Utility Arborist Non-ISA/TRAC/ Arborista

Ceres Caribe; San Juan (PR); On-site; USD 33,062 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative culture

Opportunities for professional growth

Impactful work for communities

Job summary

Ceres Caribe is hiring a Utility Arborist to support vegetation management across Puerto Rico, including inspections of tree health and power line clearance. This role requires experience in forestry and strong communication skills, with a pay range of $24–$27 per hour. Candidates should be comfortable working outdoors in varied environments and possess a valid driver’s license. Opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative culture are part of the offering. Bilingual abilities are preferred.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or vegetation management.
• Proven ability to identify tree species and read maps accurately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Identify dead, dying, or hazardous trees affected by drought.
• Inspect overhead power lines for vegetation clearance.
• Document vegetation management findings in client systems.

Skills

Forestry

Arboriculture

Horticulture

Vegetation Management

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Forestry

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial Lifts

Handheld Computers

Job description

Utility Arborist (Non‑ISA or TRAC)

Location: Puerto Rico (including travel to Vieques and Culebra)

Reports to: Vegetation Management Supervisor

Compensation Range: $24–$27 per hour, depending on location, experience, skills, and qualifications

Ceres Caribe was founded in Puerto Rico in 1998 after Hurricane Georges and has grown to be one of the largest employers on the island. The company specializes in disaster recovery, including debris removal, demolition, and blue roofs, and provides vegetation management and utility line clearing services for the Puerto Rican power grid. It also creates natural parks and an aviary center.

What We Are Looking For

The Utility Arborist plays a critical role in supporting Ceres Caribe’s vegetation management and utility line clearance operations across Puerto Rico. This role ensures safe, compliant, and accurate tree assessments that protect electrical infrastructure and support community resiliency. It does not directly supervise employees but requires daily coordination with field crews, contractors, and client representatives.

What You Will Do

• Accurately identify dead, dying, or hazardous trees affected by drought or environmental conditions.
• Inspect overhead power lines to ensure proper vegetation clearance and compliance with client standards.
• Perform pre‑inspection and post‑tree‑trimming verification to ensure work quality and safety.
• Document vegetation management findings and updates in client systems.
• Assess trees for hazard potential and recommend appropriate mitigation actions.
• Audit contractor work for compliance with specifications, safety protocols, and vegetation clearance requirements.
• Assist in storm response, emergency situations, and miscellaneous line‑clearance projects.
• Communicate daily with clients, contractors, landowners, and the public in a professional manner.
• Promote and maintain positive public relations while representing Ceres Caribe.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support vegetation management operations.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or vegetation management.
• Proven ability to identify tree species and read maps accurately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Ability to operate a 4x4 vehicle on rough or remote roads.
• Basic computer and smartphone proficiency.
• Valid driver’s license (required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field.
• ISA Certified Arborist designation.
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP) certification.
• Experience operating aerial lifts, chainsaws, climbing saddles, and related tree‑care equipment.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish).

What To Expect

As a Utility Arborist with Ceres Caribe, you can expect a fast‑paced, field‑based role that requires independent decision‑making, strong situational awareness, and daily travel across Puerto Rico. You will spend most of your time outdoors conducting inspections, documenting vegetation conditions, and interacting with contractors and landowners. Work occurs in varied environments—from urban streets to remote, rugged terrain—and requires navigating steep slopes, dense vegetation, and exposure to weather extremes.

You will regularly collaborate with vegetation management teams and client representatives while also working alone for extended periods. During storms or emergencies, you may be called upon to support rapid response operations. Success in this role requires adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to safety and quality.

Physical Requirements And Environment

• Ability to walk, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and perform repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to carry, push, and pull 5–10 lbs. regularly and lift/move up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Ability to see and hear within normal ranges (with or without correction).
• Ability to work in adverse weather, extreme temperatures, wet/humid conditions, steep terrain, and areas with dust, noise, vibration, or mechanical hazards.
• Willingness to wear PPE including hard hat, protective eyewear, gloves, and steel‑toed boots.
• Ability to operate field equipment such as handheld computers, range finders, shovels, and traffic cones.
• Ability to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods.

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel throughout Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra.
• Ability to operate a 4x4 vehicle on rough or remote roads.

We Offer

• A collaborative, mission‑driven culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for communities.

Ceres Caribe is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affanding Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Ceres does not sponsor employment‑based visas for this position unless stated otherwise.

E‑Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.