Consulting Utility Forester 1-3 | Lancaster, CA

ACRT; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

ACRT Pacific, LLC. is seeking an entry-level Consulting Utility Forester 1 to support vegetation management operations along utility lines.

You will learn client standards, safety requirements, and field procedures while performing inspections, data entry, and documentation in outdoor settings. You will work under close supervision, patrol circuits, assist with tree inspections and trimming assessments, and communicate with customers and contractors.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: 1 year of related arboricultural, forestry, landscaping, utility, or outdoor field experience preferred.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• CPR/First Aid certification required prior to start.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patrolling distribution and/or transmission circuits.
• Identify, inspect, and evaluate trees and vegetation.
• Prescribe tree trimming and removal work per client standards.
• Support mapping of circuits using client continuity lists.
• Enter data into handheld devices and applicable systems.
• Notify property owners and obtain permissions when required.
• Document and track vegetation management activities.
• Assist with outage investigations and field observations.
• Audit tree trimming and removal work performed by contractors.
• Observe and document quality and compliance of completed work.
• Complete post-audit documentation and reporting.

Skills

Communication

Outdoor work

Teamwork

Learning agility

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid certification

ISA Certified Arborist (within defined timeframe)

Tools

Handheld data collection devices

Maps

Job description

ACRT Pacific, LLC.

Full time Regular

Position Summary

The Consulting Utility Forester 1 reports to the Operations Manager at ACRT Pacific. This entry-level role supports vegetation management operations by assisting with inspections, evaluations, and work documentation activities along utility lines. The CUF 1 works under close supervision while learning client standards, vegetation management practices, safety requirements, and field operations. This role works primarily outdoors and requires a willingness to learn technical forestry skills, follow established procedures, and communicate effectively with internal teams, contractors, and customers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Vegetation Inspecting & Management

• Assist with patrolling distribution and/or transmission circuits
• Learn to identify, inspect, and evaluate trees and vegetation
• Assist with prescribing tree trimming and removal work in accordance with client standards
• Support mapping of circuits using client continuity lists
• Enter data and work information into handheld devices and applicable systems
• Assist with notifying property owners and obtaining permissions when required
• Support documentation and tracking of vegetation management activities
• Assist with outage investigations and field observations

Tree Trimming Assessments

• Assist with auditing tree trimming and removal work performed by contractors
• Observe and document quality and compliance of completed work
• Support completion of post-audit documentation and reporting

Maintain State, Local, & Organizational Compliance

• Follow all client vegetation management standards and safety requirements
• Maintain accurate documentation within client systems
• Follow all safety requirements, laws, and regulations
• Wear required PPE and follow safety protocols at all times
• Adhere to attendance and work hour requirements

Positively Build Upon New & Existing Relationships

• Maintain professional communication with customers, contractors, and property owners
• Support coordination efforts with contractors and internal teams
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors
• Represent ACRT professionally in field interactions

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Experience: One (1) year of related arboricultural, forestry, landscaping, utility, or outdoor field experience preferred
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• CPR/First Aid certification (required prior to start)

Preferred Qualifications:

• ISA Certified Arborist (or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe)
• Experience working outdoors in varying terrain or weather conditions
• Familiarity with handheld devices, maps, or data collection tools

Desired Skills:

• Ability to learn vegetation inspection and work prescription processes
• Basic knowledge of tree identification and vegetation management principles
• Ability to follow established procedures and standards
• Ability to work outdoors in rugged terrain and inclement weather
• Ability to read and follow maps
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Ability to learn and apply technical forestry knowledge in field conditions

Competencies:

• Accountability
• Communication
• Quality
• Safety Focused
• Adaptability

This role would not be a good fit if:

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Follow established safety and operational procedures
• Communicate with customers, contractors, and stakeholders
• Learn technical forestry concepts and field processes
• Perform fieldwork in rugged terrain

Employee Training

• All employees are required to complete safety training and company onboarding programs
• Additional training may be required for systems, compliance, and client standards
• Ongoing field training and mentorship will be provided

Drug Testing:

Drug testing is required

Office

Employees will typically report directly to field locations using a company-provided vehicle and may not report to a physical office daily.

Additional:

Department & Division: Operations
Exempt Status*: Non-Exempt
Reports to**: Operations Manager

Works with Inside Company:

• Field personnel and leadership
• Corporate teams

Works with Outside Company:

• Utility clients
• Contractors
• Customers and public agencies

Working Conditions:

• Outdoor environments with significant field time
• Exposure to weather, terrain, and vegetation conditions

Supervisor Responsibilities:

None

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to walk, stand, and work outdoors for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
• Ability to operate a vehicle and field equipment
• Ability to wear required PPE

Travel Requirements:

Travel as needed based on project and client requirements

Salary Range Disclaimer

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the ACRT Pacific salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to customer contact terms, location, experience, and performance. Other rewards may include Paid Time Off, 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, ESOP contributions, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and other region-specific benefits as eligible.

Salary Range Transparency

For applicants residing in California, the salary for this role is from $26 to $28 an hour

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Company: ACRT, Inc.