EnerStar Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative that is locally owned and controlled by its members. The cooperative powers the lives of more than 5,300 homes and businesses in east-central Illinois. It operates over 1,500 miles of lines in Clark, Coles, Douglas, Edgar, and Vermilion counties. The headquarters are located in Paris, IL.

Electric cooperatives are member-owned, not-for-profit businesses that provide electricity and related services to their members. They are distinguished from investor-owned utilities by their cooperative structure, where profits are returned to members rather than shareholders. Electric co-ops were initially formed to bring power to rural areas where investor-owned utilities were not providing service. 

Here's a more detailed look at electric cooperatives:

• Member-owned:

Unlike traditional utilities, electric cooperatives are owned and controlled by the members they serve. 

• Not-for-profit:

Any margins (profits) are returned to the members, often in the form of capital credits, rather than going to shareholders. 

• Community focused:

Electric cooperatives are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, with a focus on providing reliable and affordable electricity, as well as supporting local initiatives and economic development. 

• Democratic control:

Members have a voice in the cooperative's operations through democratic member control, and elect fellow coop members to serve on the board of directors. 

• Rural focus

Electric cooperatives were instrumental in bringing electricity to rural areas where investor-owned utilities were not present. That commitment to rural communities continues today.

The Forestry First Step Apprentice team member assists in the clearing of right-of-way of electric power lines to minimize storm and short-circuit hazards by performing these essential duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs vegetation management practices including, driving and operating equipment along with chipping brush and clean up.
• Learn or have knowledge of knot and rope applications from the ground, active and progressive ground rigging, and tree felling techniques.
• Operates power-driven machinery such as chain saw, hydraulic pruning equipment, gasoline-powered hedge trimmer, stump grinder, chipper, chemical sprayer, mower/bush hog, and/or similar equipment
• Applies knowledge of modern tree trimming and tree surgery techniques, as well as vegetation management hazards and safe work practices
• Prunes trees to eliminate hazards and to preserve tree health
• Applies herbicides in accordance with applicable rules/statutes, as required
• Demonstrates proper care/maintenance of specialized tools and equipment
• Communicates effectively with members regarding the value of EnerStar’s vegetation management practices on an as-needed basis
• Offers recommendations that have the potential to improve safety, efficiency, or best work practices related to vegetation management
• Applies herbicides in accordance with applicable rules/statutes, as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform the essential functions of the job.

Education and Experience

• Qualified candidate must have High School Diploma or GED, familiarity with vegetation management with transferrable experience.
• Qualified Candidate may be required to attend continuing education training/classes that may require and overnight stay.

Certifications

• Must have a current class A CDL license
• Must obtain and maintain proficiencies/certifications related to all aspects of vegetation management
• Apprenticeship will be supported by the Northwest Line JATC apprenticeship program but will be monitored by EnerStar Electric Cooperative.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to use hands and arms
• Regularly stand; walk; sit; climb; balance; stoop; kneel; crawl; talk; hear
• Occasionally lift up to 100 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required such as close vision; distance vision; color vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Exposed to all outside weather conditions
• Exposed to moving items at various heights
• Exposed to airborne particles
• The noise level is moderate

Why Work for Us?

We recognize that quality employees are what it takes to provide our member-owners with quality services. That’s why we put extra emphasis on quality employee benefits.

When you work for us, you will have a career that you love providing impactful work, a culture of family, and work/life/balance round out the foundation of our work environment.

We offer competitive pay and amazing benefits such as a generous paid leave schedule including sick leave, PLAW and vacation, incredible health benefits, 401(k) match up to a certain %, and defined pension plan which is 100% employer paid, tuition reimbursement, clothing allowance and much more!  And, when you retire you will receive a large portion of your sick leave paid which provides more of a financial opportunity to do the things you love.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.