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Electric Utility Forester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southside Electric Cooperative

Utility Forester

Crewe, VA · On-site

$27.73 - $45.76/hr

Southside Electric Cooperative is seeking a Utility Forester to help protect electric reliability, support safe right-of-way maintenance, and strengthen vegetation management across Southside ...

TRC Companies, Inc.

Utility Forester

Clifton Park, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

The role will entail working with a team performing utility forestry inspection work on new and existing electric transmission rights-of-way (ROW) clearing projects. These positions are expected to ...

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How much do electric utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric 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 is an electric utility forester?

An Electric Utility Forester is a professional responsible for managing vegetation around power lines and electrical infrastructure to prevent outages and ensure public safety. Their duties include inspecting utility rights-of-way, recommending tree trimming or removal, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They work closely with utility companies, contractors, and government agencies to maintain safe and reliable electrical service. This role often requires knowledge of arboriculture, environmental science, and utility industry standards.

How does an electric utility forester typically collaborate with utility crews and landowners during vegetation management projects?

Electric Utility Foresters work closely with utility crews to ensure safe and effective vegetation management around power lines. They coordinate schedules, provide detailed maps or work plans, and often supervise or inspect the work to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Additionally, they frequently communicate with landowners to address concerns, explain procedures, and obtain necessary permissions, making strong interpersonal skills crucial for success in this collaborative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electric utility forester, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electric Utility Forester, you need a solid understanding of forestry practices, vegetation management, and utility regulations, typically supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, field data collection tools, and certifications such as ISA Arborist are commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help you collaborate with utility crews, landowners, and regulatory agencies. These skills ensure safe, reliable utility operations while minimizing environmental impact and regulatory risks.

What is the difference between Electric Utility Forester vs Utility Arborist?

AspectElectric Utility ForesterUtility Arborist
CredentialsCertifications in forestry, pesticide application, and safetyTree care certifications, ISA Arborist Certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in utility rights-of-way, forests, and urban areasTree assessment, pruning, and removal in urban and utility areas
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, forestry services, government agenciesUtility companies, tree care firms, municipal services

Electric Utility Foresters focus on managing vegetation near power lines to prevent outages, often working in forests and rights-of-way. Utility Arborists perform tree care tasks like pruning and removal to ensure safety and reliability. While both roles require safety and certification, Electric Utility Foresters emphasize vegetation management planning, whereas Utility Arborists focus on hands-on tree work.

How to become an electric utility forester?

To become an electric utility forester, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of tree biology, safety procedures, and the use of tools like chainsaws and climbing equipment; obtaining certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist can enhance prospects. Experience in forestry, vegetation management, or utility work is also valuable for this role.
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Electric Utility Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electric Utility Forester job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,323 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Utility Forester

Southside Electric Cooperative

Crewe, VA • On-site

$55 - $85/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Southside Electric Cooperative is seeking a Utility Forester to help protect electric reliability, support safe right-of-way maintenance, and strengthen vegetation management across Southside Virginia. If you have experience in forestry, arboriculture, utility vegetation management, line clearance, or natural resources-and you enjoy working outdoors where your decisions make a visible impact-this could be a great fit.

About the Role

In this field-based role, you will identify vegetation risks, monitor contractor work, support hazard tree mitigation, and help ensure safe, reliable power delivery for Cooperative members. You will use forestry knowledge, tree risk assessment, GPS tools, vegetation management software, and sound judgment to support SEC's right-of-way and integrated vegetation management programs.

What You'll Do
  • Inspect rights-of-way and identify hazard trees, undergrowth, overhang, and other vegetation concerns that could affect electric reliability.
  • Monitor right-of-way contractors and arborists to ensure work meets safety standards, contract specifications, and Cooperative expectations.
  • Use vegetation management software, GPS tools, mobile devices, and field data to document work, support reporting, and improve program performance.
  • Partner with Operations, Engineering, System Operations, contractors, and other teams to reduce vegetation-related outages and support storm restoration.
  • Communicate professionally with members about tree trimming, line clearance, right-of-way maintenance, and vegetation management concerns.
What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in forestry, forestry management, arboriculture, natural resources, or a related field.
  • Four or more years of experience in forestry, arboriculture, utility vegetation management, or related electric utility field work.
  • Knowledge of right-of-way management, hazard tree assessment, tree identification, line clearance, integrated vegetation management, and electric distribution or transmission systems.
  • Ability to read design drawings, staking sheets, survey plats, easements, and vegetation-related service requirements.
  • Strong communication skills, good judgment, safety focus, and the ability to work effectively with members, contractors, employees, and leadership.
Preferred Certifications
  • ISA Certified Arborist
  • ISA Utility Specialist
  • Certified Pesticide Applicator
  • VDOT Work Zone Traffic Control – Basic
  • First Aid, CPR, and AED certifications
Why Join SEC?

At Southside Electric Cooperative, your work matters. You will help protect critical infrastructure, improve reliability, and serve communities across Southside Virginia in a mission-driven cooperative environment. This position offers the opportunity to combine outdoor field work, forestry expertise, technology, teamwork, and public service.

All hires are subject to a pre-employment background check to include local, state, and federal criminal history; employment history; employment references; education verification; driver's record history; and, where applicable: license verification; safety history (linemen); and FMCSA query for positions requiring a CDL. We are a zero-tolerance drug-free workplace. All hires must take a pre-employment drug & alcohol test and have a pre-employment physical. All employees of Southside Electric Cooperative are subject to random drug tests at any time.

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