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. This role plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of assigned 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
  • Use computers and associated software to perform duties
  • Notify property owners of tree trimming/tree and brush removal work to be performed relating 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
  • Perform the role of 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 tree trimming standards
  • Determine when the next tree trimming is required
  • Complete post-audit forms indicating adequacy of the work and forward them to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator
• Maintain State, Local, & Organizational 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 all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with safety requirements, laws, regulations, and applicable labor agreements
  • Adhere to all attendance and work hour requirements
  • Conduct work in a safety-conscious manner
  • Wear safety-related equipment such as hard hats, safety vests, and safety glasses
  • Know and exemplify ACRT’s Guiding Principles
  • Conduct safety and productivity audits, quality assurance, and quality control assessments
• Positively Build Upon New & Existing Relationships
  • Serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers
  • Display optimism about the work and demonstrate a positive attitude toward customers, peers, and the company
  • Maintain working relationships with local client personnel and relevant federal, state, and local governmental agencies
  • Participate in public presentations and meetings as required
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Associate’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Biology, or related field or High School Diploma or GED (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
  • State-issued Pesticide license
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related field
  • 3 years of utility vegetation management experience

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 as well as in a team
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with senior management, customers, and clients
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to exercise good judgment to make sound business decisions
• Strong understanding of FAC-003
• Proven ability and knowledge of project management

This role may not be a good fit if you do not enjoy working independently, working outdoors, driving a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle, or interacting with customers via phone calls and email on a consistent basis.

Drug testing is required. Office employees will generally not need to report to an office but will take a company-provided vehicle to their work location for the day.