Utility Forester Assoc - Sr.

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

Job Summary

Assign and recommend industry accepted management practices to provide corrective control of non-compatible vegetation conditions in utility rights of way to vegetation control contractors; inspect ongoing and completed assignments to assure contract compliance to reduce preventable vegetation interruptions of service and to provide as much as practical access to facilities for the purpose of repair and inspection..

Job Description

• What you’ll do:
  After training, patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations, maintain records of work and make the necessary arrangements with landowners for vegetation management and access to facilities.
• Investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns.
• With assistance, estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding of new and existing facilities.
• With assistance, determine future utility vegetation management requirements and recommend short and long-term vegetation management work plans and best management practices.
• Contact governmental agencies, other utilities, landowners and others to arrange and coordinate right-of-way vegetation management work plans required.
• Inspect vegetation management and work planning contractors for contract compliance, recommending acceptance or corrective action.
• With assistance, recommend work plans, priorities, schedules and contractor requirements in accordance with the vegetation management program.
• Apply and keep informed of current contract provisions.
• Maintain records and prepare reports on costs, production and work quality. Operate the forestry computer programs and records systems.
• Guide and train others involved with the vegetation management program in proper work practices and utility vegetation management procedures.

What we’re looking for:

Minimum Requirements for Utility Forester Associate (SG 04):

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and two (2) years of experience as a contract utility forester desired.
• OR associate’s degree in one of the same fields and four (4) years’ experience in utility vegetation management industry.
• OR High school diploma and six (6) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.

Minimum Requirements for Utility Forester (SG 05):

• Bachelor Degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field and three (3) years of experience in utility vegetation management industry.
• OR Associate's degree in one of the same fields and five (5) years' experience in utility vegetation management industry.
• OR High school diploma and seven (7) years as a contract forester or other related positions in the utility industry.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Knowledge and safe use of pesticides required.
• Possession of Certified Pesticide Applicator's license desirable.
• Arborist certification desirable.

Other requirements:

• Must act as a professional, employing a great deal of diplomacy to "sell" the Company's necessary right-of-way maintenance projects to the public.
• Courses in horticulture and/or vegetation management desirable.
• Competency in GIS systems and Microsoft Office components such as Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word in addition to other analytical tools is required.
• Extensive travel is required to inspect and plan for the Company's right-of-way maintenance program.
• Apply AEP Accounting Policies & Guidelines related to expense vs. capitalization for labor, services, and material in a proficient manner.
• Valid State Driver’s License.

What you’ll get:

In addition to base salary, AEP offers competitive total rewards including: discretionary annual/long-term incentives, 401(k), pension, health insurance, vacation, educational assistance, etc.

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation

$54,063.00 - $93,188.50

Physical Demands

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

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Details

“Knowing that I am part of team that is making the power grid safer and more reliable gives me a real sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for coming to work every day.”

The position will demonstrate and create positive experiences for customers contacting AEP with questions related to vegetation management.This position is the primary customer solution liaison between customers and Distribution Forestry. This position should demonstrate a willingness to learn and build relationships with customers and stakeholders. The position requires proactive and reactive responses to customer and public inquiries, as well as proactive promotion of Company forestry programs, products, and information.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.