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Distribution Utility Forester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Utility Distribution Auditor, your office is the great outdoors. You'll work directly with ... Degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or related field, or equivalent ...

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Distribution Utility Forester information

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$5

$24

$39

How much do distribution utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution utility forester in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distribution Utility Forester, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution Utility Forester, you need expertise in arboriculture, electrical utility safety, and vegetation management, typically supported by a degree in forestry or a related field and relevant certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, field data collection tools, and utility vegetation management systems is essential. Strong communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help build relationships with landowners and ensure regulatory compliance. These skills are crucial to maintaining safe and reliable power distribution while minimizing environmental impact and service interruptions.

What are some common challenges Distribution Utility Foresters face when balancing vegetation management with service reliability?

Distribution Utility Foresters often encounter the challenge of maintaining a safe clearance between vegetation and power lines while minimizing environmental impact and customer disruption. They must navigate varying terrain, changing weather conditions, and communicate with property owners to gain access or explain necessary work. Additionally, foresters need to stay updated on utility regulations and best practices, ensuring that their vegetation management plans support both electrical reliability and ecological sustainability. Collaboration with line crews, contractors, and regulatory agencies is frequent, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.

What are Distribution Utility Foresters?

Distribution Utility Foresters are professionals responsible for managing vegetation around power lines and utility corridors. Their main duties include inspecting trees and vegetation, recommending or overseeing trimming and removal to prevent interference with electrical distribution systems, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They work closely with utility companies, contractors, and sometimes local governments to maintain reliable power delivery and minimize outages caused by tree-related issues. This role often involves fieldwork, data collection, and public interaction to address concerns regarding tree maintenance and safety.

What is the difference between Distribution Utility Forester vs Line Clearance Tree Trimmer?

AspectDistribution Utility ForesterLine Clearance Tree Trimmer
CredentialsTypically requires forestry or environmental certifications, sometimes a state arborist licenseUsually requires OSHA safety training and specialized tree trimming certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in utility rights-of-way, forests, and urban areasPrimarily in utility corridors, performing tree trimming and clearance
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, forestry services, government agenciesUtility companies, tree service contractors

The Distribution Utility Forester focuses on planning, assessing, and managing vegetation near utility lines, often involving environmental considerations and regulatory compliance. In contrast, the Line Clearance Tree Trimmer performs hands-on trimming and removal of trees to maintain safe clearance around power lines. Both roles are essential for utility safety and reliability but differ in scope, responsibilities, and required certifications.

More about Distribution Utility Forester jobs
Infographic showing various Distribution Utility Forester job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 10% Temporary, 24% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,323 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Consulting Utility Forester/ Utility Arborist - North Region

Consulting Utility Forester/ Utility Arborist - North Region

Iapetus Holdings LLC

Pensacola, FL โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Atlas Field Services is actively scouting forย Consulting Utility Foresters/ Utility Arborists - Distribution to join our team as full-time employees.ย We are looking to fill this role in the client's service area in Pensacola, FL

Who are we?

Weโ€™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.

Weโ€™re growingย 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.

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

Weโ€™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:

Youโ€™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. You have ย experience in vegetation management and utility space.ย 

Responsibilities:

  • Inspect rights-of-way to assess vegetation conditions and determine required maintenance activities.
  • High utilization of client systems and applications.
  • Assist with developed bid package maps and work manifests.
  • Research easement and land rights for widths, rights, and restrictions.
  • Meet with landowners to explain vegetation management work.
  • Mark work in the field where required.
  • Respond to public concerns and questions about the work.
  • Assist in the development of public relations materials.
  • Respond to contractor questions concerning work specification and requirements.
  • Inspect work completed by contractors for compliance to utility specifications.
  • Assist in the management of contractors during storm restoration operations.
  • Provide support and assistance on special projects as assigned by the utility.

Qualifications:

Vegetation Management Arborist A โ€“ย Utility Arborist I ย 

  • Degree in Forestry or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) or extensive line cleaning work experience. ย ย 
  • Fully qualified to relieve client arborist
  • At least 3 yearsโ€™ experience as an inventory arborist (work planner), design arborist or quality arborist.ย 
  • Meets all requirements of Utility Arborist II and demonstrates leadership and initiative in the execution of work to support VM program objectives.

Vegetation Management Arborist B -ย  Utility Arborist II

  • ISA Certified Arborist or Natural Sciences BS Degree
  • Proficient in OM and CM work processes and WMS processes
  • A minimum of 1 year of utility line clearance experience or utility work planning experience
  • Meets all the requirements of a Utility Arborist III.

Vegetation Management Arborist C -ย  Utility Arborist III

  • Ability to easily learn applicable computer systems with basic understanding of GPS and/or GIS-based systems
  • Basic Tree identification skills
  • Basic knowledge of electric utility systems
  • Basic knowledge ย of regional tree species, their growth rates, structural characteristics and failure characteristics

Technical Skills: The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience or working knowledge of the following:

  • Operating Systems & Devices: Proficiency with Apple operating systems (macOS, iOS, iPadOS) and mobile technology platforms, as well as Linux-based environments.
  • Software & Platforms:
    • Utility & Grid Software: GE GridOS, GE Intelligence, Asset Performance Management (APM), Proficy manufacturing software.
    • Mapping & GIS: ESRI ArcGIS, Survey123, and other GIS-based field data collection tools.
    • Work Management Systems: WMS platforms and workflows, including Operations & Maintenance (OM) and Corrective Maintenance (CM).
    • Microsoft Office Suite: Strong proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, formulas), Word, Outlook, and Teams.

ย 

Physical Demands, Conditions, Work Environment

The physical demands, conditions, and 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.

ย ย 

What we offer:

Industry competitive compensation | Truck or all-terrain vehicle | Health, Dental & Vision | Life Insurance | 401K

Job Type: Full-time

AFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note that this position is undergoing ongoing 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.

Thank you,

Talent Acquisition

Atlas Field Services