Consulting Utility Forester

About The Role

The Consulting Utility Forester (CUF) reports to the Senior Consulting Utility Forester at ACRT Inc. This position will play a key role in identifying, inspecting, and evaluating trees and brush along utility lines and submitting inspection results to clients with recommendations. This position plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of assigned tree clearance crews.

• Identify and inspect local trees with an understanding of growth rates
• Map circuits using client continuity lists
• Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and prescribed work to be performed by client tree trimming contractors
• Enter tree trimming/tree and brush removal prescription into hand-held computer or other similar systems, and uses computers and associated software to perform duties
• Notify property owners of tree trimming/tree and brush removal work to be performed relating to client specifications
• Manage the issuance of work and track work progress
• Perform outage investigations, when necessary
• Discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues
• Assist with storm restoration efforts
• Tree Trimming Assessments
  • Audit tree trimming and tree removal work completed by the tree trimming contractor in the field to ensure compliance with work request forms and approved tree trimming
  • Determine when the next tree trimming is required
  • Complete post audit forms indicating adequacy of the tree trimming and tree removal work, and forward the completed forms to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator
  • Maintain State, Local, & Organizational Compliance
  • Obtain permits from public agencies and documents work
  • Comply with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards
• Other duties as assigned.

About You

• Must haves:
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED required; may substitute 5 years of experience in lieu of a High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience: Two years of related utility experience
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Nice to haves:
  • Education: Associates Degree in Forestry or Horticulture
  • Experience: ISA Certification and TDA Pesticide Applicator’s License is a plus

Your Skills

• Ability to learn and use company or job-specific software systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook] or similar software suite
• Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rates
• Ability to work in rugged terrain and inclement weather
• Ability to read and follow maps
• Ability to drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, and work independently and as a team
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with senior management, customers, and clients
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to exercise good judgement to make good business decisions
• Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is a plus
• Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is a plus

What You Won't Be a Good Fit For

• You do not enjoy working independently or working outdoors
• You are not comfortable driving a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle
• You do not have the ability to calmly communicate with customer conflicts

Employee Training

All employees will need to obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification as an Arborist within thirty (30) months upon being assigned as a CUF. All employees are required to take an online safe driver course and safety training.

Benefits

• Health and Safety Group health plans including medical/prescription, dental, vision and a variety of other coverage options offered
• Company paid group life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts or an option for a Health Savings Account with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and eligible family members
• Roth or Traditional 401(k) Retirement plan with company match
• Time Off: Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays
• Veterans Day paid time off for our veterans
• Perks: Company vehicle and gas card, meal and travel per diems (allowances), boot allowance
• Certification reimbursement program

Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Employer

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.