Community Relations Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

We are currently looking to add a Consulting Utility Forester/Work Planner to our team! If you are an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, enjoys a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ArborMetrics.

Some of the most important characteristics of an AMS Utility Forester are a desire to learn, an ability to adapt, and a commitment to engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public. You are accountable for advancing a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients. 

 This is an evergreen opportunity, meaning we continuously welcome applications from candidates interested in future or similar roles. While there may not be an immediate opening, we value your interest and will keep your information on file for upcoming opportunities that align with your experience and background. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Industry competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes. 
• Day 1 of Employment: Medical/Dental/Vision/VOYA/Paid Holidays/EAP (Full-Time Employees). 
• After 3 months: 401K, Life Insurance, Vacation Accrual, Short and Long-term Disability, Paid Maternity Leave. 
• Paid Sick Time. 
• Weekly Pay Cycle.
• Participation in Referral Bonus Program. 
• Company sponsored Boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees). 
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Pre-Patrol Preparation

• Organize records, maps, and paperwork for patrol circuits; maintain accurate documentation.
• Review work sites for endangered species, sensitive habitats, and incompatible vegetation.

Field Patrol Duties

• Safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identifying vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per Client standards.
• Classify prescribed work in accordance with field environment and tree condition, including use of herbicide.
• Conduct Tree Risk Assessments and analyze growth rates. 
• Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with Client directives and based on ISA pruning techniques and ANSI line clearance standards & principles.

Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement

• Use digital tools and maps to identify property boundaries and landowner rights.
• Communicate work plans to property owners, agencies, and organizations.
• Obtain permissions for vegetation work from private/public landowners and agencies.
• Provide professional customer service and foster positive community relations.

Vegetation Management & Compliance

• Recommend sustainable vegetation management strategies using IVM principles.
• Audit contractor work for compliance with Client specifications.
• Investigate tree-related outages and document findings.
• Address customer service and internal compliance issues.

Coordination & Safety

• Coordinate non-routine work with stakeholders and contractors.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, and hazards immediately.
• Follow all safety protocols, including AMS Code of Safe Practices and wildfire prevention plans.
• Operate vehicles safely and travel to assigned work areas.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in storm and emergency response as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline or equivalent work experience (education may be required dependent on client contract)
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or tree-related green industry preferred.  
• Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification
• Knowledge of common computer applications and ability to learn new programs
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record

• Experience with GIS software/technology as well as Microsoft Suite and an iPhone.
• Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and multi-tasking abilities and show attention to detail.

 WHAT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE:

• Certified ISA Arborist is a plus.
• Being Bi-Lingual (Spanish) is a plus.
• Utility line clearance or tree trimming experience.

Work Planner 

WHAT YOU WILL DO: 

Safety & Compliance

• Identify and report safety hazards, incidents, and unsafe conditions.
• Follow AMS safety standards, including safe driving, wildfire prevention, and injury prevention protocols.
• Promote AMS values in daily actions and encourage others to do the same.

Field Operations

• Safely drive to work sites and hike rights-of-way (up to 10 miles/day).
• Inspect and document vegetation work (pruning/removal) at customer properties.
• Record vegetation data using tablets and specialized software.
• Use forestry computer systems for data entry and tracking.

Customer & Stakeholder Relations

• Address customer concerns and complaints regarding vegetation work promptly.
• Communicate effectively with leadership, auditors, clients, contractors, landowners, and the public.
• Maintain positive public relations through professional conduct.

Emergency Response & Other Responsibilities

• Participate in storm and emergency response duties as needed.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:   

• Min. 3 years of Utility Vegetation Management experience is required
• Knowledge of tree species identification, hazard tree assessment, invasive species management, and understanding of tree growth patterns.
• Ability to hike/walk Right-of-Ways (ROW's) and drive for extended periods of time.
• Knowledgeable about Utility Vegetation Management practices.
• Experience with GIS software/technology as well as Microsoft Suite and an iPhone.
• Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and multi-tasking abilities and show attention to detail.
• Must be able to adapt to change.

WHAT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE:

• ISA Certified Arborist certification preferred
• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is a plus. 

Working Environment

Work with a team and alone; primarily in an outdoor field environment and/or low light conditions; foot patrol of energy corridors in the vicinity of power lines and/or pipelines; remote locations as well as urban, city environment; physical demands and travel from site to site, including: walking/hiking on various surfaces including flat, dry, wet, slippery, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills and slopes, dense vegetation; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all types of weather extremes including snow, ice, fog, humidity, and low and high temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic and wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants. Other working conditions may include: in a vehicle or limited time in an indoor office.

Physical

The employee must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand, arm and shoulder movement in the performance of daily duties (e.g., forcefully beat down brush); carry, push and/or pull light to heavy amounts of weight, frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (sandbags); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with public; ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.

Company Overview

ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at AMS have come from a variety of backgrounds, including forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more. 

Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal background check.

All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

AMS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE/AA : Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.