Contract Forester/Utility Forester SE

Utilities Service, LLC; Vidalia (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Medical, Dental, Vision

8 Paid Holidays

401K

Paid maternity leave

Weekly pay cycle

Training & certifications assistance

Boot and clothing program

Job summary

ArborMetrics, a leading vegetation management provider for the utility sector, seeks a Contract Forester/Utility Forester to work in outdoor field settings across Georgia. The role involves patrols, vegetation assessment, pruning decisions, and coordination with landowners and agencies.

You will apply ISA pruning techniques, maintain records, and ensure safety while delivering high-quality service. A degree in forestry or related fields and GIS aptitude are preferred; bi-lingual skills are a

Qualifications

• Experience in electric utility vegetation management or similar field.
• Degree in forestry or natural resources, or equivalent work history.
• Knowledge of tree identification and GIS tech.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability to learn new software and work independently outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Prepare records, maps, and paperwork for patrols and document findings.
• Patrol energy corridors, identify vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection.
• Classify work and apply ISA pruning techniques and ANSI standards.
• Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions per client directives.
• Engage landowners and agencies to obtain permissions and communicate plans.
• Audit contractor work, investigate outages, and address customer needs.
• Coordinate non-routine work with stakeholders; follow safety protocols.
• Participate in storm response and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Vegetation management

GIS

MS Office

Communication

Independent worker

Education

Associate or Bachelor's in Forestry

Tools

GIS software

iPhone

Range finder

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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 indoor 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 affirmative action Employer. 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.