Consulting Utility Forester | Tallahassee / Monticello, FL

About the Role

The Forestry Specialist reports to the Operations Manager at ACRT Inc. This position plays a key role in identifying, inspecting, and evaluating trees and brush along utility lines, submitting inspection results to clients with recommendations, and coordinating tree clearance crews. It requires a love for working outside, excellent attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Vegetation Inspecting & Management:
  • Identify and inspect local trees, demonstrating an understanding of growth rates.
  • Map out 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 prescriptions into hand-held computers or similar systems.
  • Notify property owners of tree trimming/tree and brush removal work to be performed according 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.
  • Lead storm restoration efforts and special initiatives.
  • Serve as a vegetation observer in helicopter patrols as requested.
• Tree Trimming Assessments:
  • Audit tree trimming and tree removal work completed by contractors to ensure compliance with work request forms and approved standards.
  • Determine when the next tree trimming is required.
  • Complete post-audit forms indicating the adequacy of the work and forward them to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator.
• Compliance:
  • Conduct training on proper quality assessments.
  • Obtain permits from public agencies and document work.
  • Comply with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards.
  • Perform emergency response duties as needed, adhering to safety requirements, laws, and regulations.
  • Conduct safety and productivity audits, quality assurance, and quality control assessments.
• Relationship Building:
  • Serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers.
  • Maintain positive relationships with local client personnel and relevant federal, state, and local agencies.
  • Participate in public presentations and meetings as required.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Education: Associate’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Biology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience: High School Diploma or GED required; may substitute 5 years of experience in lieu of a High School Diploma or GED.
  • 2 years of utility vegetation management experience.
  • ISA Utility Specialist Credential and state-issued Pesticide license.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field.
  • Experience: 3 years of utility vegetation management experience.
• Desired 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 drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle.
  • Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, and work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with senior management, customers, and clients.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to exercise good judgment.
  • Strong understanding of FAC-003.
  • Proven ability and knowledge of project management.

Not a Good Fit If

• You do not enjoy working independently.
• You do not enjoy working outdoors.
• You are not comfortable driving a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle.
• You are not comfortable interacting with customers via phone calls and email consistently.

Additional Information

Drug testing is required. Office employees will take their company-provided vehicle to their reporting location for the day, generally not needing to report to an office.