Contract Utility Forester

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 resources, and environmental sciences.

About the role

As a Contract Utility Forester, you will work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, outdoor environment. The role involves vegetation management along energy corridors, public engagement, and ensuring compliance with client and industry standards. You will advance a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality service to our customers.

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 based on field environment and tree condition, including herbicide use.
  • Conduct Tree Risk Assessments and analyze growth rates.
  • Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions using 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 Integrated Vegetation Management (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 a related discipline, or equivalent work experience (education may be required depending on client contract).
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or a tree-related green industry preferred.
• Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification.
• 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.
• Bilingual (Spanish).
• 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 daily on varied terrain (flat, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, steep, or densely vegetated).
• 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-based tasks.

Physical Requirements

• Sufficient mobility to work in a field environment, including prolonged walking (up to 10 miles/day), standing, sitting, and driving.
• Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, running, crawling, climbing, reaching, and twisting.
• Repetitive hand, arm, and shoulder movements (e.g., forcefully beating down brush).
• Ability to lift/carry/push/pull light to heavy weights (frequently up to 10 lbs., occasionally up to 60 lbs., e.g., sandbags).
• Normal vision and hearing (with or without correction) to exchange information and operate field equipment (handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, traffic cones).

Benefits

• Industry-competitive pay with a weekly pay cycle.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.
• Day 1 Benefits (Full-Time Employees):
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • VOYA retirement savings plan.
  • Paid holidays and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• After 3 Months:
  • 401K, life insurance, vacation accrual, short- and long-term disability, and paid maternity leave.
• Paid sick time.
• Referral bonus program.
• Company-sponsored boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees).
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and criminal background check. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are required.