Contract Forestry Specialist

About the Role

We are currently looking to add a Contract Forestry Specialist to our team! If you are an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, enjoys a fast‑paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ArborMetrics. Some of the most important characteristics of an AMS Contract Forestry Specialist are a desire to learn, an ability to adapt, and a commitment to engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public. You are accountable for advancing a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients.

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).
• 3+ years’ experience in the utility vegetation management industry.
• Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification.
• Proficiency with common computer applications and ability to learn new programs; experience with GIS software/technology, Microsoft Suite, and an iPhone.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• 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 (a plus).
• Bi‑lingual in Spanish (a plus).

Benefits

• Industry‑competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.
• Day‑1 medical, dental, vision, VOYA, paid holidays, and Employee Assistance Program (full‑time employees).
• After 3 months: 401(k), life insurance, vacation accrual, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid maternity leave.
• Paid sick time.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• Referral bonus program participation.
• Company‑sponsored boot and clothing program (full‑time employees).
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

Work primarily outdoors in field environments, including foot patrol of energy corridors near power lines or pipelines, remote locations, and urban settings. Conditions may involve low‑light areas, exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all weather extremes (snow, ice, fog, humidity, high/low temperatures). Additional hazards include hazardous traffic, wildlife, insects, and poisonous plants. Work may also be performed in a vehicle or limited indoor office time.

Physical requirements include walking up to 10 miles per day, standing, sitting, and operating a motor vehicle for prolonged periods; frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, running, crawling, climbing, reaching, twisting, grasping, and repetitive hand, arm, and shoulder movements (e.g., beating down brush). Ability to lift light to heavy items, frequently up to 10 lb and occasionally up to