Right-of-Way Forester Associate: Vegetation Management

American Electric Power Co.; Canton (OH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a Utility Forester Associate/Forester to oversee vegetation management across rights-of-way, assess conditions, and coordinate with landowners and contractors. The role emphasizes contract compliance, cost estimation, and long-range planning.

The candidate should have a forestry degree (or related) with multiple years of utility vegetation experience, pesticide knowledge, and GIS proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field; two years of utility vegetation management experience (SG 04).
• Associate’s degree in Forestry or related fields; four years in utility vegetation management (SG 04).
• High school diploma with six years in utility vegetation management (SG 04).
• Bachelor Degree in Forestry-related fields and three years in utility vegetation management (SG 05).
• Associate degree in forestry-related fields with five years experience (SG 05).
• High school diploma with seven years as forester in utility industry (SG 05).
• Knowledge and safe use of pesticides; Arborist certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend vegetation operations
• maintain records of work and arrange landowner access for vegetation management
• investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns
• estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding
• determine future vegetation management requirements and plan short/long-term work
• coordinate with landowners, governmental agencies and other utilities
• inspect contractors for contract compliance; recommend acceptance or corrective action
• prepare reports on costs, production and work quality; use forestry software and databases
• guide and train others in vegetation management procedures

Skills

Pesticide knowledge

GIS

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field

Associate’s degree in Forestry-related field

High school diploma

Tools

GIS software

Job description

American Electric Power is seeking a Utility Forester Associate/Forester to oversee vegetation management across rights-of-way, assess conditions, and coordinate with landowners and contractors. The role emphasizes contract compliance, cost estimation, and long-range planning.

The candidate should have a forestry degree (or related) with multiple years of utility vegetation experience, pesticide knowledge, and GIS proficiency.