Utility Forester Intern - Summer 2027

Appalachian Power Co.; Town of Charleston (NY); On-site; USD 18,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Appalachian Power Co. is seeking a Forestry Co-Op/Intern to support field patrols, vegetation assessments, landowner coordination, and contractor inspection in its right-of-way program.

You will assist with data collection, documentation, and planning under supervision, gaining hands-on experience in electric utility vegetation management. Ideal candidates are enrolled in a 4-year program (Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology) and ready to travel within the service

Qualifications

• Pursuing a 4-year degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field.
• Willingness to travel within the AEP service territory and work outdoors in various weather.
• Experience with forestry field work, vegetation assessment, or ROW management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetation conditions and support operations.
• Coordinate with landowners to arrange access for vegetation management.
• Inspect contractors for safety and contract compliance.
• Track field data, assist with budget reconciliation and reporting.
• Assist with storm restoration efforts as needed.

Skills

Communication

Field work

Travel readiness

Education

Pursuing a 4-year degree in Forestry/Natural Resources/Environmental Science/Biology

Tools

GIS/GPS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Posting End Date04-27-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.Job SummarySupport 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 DescriptionWhat 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 DataCompensation Grade:Co-Op/Intern-001Compensation 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.Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.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.