Utility Forester Sr

Ohio Power Company; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Pension

Educational assistance

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) is seeking a forester to guide vegetation management across utility rights-of-way. You will assess conditions, develop work plans, and coordinate with landowners and contractors to meet safety and reliability goals.

The role requires a degree in forestry or equivalent plus several years in utility vegetation management; it includes field patrols, contractor oversight, and cost estimation for projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field with three years of utility vegetation management experience.
• Associate’s degree in one of the same fields with five years of utility vegetation management experience.
• High school diploma with seven years of experience as a contract forester or in related utility positions.

Responsibilities

• Patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and plan operations.
• Investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns.
• Estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding.
• Determine future vegetation management needs and develop work plans.
• Coordinate with landowners and agencies to arrange access and plans.
• Inspect contractors for compliance and report on costs and quality.
• Train others in proper work practices and vegetation management procedures.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field

Associate's degree in one of the same fields

High school diploma with seven years of utility forestry experience

Job description

Job Posting End Date 09-21-2026

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

• Patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetative conditions and recommend utility vegetation management operations, maintain records of work on and make the necessary arrangements with landowners for vegetation management and access to facilities.
• Investigate and resolve landowner issues and concerns.
• Estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction and rebuilding of new and existing facilities.
• 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.
• 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 right-of-way vegetation management program in proper work practices and utility vegetation management procedures.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s 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 is desirable. Arborist certification is desirable. Must be willing to secure both license and certification if not currently in hand.

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 Data

• Compensation Grade: SP20-006
• Compensation Range: $74,551.00 - $93,188.50

Physical Demand

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.

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect.

It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.