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Line Clearance Arborist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arborist

West Fargo, ND · On-site

$24.57 - $27.03/hr

Under general supervision, the Arborist performs skilled and manual tasks such as trimming, pruning ... Line Clearance Qualified, aerial rescue training, and CPR/First Aid Certified required within one ...

Consulting Utility Arborist | Bastrop, TX

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

Our Arborists perform identification, inspection, and evaluation of trees and brush along utility ... Discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues; Serve as a liaison between clients, tree ...

Arborist

West Fargo, ND · On-site

$24.57 - $27.03/hr

Electrical Line Clearance Qualified, aerial rescue training, and CPR/First Aid Certified required ... Arboriculture? * Yes * No 02 Do you hold a North Dakota commercial pesticide applicator license?

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Line Clearance Arborist information

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$32

How much do line clearance arborist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for line clearance arborist in the United States is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do line clearance arborists face and how can they be managed?

Line Clearance Arborists frequently encounter challenges such as working near energized power lines, adverse weather conditions, and difficult terrain. To manage these risks, arborists undergo specialized safety training, use insulated tools and personal protective equipment, and communicate closely with utility crews. Effective teamwork and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential for minimizing hazards and ensuring efficient workflow. Staying up to date with industry best practices and ongoing training also helps line clearance arborists handle these challenges confidently.

What is a line clearance arborist?

Line clearance arborists are specialized tree care professionals who are trained to prune, remove, and maintain trees near power lines and other utility infrastructure. Their main responsibility is to ensure that tree branches and vegetation do not interfere with electrical lines, helping to prevent power outages and safety hazards. These arborists follow strict safety standards and often work for utility companies or contractors. They use specialized equipment and techniques to safely manage vegetation in challenging environments. Certification and ongoing training are typically required for this role.

What is the difference between Line Clearance Arborist vs Tree Trimmer?

AspectLine Clearance ArboristTree Trimmer
CertificationsClimbing and safety certifications, often requiredBasic tree trimming certifications, if any
Work EnvironmentUtility lines, high elevations, specialized equipmentGround or bucket work on trees
Industry UsageUtility companies, power line maintenanceLandscaping, residential and commercial tree care

Both roles involve tree work, but Line Clearance Arborists specialize in maintaining trees near power lines, requiring climbing skills and safety certifications. Tree Trimmers focus on general pruning and trimming, often working at ground level or with bucket lifts. The roles differ mainly in work environment and certification requirements, with Line Clearance Arborists working in more hazardous, utility-related settings.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a line clearance arborist?

To thrive as a Line Clearance Arborist, you need expertise in tree identification, pruning, and removal techniques, along with safety training and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with chainsaws, climbing gear, bucket trucks, and electrical hazard awareness certifications such as OSHA or EHAP is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for working safely and efficiently near power lines. These skills ensure safe operations, prevent accidents, and maintain reliable utility services.
More about Line Clearance Arborist jobs
What job categories do people searching Line Clearance Arborist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Line Clearance Arborist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Line Clearance Arborist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,071 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Vegetation Management Inspector - TRAQ Arborist

Sierra Forestry Consulting LLC

Redding, CA

$42.78 - $52.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description

The Vegetation Management Inspector Series (VMI) positions will patrol for hazardous trees, perform identification, inspection and evaluation of trees and brush along utility lines.


The VMI will submit inspection results to clients with recommendations; may plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of assigned tree clearance crews; Discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues; may serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers.

The VMI Series positions are covered under International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245, all employees in this position are required to join the union.


We are requiring an ISA Arborist and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Certification for this posting.


Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Perform circuit patrols in accordance with the annual VM plan, VM patrol standards and processes
  • Identify required tree work along the existing PG&E rights-of- way; prescribing tree work to be performed; document inspection done
  • Notify property owners/agencies when tree work will occur and obtaining any necessary authorizations from the property owners/agencies to perform the tree work
  • May serve as contact for new business and re-construction work
  • Perform work verification inspections verifying applicable inspection and tree work completion and quality
  • Perform investigation and documentation of tree-related outages and attending outage meetings as requested
  • May be assigned a variety of VM Tags; perform tracking, field checking, prescribing of work, and notifying of customers associated with non- routine locations
  • Assist in close out CC&B cases in the field after fielding the case
  • Support emergency response; dispatching tree crews, field checking sites, first responder stand-by agreements
  • Work independently complete tasks assigned by the supervisor
  • Support oversight of vegetation projects, including field operations such as tree assessment, tree trimming, and other work as required
  • Participate in contractor safety and tailboard meetings
  • Act as customer relations representative on behalf of PG&E
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
  • Complete electronic and paper-based documentation and reporting
  • More experience/Senior VMI may audit work performed by other less experienced VMI
  • Senior VMI may assist with training of new VMI
  • Senior VMI may act as liaison to contractors to resolve obstacles to assist with work being performed in safe and productive manner

Desired Skills / Abilities:

  • Ability to work independently
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to read and follow maps
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rate
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
  • Ability to prioritize and organize paying attention to detail for accuracy
  • Accountable: accepting personal responsibility
  • Ability to work additional hours and days

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED
  • Required to maintain a Class C driver's license
  • Must be able to meet company driver acceptability requirements
  • Ability to drive 4x4 truck or SUV


Requirements

Experience / Education Requirements:


VMI Start

  • One (1) year of related arboricultural experience, OR
  • ISA Certified Arborist, OR
  • 2-year or 4-year college degree in a related field
  • This posting requires ISA Arborist and TRAQ Certification

VMI-1

  • One (1) year of Vegetation Management Inspector Start AND
  • One (1) year of related arboricultural experience, OR
  • ISA Certified Arborist, OR
  • 2-year or 4-year college degree in a related field
  • This posting requires ISA Arborist and TRAQ Certification

SVMI

  • Five (5) years of experience as a tree crew climber/tree crew foreman with at least two (2) years of line clearance certification OR
  • Five (5) years of experience as a Vegetation Management Inspector AND ISA Certified Arborist OR
  • Five (5) years of experience as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) OR
  • Five (5) years of experience as a Utility Inspector or higher classification with at least one (1) year of vegetation management experience OR
  • Four (4) years of Military Service with honorable discharge AND at least one (1) year additional year of Vegetation Management Inspection experience
  • Must successfully complete all training:
  • OSHA 30-hour construction safety overview (must be completed within six months of start date)
  • Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP) or ISA Certified Arborist (CA) with Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) certificate (must be completed within six months of test eligibility)
  • 911 Standby Training (must be completed within one month of start date)
  • Working knowledge of QA/QC (must be completed within one month of start date)
  • This posting requires ISA Arborist and TRAQ Certification


Physical Requirements:

  • Prolonged periods of standing outdoors
  • Prolonged periods walking and hiking outdoors in a variety of terrain
  • Prolonged periods of sitting and driving 4x4 truck and/or SUV
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at times
  • Must be able to bend, lift, stretch, climb and crawl to check equipment and buildings
  • Must be able to perform work in a variety of weather conditions

Bargaining Position: Yes

Location: Shasta County

Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, AD&D and Term life Insurance

Company Vehicle for Business Use

Company Cell Phone

FLSA: Non-exempt Hourly

Compensation: $42.78 to $52.87 hourly

Subsistence: $50.00 per day worked

Per Diem: May be paid if eligible


Employment with Sierra Forestry Consulting LLC is contingent upon satisfactorily passing applicable drug screening and background check. SFC is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.