Consulting Utility Forester 4-6 | Bakersfield / Tehachapi, CA

ACRT, Inc.; Tehachapi (CA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

ACRT Pacific, LLC is seeking a Consulting Utility Forester 4 to conduct complex vegetation management inspections and develop work prescriptions along utility lines. The role emphasizes coordinating with contractors, ensuring regulatory compliance, and handling high-priority circuits in outdoor environments.

The position requires strong technical knowledge, decision-making, and ability to manage multiple field scenarios while communicating effectively with clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Four (4) years of arboricultural/vegetation management experience.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• CPR/First Aid certification required prior to start.
• ISA Certified Arborist preferred or able to obtain within defined timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Independently patrol distribution and/or transmission circuits, including complex or high-priority areas.
• Identify, inspect, and evaluate trees and vegetation.
• Prescribe tree trimming and removal work per client standards.
• Map circuits using client continuity lists.
• Enter prescriptions and data into handheld devices and applicable systems.
• Notify property owners and obtain necessary permissions.
• Track work progress and manage documentation.
• Perform outage investigations and support complex field scenarios.
• Coordinate vegetation management activities across assigned areas.
• Audit tree trimming and removal work for quality, productivity, and compliance.
• Determine future trimming requirements and cycles.
• Complete post-audit documentation and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and client standards.
• Obtain permits from public agencies as required.

Skills

Vegetation management

Field inspection

Communication skills

Decision making

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid certification

Tools

GIS

Data collection tools

Utility systems

Job description

ACRT Pacific, LLC.Full time Regular

Position Summary

The Consulting Utility Forester 4 reports to the Operations Manager at ACRT Pacific. This advanced-level role performs complex vegetation management inspections, evaluations, and work prescriptions along utility lines. The CUF 4 is responsible for managing more complex circuits, coordinating with contractors and stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with client and regulatory requirements. This role works primarily outdoors and requires advanced technical knowledge, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to manage complex field situations while maintaining effective communication with clients, contractors, and stakeholders.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Vegetation Inspecting & Management

• Independently patrol distribution and/or transmission circuits, including complex or high-priority areas

• Identify, inspect, and evaluate trees and vegetation

• Prescribe tree trimming and removal work in accordance with client standards and specifications

• Map circuits using client continuity lists

• Enter prescriptions and data into handheld devices and applicable systems

• Notify property owners and obtain necessary permissions when required

• Track work progress and manage documentation efforts

• Perform outage investigations and support more complex field scenarios

• Support and coordinate vegetation management activities across assigned areas

Tree Trimming Assessments

• Audit tree trimming and removal work performed by contractors

• Evaluate quality, productivity, and compliance of completed work

• Determine future trimming requirements and cycles

• Complete post-audit documentation and reporting

• Address and resolve discrepancies or issues in contractor work

Maintain State, Local, & Organizational Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards

• Obtain permits from public agencies as required

• Ensure proper documentation in 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

• Serve as a key liaison between clients, contractors, and customers

• Coordinate with contractors to resolve access issues, work conflicts, and scheduling challenges

• Maintain working relationships with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders

• Communicate effectively with property owners, agencies, and the public

• Support resolution of customer concerns or escalated issues

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED

• Experience:
  Four (4) years of related arboricultural/vegetation management experience

• 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 (required or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe)

• Experience with GIS, data collection tools, and utility systems

• Experience coordinating with contractors or external stakeholders

Desired Skills:

• Strong ability to perform complex vegetation inspections and prescribe work

• Advanced knowledge of tree identification, growth rates, and vegetation management practices

• Ability to interpret and apply client vegetation management standards and specifications

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex field conditions

• Ability to work in rugged terrain and inclement weather

• Ability to read and follow maps

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions

• Ability to coordinate with contractors, agencies, and stakeholders

• Ability to resolve field issues and escalated appropriately

Competencies:

• Accountability

• Communication

• Quality

• Safety Focused

• Technical Acumen

• Prioritization

This role would not be a good fit if:

• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions

• Independently manage complex fieldwork and decision-making

• Communicate with customers, contractors, and stakeholders

• Handle multiple priorities and resolve field issues

• Apply advanced technical forestry knowledge in field conditions

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

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 25lbs

• 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 $35.25 to $39 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.