Distribution Utility Forester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atlas Field Service is currently scouting for Consulting Utility Arborists in the DFW area.

Responsibilities:

• Accurately identify dead and dying trees affected by drought and other environmental conditions
• Inspect overhead power lines for proper vegetation clearance
• Perform inspection and work verification on post pre-inspection and post tree-trimming work
• Inspect and assess trees for hazard or danger potential
• Assess individual property and prescribe work needed to adhere to current VM guidelines
• Communicate with customers/ landowners concerned current VM practices, discuss individualized property plan and document visit
• Respond to storm events across system outside of normal business hours
• Distribution – Manage the VM Storm Desk including the use of I-Dispatch, Smart Grid Reports and email updates
• Transmission – perform aerial audits
• Provide support and assistance on special projects as assigned by the utility

Qualifications by level

Consulting Utility Arborist I:

• Candidate must have an Associate or Bachelor degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is desirable.
• Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is desirable.
• Must possess computer skills as well as good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to communicate with customers concerning current VM practices, discuss individualized property plan and document in-person visit.
• Must have the ability to assess individual property and prescribe work needed to adhere to current VM guidelines.
• Arborist must be able to respond to storm events across the system outside of normal business hours.
• Must have a valid driver license and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions in a safe manner.
• Must be able to obtain an ISA Arborist certification within 3.5 years.

In addition, the candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

• Two years related utility experience, or
• Transmission: Must be willing to perform audits via aerial inspections.

Consulting Utility Arborist II: Must meet or exceed the requirements listed for Contract Utility Arborist I:

• An associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is desirable.
• Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is required.
• Must have the ability to communicate with customers concerning current VM practices, discuss individualized property plans, and document in-person visits.
• Must have the ability to assess individual property and prescribe work needed to adhere to current VM guidelines.
• Arborists must be able to respond to storm events across the system outside of normal business hours.
• Arborist must have demonstrated proficiency in dealing with escalated customer issues.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions in a safe manner.
• requires a current certification from the International Society of Arboriculture and a current Texas Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Demonstrated professionalism in customer relations and organization is required.

Candidate must meet two of the following criteria:

• One year experience as a CUA I, or
• Two years related utility experience, or
• Minimum one year experience on COMPANY VM system, or
• Exceeds COMPANY expectations through documented, exceptional work performance, or approved by COMPANY VM Manager.
• Distribution: Must be able to manage the VM Storm Desk including the use of I-Dispatch, Smart Grid Reports, and email updates.
• Transmission: Proficient at performing aerial audits. Applicant must have knowledge of FAC-003 and proficient with GPS mapping tools.

Consulting Utility Arborist III: Must meet exceed the requirements listed for Contract Utility Arborist II:

• An Associate or Bachelor degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is required.
• Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is required.
• Must possess computer skills as well as good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to communicate with customers concerning current VM practices, discuss individualized property plan and document in-person visit.
• Must have the ability to assess individual property and prescribe work needed to adhere to current VM guidelines.
• Arborist must be able to respond to storm events across the system outside of normal business hours.
• Must have a valid driver license and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions in a safe manner.
• This position requires a current certification from the International Society of Arboriculture and a current Texas Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Certification for ISA Utility Specialist is desirable.

In addition to COMPANY VM Management approval, the candidate must meet two of the following criteria:

• One year experience as a CUA II, or
• Three years related utility experience, or
• Minimum one year experience on COMPANY VM system, or exceeds COMPANY expectations through documented, exceptional work performance.
• Distribution: Must be able to manage the VM Storm Desk including the use of I-Dispatch, Smart Grid Reports, and email updates.
• Transmission: Proficient at performing aerial audits. Applicant must have knowledge of FAC-003 and proficient with GPS mapping tools.

