Contract Forester/Utility Forester S

ArborMetrics Solutions, LLC; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle with fuel card

Medical, Dental, Vision

8 Paid Holidays

401K

Paid maternity leave

Weekly pay cycle

Performance incentive program

Referral bonus program

Boot and clothing program

Ongoing training and certifications

Job summary

ArborMetrics is seeking a Contract Forester/Utility Forester to join our field team. This role focuses on outdoor vegetation management, safety, and customer engagement in support of energy corridor projects.

The candidate should bring practical utility-scale vegetation experience, GIS skills, a valid driver’s license, and strong interpersonal abilities. Responsibilities include patrol preparation and execution, stakeholder communication, risk assessments, and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in electric utility vegetation management in the field.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline; or equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge of 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 and Microsoft Suite and an iPhone.
• Must be able to work outdoors alone in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, problem solving and multi-tasking abilities.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Patrol Preparation: organize records, maps, and paperwork for patrol circuits; maintain accurate documentation.
• Field Patrol Duties: safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identify vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per Client standards.
• Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement: communicate work plans to property owners, agencies, and organizations; obtain permissions.
• Vegetation Management & Compliance: recommend sustainable vegetation management strategies; audit contractor work for compliance.
• Coordination & Safety: coordinate non-routine work with stakeholders; report safety concerns and follow safety protocols.
• Additional Responsibilities: participate in storm and emergency response; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Outdoor field work

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry or natural resources

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

iPhone

Job description

We are currently looking to add a Contract Forester/Utility Forester to our team! If you are an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, enjoys a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ArborMetrics. Some of the most important characteristics of an AMS Utility Forester are a desire to learn, an ability to adapt, and a commitment to engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public. You are accountable for advancing a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, VOYA, EAP, Life Insurance, Short and Long-term Disability
• 8 Paid Holidays
• 401K, sick time and vacation accrual.
• Paid Maternity Leave.
• Weekly Pay Cycle.
• Participation in Performance Incentive and Referral Bonus Program.
• Company-sponsored Boot and Clothing Program.
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.
• Benefit eligibility, enrollment timing, waiting periods, and plan availability may vary based on position, employment status, and other applicable requirements.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

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.

WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE

• Practical experience in electric utility level vegetation management work in the field. Previous experience as a crew foreman, general foreman or other experienced vegetation management professional is a desired experience level to support these duties.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline or equivalent work experience (education may be required dependent on client contract)
• 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 as well as Microsoft Suite and an iPhone.
• Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and multi-tasking abilities and show attention to detail.

WHAT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE

• Certified ISA Arborist is a plus.
• Being Bi-Lingual (Spanish) is a plus.
• 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 environment; 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 interior office.

Physical

The employee must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand, arm and shoulder movement in the performance of daily duties (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. (sandbags); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with 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.

Company Overview

ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at AMS have come from a variety of backgrounds, including forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more.

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.

AMS is an Equal Opportunity and Aff... EOE/AA : Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.

Important Information for Applicants

• Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC and its family of companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
• If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our ADA Coordinator at 1-800-248-8733, ext. 3656.
• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, which include background screening, drug testing, and employment eligibility verification.
• Compensation determination is based on market data, job scope and individual qualifications.
• We offer a competitive total rewards package inclusive of health and welfare and retirement benefits, as well as paid time off and holiday pay benefits.
• Unsolicited resumes without an executed agency agreement become the property of the company.