Consulting Utility Arborist

Atlas Field Services; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlas Field Services in Texas seeks a Consulting Utility Arborist with hands-on utility forestry and UVM field experience. You will supervise field programs, oversee hazard tree planning, and support various vegetation management initiatives across client sites.

The role requires independence in diverse terrain and compliance with safety standards. Candidates should have 3+ years UVM, 5+ preferred, and ISA/TRAQ preferred but not required; bilingual is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) experience; 5+ years preferred.
• ISA Certified Arborist designation and TRAQ are preferred but not required.
• Bilingual ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide field oversight across all client service territory for Tree Risk Assessment, hazard trees, and vegetation programs.
• Oversee contractor crews and conduct safety observations and audits.
• Support program guidelines, process improvements, and technology adoption in the field.
• Coordinate with clients, landowners, and public to communicate program details.
• Perform duties for emergency response per safety requirements.

Skills

UVM experience

Field experience

Tree identification

Map reading

Independent worker

Bilingual ability

Education

ISA Certified Arborist designation

TRAQ certification

Tools

Handheld computer/tablet

Range finder

Job description

Who You Are

You bring a seasoned, practical utility forestry background, with field-tested judgment developed through hands-on Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) experience. You're comfortable working independently across varied terrain and program areas, and you understand that demonstrated field experience carries more weight in this role than formal certifications alone.

Who You Are

You bring a seasoned, practical utility forestry background, with field-tested judgment developed through hands-on Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) experience. You're comfortable working independently across varied terrain and program areas, and you understand that demonstrated field experience carries more weight in this role than formal certifications alone.

Locations: Lewisville, Waco, College Station, Houston TX

Candidate Profile

• A seasoned, practical utility forestry background, with hands-on field experience weighted more heavily than formal certifications.
• Minimum 3 years of Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) experience; 5+ years preferred
• ISA Certified Arborist designation and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) are preferred but not required.
• Bilingual ability is preferred.

Scope Of Oversight & Support

The Consulting Utility Arborist provides field oversight across all of the clients service territory as assigned and supports the following program areas:

• Field oversight of the Tree Risk Assessment program implementation
• Field oversight of the hazard tree planners and supplemental programs
• Field oversight of Distribution, Transmission and other Fuel Management programs
• Contractor crew safety observations
• Contractor workforce work audits for planning and trimming contractors
• Emergent tasks as assigned by the client (customer tickets, operations support, etc.)
• Providing feedback on program guidelines and recommending process improvements
• Technology implementation support and promoting user adoption within the contract workforce
• Quality control/field validation of newly acquired remote sensing data for vegetation encroachments
• Capital project management and cost estimation in support of non-routine vegetation management utility operations

Additionally, The CUA Will

• Document information related to the client's vegetation management program
• Communicate regularly with the client, contractors, landowners, and the public
• Perform duties in a manner that promotes and maintains positive public relations
• Perform all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with applicable safety requirements, laws, and regulations
• Complete other special assignments as agreed upon by the clients Field Supervisors and Specialist teams, and assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned

General Qualifications

• Must possess strong tree identification skills and the ability to read maps
• Must have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong problem-solving capabilities, the ability to multi-task, and attention to detail
• Must be able to work independently, outdoors, in various weather conditions and terrain
• Must be skilled with technology and possess strong computer, tablet, and smartphone proficiency
• Capable of operating a 4x4 vehicle on rough roads

Physical Demands, Conditions, Work Environment

The physical demands, conditions, and work environment characteristics described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.

Work alone in an outdoor field environment; extensive vehicle operation and foot patrol of utility power lines; remote locations as well as urban, city environment; physical demands and travel from site to site, including walking/hiking on various surfaces including flat, dry, wet, slippery, uneven, rough, steep terrain, hills, and slopes; exposure to noise, dust, grease, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions.

Physical

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment:

• walk, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time;
• frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties;
• carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (5 to 10 lbs.);
• operate assigned equipment and vehicles;
• verbally communicate to exchange information with public;
• see and hear in normal range with or without correction;
• operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer/tablet and range finder.

Safety

Safety is a top priority at Atlas Field Services. Successful candidates will be committed to their personal safety and to the safety of others. This role will require a general understanding and the ability to identify safety hazards and report any unsafe working conditions. The position requires active participation in safety briefings and may deliver industry-specific safety messages to a broad audience when called upon.

Pre-Qualifications

• Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

Job Type: Full Time

Work Schedules are dictated by client and may vary depending on project needs. Generally, schedules are Monday-Friday, and must be available weekends and holidays as needed. Schedules are subject to change. Travel may be required.

AFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer