Consulting Utility Forester

About the role

We are seeking an energetic Consulting Utility Forester/Work Planner to join our team. Ideal candidates enjoy working outdoors, value independent work, thrive in fast-paced environments, and are committed to safety and excellence. This is an evergreen opportunity; while there may not be an immediate opening, we will keep your information on file for future roles that align with your experience.

Responsibilities

Field Patrol Duties

• Safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identifying vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per client standards.
• Classify prescribed work based on field environment and tree condition, including herbicide use.
• Conduct Tree Risk Assessments and analyze growth rates.
• Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with client directives and 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 Integrated Vegetation Management (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 depending on client contract).
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or a tree-related green industry preferred.
• Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification.
• Knowledge of common computer applications and ability to learn new programs.
• 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 multitasking abilities, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Work Planner Responsibilities

• Identify and report safety hazards, incidents, and unsafe conditions.
• Follow AMS safety standards, including safe driving, wildfire prevention, and injury prevention protocols.
• Safely drive to work sites and hike rights-of-way (up to 10 miles/day).
• Inspect and document vegetation work (pruning/removal) at customer properties.
• Record vegetation data using tablets and specialized software.
• Use forestry computer systems for data entry and tracking.
• Address customer concerns and complaints regarding vegetation work promptly.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, auditors, clients, contractors, landowners, and the public.
• Participate in storm and emergency response duties as needed.

Work Planner Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of Utility Vegetation Management experience.
• Knowledge of tree species identification, hazard tree assessment, invasive species management, and tree growth patterns.
• Ability to hike/walk rights-of-way and drive for extended periods.
• Knowledgeable about Utility Vegetation Management practices.
• 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 multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and adaptability.

Preferred Work Planner Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist certification.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Benefits

• Industry competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.
• Day 1 benefits for full-time employees: Medical, Dental, Vision, VOYA, Paid Holidays, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• After 3 months: 401K, Life Insurance, Vacation Accrual, Short- and Long-term Disability, Paid Maternity Leave, Paid Sick Time.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• Participation in Referral Bonus Program.
• Company-sponsored boot and clothing program (full-time employees).
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

Working Environment

Work involves a mix of team and independent tasks primarily outdoors, including energy corridors near power lines or pipelines, remote and urban locations, and varying weather conditions. Physical demands include walking up to 10 miles per day on diverse terrain, exposure to noise, dust, smoke, and all weather extremes, and occasional encounters with hazardous traffic, animals, insects, and poisonous plants. May include limited indoor office time.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods.
• Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, running, crawling, climbing, reaching, twisting, grasping, and repetitive hand/arm/shoulder movements.
• Ability to carry, push, and/or pull light to heavy weights; frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs.
• Operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, drip torch, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.
• Verbal communication to exchange information with the public.
• Normal range of vision and hearing with or without correction.