Consulting Utility Arborist IV: Must meet exceed the requirements listed for Contract Utility Arborist III:

• An Associate or Bachelor degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is desirable.
• Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is desirable.
• Must possess computer skills as well as good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to communicate with customers concerning current VM practices, discuss individualized property plan and document in-person visit.
• Must have the ability to assess individual property and prescribe work needed to adhere to current VM guidelines.
• Arborist must be able to respond to storm events across the system outside of normal business hours.
• Must have a valid driver license and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions in a safe manner.
• This position requires a current certification from the International Society of Arboriculture and a current Texas Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Certification for ISA Utility Specialist is desirable.
• Must have the ability to communicate with customers concerning current VM practices, discuss individualized property plan and document in-person visit.
• Must have the ability to assess individual property and prescribe work needed to adhere to current VM guidelines.

In addition to COMPANY VM Management approval, the candidate must meet two of the following criteria:

• One year as a CUA III, or
• Four years related utility experience, or
• Minimum one year experience on COMPANY VM system, or exceeds COMPANY expectations through documented, exceptional work performance.
• Distribution: Must be able to manage the VM Storm Desk including the use of I-Dispatch, Smart Grid Reports, and email updates.
• Transmission: Proficient at performing aerial audits. Applicant must have knowledge of FAC-003 and proficient with GPS mapping tools.

Consulting Utility Arborist V: Must meet and exceed the requirements listed for Contract Utility Arborist IV:

• An Associate or Bachelor degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is desirable.
• Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is desirable.
• Must possess computer skills as well as good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to communicate with customers concerning current VM practices, discuss individualized property plan and document in-person visit.
• Must have the ability to assess individual property and prescribe work needed to adhere to current VM guidelines.
• Arborist must be able to respond to storm events across the system outside of normal business hours.
• Must have a valid driver license and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions in a safe manner.
• This position requires a current certification from the International Society of Arboriculture and a current Texas Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Certification for ISA Utility Specialist is required.
• Must have the ability to communicate with customers concerning current VM practices, discuss individualized property plan and document in-person visit.
• Must have the ability to assess individual property and prescribe work needed to adhere to current VM guidelines.

In addition to COMPANY VM Management approval, the candidate must meet two of the following criteria:

• Two years as a CUA IV, or
• Six years related utility experience, or
• Minimum two years’ experience on COMPANY VM system, or exceeds COMPANY expectations through documented, exceptional work performance.

Physical Demands, Conditions, Work Environment: The physical demands, conditions, work environment characteristics described here must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.

• Work alone in an outdoor field environment; vehicle and foot patrol of utility power lines; 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, uneven, rough, steep terrain, hills, and slopes; exposure to noise, dust, grease, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment:

• walk, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time;
• frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties;
• carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (5 to 10 lbs.);
• operate assigned equipment and vehicles;
• verbally communicate to exchange information with public;
• see and hear in normal range with or without correction;
• operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.

Safety: Safety is a top priority at Atlas Field Services. Successful candidates will be committed to their personal safety and to the safety of others. The role will require to have a general understanding and the ability to identify safety hazards and report any unsafe working conditions. The position requires to be an active participant in safety briefings and to deliver industry-specific safety messages to a broad audience when called upon.

Pre-Qualifications

• Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

What we offer: Truck or all-terrain vehicle, Industry competitive compensation, Paid Time Off, Health, Dental & Vision, Life Insurance, 401K

Job Type: Full-time

Compensation: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour, depending on experience

Who are we?

We’re dedicated to the growth of our employees. We truly believe in your development. For those who show initiative, we will do what it takes to get you where you want to go.

We’re growing but still maintain an entrepreneurial spirit. We give you room to be accountable and responsible in your role. We believe progression is bred through innovation and we encourage our employees to bring their ideas forward.

We’re safety focused. Safety is paramount in how we operate as we believe in providing excellence in our service to our vegetation management clients.

We’re transparent and respectful. We support each other and are transparent and honest in our communication. We believe that trust is the foundation to our success with clients and within our team.

Who You Are. You’re energetic and enjoy working outdoors. You understand that this space can be demanding, and you make sure you have the tools and resources to get the job done.

AFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note that this position is undergoing ongoing scouting and recruitment and therefore does not have a set closing date. Our talent acquisition team will review all resumes and will be in touch with you if you are a match to the role and if we have openings under the position at the time of your submission. Otherwise, your resume will be kept on file for further consideration contingent on recruitment needs for this role.