Utility Forester Intern - Summer 2027

American Electric Power; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 15,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking a forestry-focused intern to support field patrols, vegetation assessments, landowner coordination, and contractor inspections. You will assist with administrative tasks to ensure safe, reliable electric service through ROW vegetation management.

Expect travel within the service territory, outdoor work in varying weather, and potential storm-restoration support. Requires pursuing a 4-year degree in forestry or related field and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a 4-year degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field.
• Willingness to travel within the service territory and work outdoors in variable weather.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel/drive as required by field assignments.

Responsibilities

• Patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetation conditions and recommend operations.
• Coordinate with landowners to obtain access and arrange vegetation management.
• Investigate landowner issues and assist with IO-13 process.
• Estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for facilities.
• Recommend short- and long-term vegetation management work plans.
• Contact landowners and stakeholders to coordinate ROW work plans.
• Administer and schedule forestry communications (mailings, postcards).
• Inspect contractors for contract compliance and advise on corrective actions.
• Provide admin support for forestry work plans by district, including budgets.
• Assist with storm restoration efforts; travel and overnight stays may be required.

Skills

Outdoor work

Communication

Field safety

Education

Pursuing 4-year forestry degree

Tools

GIS/GPS

MS Office

Job description

Job Posting End Date

04-27-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Support the Forestry team by assisting with field patrols, vegetation assessments, landowner coordination, contractor inspection, and administrative tasks that help ensure safe, reliable electric service through effective right-of-way vegetation management.

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

• Patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetation conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations; maintain records of work.
• Coordinate with landowners to obtain access and arrange vegetation management activities.
• Investigate and help resolve landowner issues and assist with the Investigative Order (IO-13) process.
• Estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction, rebuilding, and maintenance of facilities.
• Recommend short- and long-term vegetation management work plans and best management practices.
• Contact landowners and stakeholders to arrange and coordinate right-of-way vegetation management work plans.
• Administer and schedule forestry communications (e.g., mailings, DAVOX, postcards).
• Inspect vegetation management and work-planning contractors for contract compliance and recommend acceptance or corrective action.
• Recommend work plans, priorities, schedules, and contractor requirements in accordance with the vegetation management program.
• Provide administrative support for forestry work plans by district, including tracking partner timesheets, invoices, and budget reconciliation.
• Assist with storm restoration efforts; travel and overnight stays may be required during restoration events.

What We’re Looking For:

• Pursuing / Actively enrolled in a 4 - year degree program in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field.
• Ability to travel within the designated AEP service territory; willingness to work outdoors, including in adverse weather.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel/drive as required by field assignments.

Other Must Haves:

• Experience with forestry field work, vegetation assessment, or right-of-way management is preferred.
• Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools and basic mapping.
• Basic knowledge of contractor oversight and safety practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Field-based role with frequent outdoor activity, walking patrols, site visits, and occasional heavy lifting (up to 25 pounds).
• Travel within the service territory; overnight stays may be required for storm restoration.
• Potential exposure to variable weather, uneven terrain, and roadside environments.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: Co-Op/Intern-001

Compensation Range: $ - $

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.

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.