Utility Forester — Field Tree Specialist & GIS Pro

International Society of Arboriculture; Connecticut; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is seeking a Utility Forester to support line-clearance operations and assist the General Foreman in planning and supervising field crews. You will apply strong tree knowledge and safety practices while coordinating work in the utility right-of-way.

The role requires field experience, GIS proficiency, and the ability to travel, including potential overnight stays during storm response. ISA certifications are preferred and encouraged within 12 months.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• ISA Certified Arborist (or willing to obtain within 12 months).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience working in a field-based role -- preferably with vegetation management or utility companies.
• Strong knowledge of tree species, pests, diseases, and growth habits.
• Ability to identify and evaluate hazard trees, structural defects, and decay.
• Proficiency with mapping / GIS tools and field data collection software.
• Excellent communication skills (crew-level and stakeholder-level).
• Comfortable working outdoors in varied terrain, weather, and conditions.
• Ability to travel routinely and possibly stay overnight during storm response, if required.

Responsibilities

• Perform site inspections to assess trees, brush, and vegetation risk along utility lines.
• Identify species, structural defects, and hazard trees; recommend pruning or removal.
• Scope and plan jobs with the General Foreman; set priorities and coordinate crew work.
• Review completed work to meet utility standards and specifications (pruning cuts, clearances).
• Provide technical guidance to field crews on pruning techniques, removals, and safety.
• Assist in storm response: damage assessment, emergency line-clearance, and hazard mitigation.
• Document work in field software or GIS: data on tree conditions, work completed, hazards.
• Interact with customers, landowners, municipalities, and utility stakeholders.
• Participate in safety meetings, job hazard analyses, and enforce safety protocols (ANSI, OSHA).
• Prepare maps, reports, and documentation for job planning and audits.

Skills

Tree knowledge

Field experience

Safety compliance

Communication skills

GIS mapping

Outdoor work

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field

ISA Certified Arborist (or willing to obtain within 12 months)

Valid driver’s license

Tools

GIS tools

Field data collection software

Job description

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is seeking a Utility Forester to support line-clearance operations and assist the General Foreman in planning and supervising field crews. You will apply strong tree knowledge and safety practices while coordinating work in the utility right-of-way.

The role requires field experience, GIS proficiency, and the ability to travel, including potential overnight stays during storm response. ISA certifications are preferred and encouraged within 12 months.