Consulting Utility Forester

About the Role

We are seeking an energetic Consulting Utility Forester who enjoys working outdoors, values independence, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. This role involves vegetation management, public engagement, and ensuring safety and compliance in utility corridors. You will advance a culture of safety and excellence while delivering quality and value to our customers and clients.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Patrol Preparation
  • Organize records, maps, and paperwork for patrol circuits; maintain accurate documentation.
  • Review work sites for endangered species, sensitive habitats, and incompatible vegetation.
• Field Patrol Duties
  • Safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identifying vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per Client standards.
  • Classify prescribed work in accordance with field environment and tree condition, including use of herbicide.
  • Conduct Tree Risk Assessments and analyze growth rates.
  • Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with Client directives, ISA pruning techniques, and ANSI line clearance standards.
• Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Use digital tools and maps to identify property boundaries and landowner rights.
  • Communicate work plans to property owners, agencies, and organizations.
  • Obtain permissions for vegetation work from private/public landowners and agencies.
  • Provide professional customer service and foster positive community relations.
• Vegetation Management & Compliance
  • Recommend sustainable vegetation management strategies using IVM principles.
  • Audit contractor work for compliance with Client specifications.
  • Investigate tree-related outages and document findings.
  • Address customer service and internal compliance issues.
• Coordination & Safety
  • Coordinate non-routine work with stakeholders and contractors.
  • Report safety concerns, incidents, and hazards immediately.
  • Follow all safety protocols, including AMS Code of Safe Practices and wildfire prevention plans.
  • Operate vehicles safely and travel to assigned work areas.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Participate in storm and emergency response as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience (education may be required dependent on client contract).
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or tree-related green industry preferred.
• Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Experience with GIS software/technology, Microsoft Suite, and iPhone.
• Ability to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem-solving and multi-tasking abilities, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified ISA Arborist is a plus.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
• Utility line clearance or tree trimming experience.

Working Environment

Work with a team and alone, primarily in an outdoor field environment and/or low-light conditions. Responsibilities include foot patrol of energy corridors near power lines and/or pipelines, in remote, urban, or city environments. Physical demands and travel include:

• Walking/hiking on various surfaces (flat, dry, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills, slopes, dense vegetation).
• Exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all types of weather extremes (snow, ice, fog, humidity, high/low temperatures).
• Exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic/wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants.
• Occasional work in a vehicle or limited time in an indoor office.

Physical Requirements

• Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment.
• Walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods.
• Frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and perform repetitive hand, arm, and shoulder movements (e.g., forcefully beat down brush).
• Carry, push, and/or pull light to heavy amounts of weight; frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (e.g., sandbags).
• Operate assigned equipment and vehicles, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.
• Ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with the public.
• Ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction.

Benefits

• Industry-competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.
• Day 1 of Employment: Medical, dental, vision, VOYA, paid holidays, EAP (Full-Time Employees).
• After 3 months: 401K, life insurance, vacation accrual, short- and long-term disability, paid maternity leave.
• Paid sick time.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• Referral bonus program.
• Company-sponsored boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees).
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

About the Company

ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at AMS come from diverse backgrounds, including forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, and geography.

Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and criminal background check. All candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.