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Electric Utility Forester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Utility Forester

Elgin, IL · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Greenway Utility Vegetation Management Utility Forester $26/hr - $30/hr On site Full-time Temp-Perm ... Ability to identify electric and communication line types. Ability to recognize areas that would be ...

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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Electric Utility Forester information

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$5

$24

$39

How much do electric utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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 jobs can you do in a forest?

In a forest, jobs for an Electric Utility Forester include managing vegetation near power lines, conducting tree assessments, and performing maintenance to prevent outages. These roles often require knowledge of forestry, safety protocols, and sometimes specialized equipment or certifications. Forest-related jobs also include forestry technician, conservation worker, and environmental scientist, depending on the focus of the work environment.

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.

What is the salary of a forester in India?

The salary of an electric utility forester in India typically ranges from ₹2.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh per year, depending on experience, location, and the organization. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced foresters with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and allowances related to fieldwork and safety equipment.

What is the highest paid job in forestry?

In forestry, the highest paid roles are often senior management positions such as Forest Managers or Forest Operations Directors, who oversee large-scale projects and strategic planning. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the organization and location.

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.

What is a forester in the forest department?

A forester in the forest department is a professional responsible for managing and conserving forest resources, including overseeing tree planting, forest health, and sustainable logging practices. They often conduct field surveys, develop management plans, and may hold certifications in forestry or environmental science. Their work environment typically involves outdoor fieldwork and collaboration with government agencies or conservation organizations.

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.

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.
More about Electric Utility Forester jobs
What cities are hiring for Electric Utility Forester jobs? Cities with the most Electric Utility Forester job openings:
What states have the most Electric Utility Forester jobs? States with the most job openings for Electric Utility Forester jobs include:
Infographic showing various Electric Utility Forester job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,323 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

$26 - $30/hr

Temporary

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

Greenway Utility Vegetation Management

Utility Forester

$26/hr - $30/hr

On site

Full-time

Temp-Perm

Chicagoland area

I am currently looking for several utility foresters for a 6-month project to begin shortly for a utility in northern Illinois. Additional work after 6 months is possible.

Essential Job Duties:

Plan vegetation removal work for tree contractors using Google Earth and Excel, then take before and after photos of each work location.

Find, document, and photograph encroachments on utility property. Then, speak to homeowners about removing their encroachments.

Be on site during tree clearing to answer questions from homeowners, keep homeowners out of the work area, and to make sure tree contractors complete the work safely and to the satisfaction of the utility.

Requirements:

Ability to walk several miles a day on uneven terrain and stand for several hours in most types of weather.

Access to a working vehicle and cell phone.

Ability to work 10-12 hours a day, usually 4-5 but sometimes 6 days a week. Schedules can rotate at certain times of the year, including some weekends. Hours can be dawn to dusk, but commute time is paid both ways. (Lots of OT available.)

Ability to identify common native and invasive tree species in Illinois.

Prior experience in the utility, environmental, tree trimming or landscaping industry.

Ability to plan vegetation work.

Customer service skills, ability to communicate with homeowners, tree contractors, and the utility.

Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Self-starter, comfortable with working alone.

Computer skills.

Safety focused.

Observant.

Preferred:

Certified Arborist.

Prior experience as a contract utility forester.

Relevant bachelor’s degree such as Forestry or Environmental Science.

Vehicle with 4-wheel drive.

Ability to identify electric and communication line types.

Ability to recognize areas that would be optimal for prairie restoration.