Distribution Utility Forester

Asplundh Engineering Services, LLC; Atlanta, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401K

Paid Holidays

Paid Maternity Leave

Vacation Accrual

Short and Long-term Disability

Paid Sick Time

Weekly Pay

Referral Bonus Program

Boot and clothing program

Training and industry certifications

Job summary

Asplundh Engineering Services, LLC is hiring a Distribution Utility Forester to oversee vegetation management along energy corridors. The role emphasizes outdoor fieldwork, independent work, and adherence to safety and client standards.

The candidate should possess a background in forestry or natural resources, with GIS and MS Office proficiency, and strong communication skills for stakeholder engagement. A valid driver’s license and ability to work in varied conditions are required.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, or tree-related green industry preferred.
• Knowledge of tree identification and field data collection.
• GIS software and Microsoft Office proficiency; familiarity with mobile devices.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Patrol Preparation: organize records, maps, and paperwork; review sites for habitats and vegetation.
• Field Patrol Duties: safely patrol energy corridors and identify vegetation for pruning/removal per standards.
• Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement: obtain permissions and communicate work plans with owners and agencies.
• Coordination & Safety: follow safety protocols, report hazards, coordinate with stakeholders.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in forestry/natural resources

Tools

GIS software

Microsoft Office

iPhone

Job description

Salary Range: USD $20.00 - USD $25.00 (Hourly)

We are currently looking to add a Distribution 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 Distribution 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:

• Industry competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes.
• Day 1 of Employment: Medical/Dental/Vision/VOYA/Paid Holidays/EAP (Full-Time Employees).
• After 3 months: 401K, Life Insurance, Vacation Accrual, Short and Long-term Disability, Paid Maternity Leave.
• Paid Sick Time.
• Weekly Pay Cycle.
• Participation in Referral Bonus Program.
• Company sponsored Boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees).
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

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.
• 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:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline or equivalent work experience (education may be required dependent on client contract)
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or tree-related green industry preferred.
• 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.