Contract Utility Forester

We are looking for an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. Join our team in vegetation management and contribute to a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients.

About the role

As a Contract Utility Forester, you will advance a culture of safety and excellence while performing vegetation management duties in energy corridors. Key characteristics for success include a desire to learn, adaptability, and a commitment to safe, constructive public interactions.

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 in accordance with field environment and tree condition, including use of herbicide.
  • Conduct Tree Risk Assessments and analyze growth rates.
  • Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with Client directives and based on ISA pruning techniques and ANSI line clearance standards & principles.
• 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).
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or tree-related green industry preferred.
• 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.

Nice to have

• Certified ISA Arborist.
• Bilingual (Spanish).
• Utility line clearance or tree trimming experience.

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 including flat, dry, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills, and slopes.
  • Dense vegetation.
• Exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all types of weather extremes including snow, ice, fog, humidity, and low and high temperature conditions.
• Exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic and wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants.
• Other working conditions may include: 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.
• Ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with the public.
• Ability to 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

• Industry competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.
• From Day 1 of Employment:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • VOYA retirement savings.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• After 3 months:
  • 401K.
  • Life insurance.
  • Vacation accrual.
  • Short and long-term disability.
  • Paid maternity leave.
• Paid sick time.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• 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 a criminal background check. All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.