Consulting Utility Forester

We are looking for an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values independence, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. If you have a desire to learn, adapt, and engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public, consider a career in vegetation management with ArborMetrics.

About the role

You will advance a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients. The role involves outdoor fieldwork, including foot patrol of energy corridors near power lines and pipelines, in both remote and urban environments.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Patrol Preparation
  • Review work sites for endangered species, sensitive habitats, and vegetation.
  • Organize records, maps, and paperwork for patrol circuits; maintain accurate documentation.
• Field Patrol Duties
  • Safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identifying vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per Client standards.
  • Conduct Tree Risk Assessments based on ISA pruning techniques and ANSI line clearance standards & principles.
  • Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with Client directives.
• 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).
• Certified ISA Arborist is highly preferred.
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or tree-related green industry preferred.
• Utility line clearance or tree trimming experience.
• 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

• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.

Working Environment

• Work with a team and alone; primarily in an outdoor field environment and/or low light conditions.
• Foot patrol of energy corridors in the vicinity of power lines and/or pipelines; remote locations as well as urban, city environments.
• Physical demands and travel from site to site, including:
  • 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.
• Other conditions may include working 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 make 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.
• Verbally communicate to exchange information with the public.
• See and hear in normal range with or without correction.
• Operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.

Benefits

• Day 1 of Employment (Full-Time Employees):
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • VOYA retirement plan.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• After 3 months:
  • 401K plan.
  • Life insurance.
  • Vacation accrual.
  • Short and long-term disability.
  • Paid maternity leave.
• Paid sick time.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• Performance incentive and referral bonus program.
• Company-sponsored boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees).
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.
• Industry competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.

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.