and Reliability (CAR) team is reshaping the future of utility resilience and reliability through fortifying our systems against the escalating impacts of climate change. In response to unprecedented challenges like wildfires and extreme cold events, our mission is clear: to lead the industry in climate resilience while ensuring uninterrupted, affordable energy for our customers. Our dynamic team will play a pivotal role in the design and construction of climate-resistant assets, elevating grid resilience, and implementing cutting-edge emergency management programs. By unifying existing climate strategies and forging new pathways, we aim to elevate ATCO Electric into the top tier of utility reliability nationwide.

With a focus on operational excellence and community engagement, we're committed to transforming challenges into opportunities. Join us as we revolutionize the landscape of utility reliability, safeguarding our infrastructure for generations to come. Together, we'll build upon our legacy of innovation and set new standards for excellence in climate adaptation and reliability.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Asset Management, this position is responsible for overseeing all business functions of ATCO Electric's vegetation management program. As part of the Asset Management team, Forestry Management is responsible for developing strategies, programs, capital budgets and operating budgets to manage vegetation on and off powerline right-of-ways in support of safeguarding ATCO Electric's infrastructure.

This includes regulatory filings and support for AUC applications, annual business case writing for business planning, and supporting compliance with AESO (NERC - FAC-003) vegetation standards, and ATCO Electric's requirements regarding its Wildfire Agreement with the Alberta Government. Additionally, this position oversees the group in managing various operational business planning functions such as using software tools like PowerBI to track and report on key operational metrics so the Forestry team can achieve key strategic goals. This position is also responsible to provide leadership for the scheduling, delivery, and implementation of annual O&M and capital maintenance programs on both Transmission and Distribution rights-of-way, including the pre-planning, monitoring, and tracking of operational cost control targets, and maintaining system safety and reliability.

Responsibilities:

• Manages, directs, and coordinates the Forestry Management group while establishing the link between the individual, group, and the departmental goals and objectives.
• Forecasts and plans labour requirements to successfully support the groups' activities while monitoring the development of a high-performance workforce through measurable objectives and assessment of performance against the objectives.
• Ensure effective training and development plans are created and implemented for employees.
• Provides direction and leadership to Forestry Management team on the application of health, safety and environment policy.
• Functions as a liaison between the employees and management to communicate issues or concerns around work methods, tools or equipment for their attention and contribution to safety and environmental compliance.
• Develop short-term and long-term vegetation management plans and schedules for Transmission and Distribution rights-of-way.
• Lead the creation of various business cases to support annual business planning activities.
• Lead ATCO Electric in its regulatory filings to the Alberta Utilities Commission as it pertains to vegetation management.
• Maintain and update a multi-year schedule and forecast for planning activities which ties to the multi-year plans for vegetation maintenance to ensure that future budgeting and operational execution is achieved.
• Provide monthly accruals and forecasts of O&M and capital maintenance programs and report to finance.
• Provide monthly reports on key business metrics.
• Monitors and reports on the group's performance and prepare recommendations for improvements.
• Manage ATCO Electric's compliance to FAC-003 and ensure commitments to its Wildfire Agreement with the Alberta Government are met through monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting on Forestry's compliance standards.
• Lead in the creation and updating of all Forestry business standards and procedures.
• Assist and provide directions to other ATCO groups on forestry initiatives and scheduled projects to ensure bundling opportunities and efficiency between the various departments at ATCO.
• Networks with other utilities to maintain consistency in the development and implementation of the Alberta Transmission Reliability Standards and best practices for vegetation management.
• Supports the creation and development of annual and multi-year contracts including negotiating contracts and service agreements; and
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• A degree in Forestry, Environmental Sciences or Business from a recognized post-secondary institute.
• Registered or eligible for registration with the Alberta Association of Forest Management Professionals.
• Experience managing staff, contractors and projects is an asset.
• A minimum of 10 years' experience on electrical systems and experience in project management is an asset.
• Experience administering and/or creating vegetation management plans is an asset.
• Experience in linear utility right-of-way vegetation management is an asset.
• Keen understanding of business processes, budget development, business planning and financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment while meeting multiple demands and priorities.
• Proficient in business or statistical applications such as PowerBI is an asset.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word and Excel; and
• Proficient in communication and business and technical writing.

What We Offer:

• A culture based on caring, integrity, agility, collaboration, and striving for excellence
• Competitive compensation
• Flex benefits
• Tuition assistance program
• Training and mentorship programs
• Charitable donation matching

At ATCO - Opportunities to progress professionally.

We would like to thank everyone for their application; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

ATCO Electric is part of ATCO Ltd. ATCO delivers inspired solutions for a better world. We are a diversified global corporation with investments in the essential services of Structures & Logistics, Utilities, Energy Infrastructure, Retail Energy, Transportation and Commercial Real Estate. Learn more about how we build communities, energize industries and deliver customer-focused solutions like no other company in the world at www.atco.com. ATCO is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Visit our website for more information.

Issued: January 27, 2025

Deadline: February 10, 2025