Consulting Utility Forester

We are looking for an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. If you are committed to safe, constructive interactions with the public and want a rewarding career in vegetation management, consider joining ArborMetrics.

About the role

As a Consulting Utility Forester, you will advance a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients. You will work both independently and as part of a team, primarily outdoors in various weather conditions and terrains.

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.
• 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 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 is primarily outdoors in field environments, including low-light conditions, energy corridors near power lines/pipelines, remote locations, and urban settings. Physical demands include:

• Walking/hiking up to 10 miles per day on various surfaces (flat, dry, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, steep, or unstable terrain).
• Exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, extreme weather (snow, ice, fog, humidity, high/low temperatures), hazardous traffic, animals, insects, and poisonous plants.
• Occasional indoor office work or vehicle travel.

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/shoulder movements (e.g., forcefully beat down brush).
• Carry, push, or pull light to heavy weights; frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (e.g., sandbags).
• Verbally communicate and exchange information with the public.
• See and hear within normal range (with or without correction).
• Operate field equipment, including handheld computers, range finders, fyrakes, water backpacks, shovels, and traffic cones.

Benefits

• Day 1 of Employment: Medical, dental, vision, VOYA, paid holidays, and EAP (Full-Time Employees).
• After 3 months: 401K, life insurance, vacation accrual, short- and long-term disability, and paid maternity leave.
• Paid sick time and 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.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.

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.