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

ACRT Pacific; United States; Remote; USD 49,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

ACRT Pacific, LLC. is seeking a Consulting Utility Forester 4 to perform complex vegetation management inspections and prescriptions along utility lines. You will lead complex field scenarios, coordinate with contractors, and ensure compliance with client standards and regulations.

The role emphasizes outdoor work, advanced technical knowledge, and strong communication with clients, contractors, and stakeholders. A background in arboriculture and GIS tools is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 4 years of arboricultural/vegetation management experience.
• CPR/First Aid certification required before start.
• ISA Arborist certification preferred or ability to obtain.
• Experience with GIS and data collection tools.
• Experience coordinating with contractors or external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Patrol circuits to inspect vegetation and determine trimming needs.
• Prescribe tree trimming/removal per client standards.
• Map circuits and enter prescriptions in handheld systems.
• Coordinate with property owners for permissions as required.
• Audit contractor work for quality and compliance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and proper permits.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and contractors.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Skills

Vegetation inspection

Prescriptions & trimming

Contractor coordination

Regulatory compliance

Safety awareness

GIS / data tools

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid

ISA Arborist (preferred)

Tools

GIS

Data collection tools

Handheld devices

Job description

ACRT Pacific, LLC. Full time Regular Position

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
• Compliance
  • 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
• Positive Build
  • 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 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.

• 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

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.

If you require reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process due to disability, you may submit your request by calling 800.622.2562. For additional details please use the link provided below. careers.acrt.com/careers/job-listings Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities