Remote Utility Forester Work Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vegetation Management Lead Work Planner

Who You Are:

You’re organized with skills in verbal and written communication, spreadsheets, and ability to navigate complex issues by implementing effective tactics in a professional and timely manner.

You’re energetic and enjoy working outdoors. You understand that this space can be demanding, and you are equipped with the skills necessary to get the job done.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct detailed quality control assessments and audits of pre-inspection, tree-trimming, and vegetation management work performed by Work Planners to ensure compliance with client specifications, industry standards, safety regulations, and utility program requirements.
• Perform comprehensive inspections of overhead power lines and rights-of-way to verify proper vegetation clearance, identify non-compliant conditions, and recommend proper mitigation or corrective actions.
• Accurately identify and assess dead, dying, hazardous, or high-risk trees affected by drought, disease, structural defects, or other environmental factors, including formal tree risk evaluations where applicable.
• Inspect and evaluate trees for hazard or danger potential using industry-recognized methods (e.g., TRAQ methodologies).
• Document findings, compile detailed reports, and maintain accurate records for the client’s vegetation management program, including data entry into utility systems or databases.
• Audit Work Planner performance for adherence to specifications, work quality, safety practices, and regulatory compliance; provide constructive feedback and escalate issues as needed.
• Collaborate daily with clients, contractors, landowners, stakeholders, and the public to communicate assessment results, address concerns, resolve conflicts, and promote positive public relations.
• Support emergency and storm response operations, including rapid assessments, hazard mitigation, and coordination in accordance with safety protocols, laws, and utility guidelines.
• Assist in miscellaneous line clearance projects, program improvements, and quality assurance initiatives as assigned.
• Promote and uphold a strong safety culture while working independently or in teams in challenging outdoor environments.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of specialized professional experience in Quality Control/Quality Assurance, Utility Vegetation Management (UVM), forestry, utility arboriculture, electric utility vegetation projects, pre-inspections, tree risk assessment, or closely related fields; 3+ years of equivalent experience required in lieu of Associates degree.
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent demonstrated experience as noted above).
• Active ISA Certified Arborist certification required.
• Strongly preferred certifications/qualifications:
  • ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
  • ISA Utility Specialist certification
  • ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) - priority consideration given to holders of this advanced credential.
• Advanced knowledge of tree identification, arboricultural practices, utility vegetation management standards (e.g., ANSI A300, GO-95 compliance where applicable), hazard tree evaluation, and integrated vegetation management principles.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and professional representation of the client.
• Proven ability to multitask, solve complex problems independently, maintain meticulous attention to detail, and work productively in variable outdoor conditions (weather, terrain, remote/urban settings).
• Proficiency with technology, including smartphones, tablets, GPS/navigation, mapping software, data collection apps, and basic computer systems for reporting and documentation.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; capable of safely operating a 4x4 vehicle on rough, unpaved, or off-road terrain.
• Ability to work alone or collaboratively outdoors for extended periods, including walking/hiking on uneven/sloped terrain and exposure to all weather conditions.

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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employees must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.
• Work alone in an outdoor field environment; extensive vehicle operation 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 Service. Successful candidates will be committed to their personal safety and to the safety of others. This role will require a general understanding and the ability to identify safety hazards and report any unsafe working conditions. The position requires active participation in safety briefings and may 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.

Job Type: Full Time

Work Schedules are dictated by client and may vary depending on project needs. Generally, schedules are Monday- Thursday, and must be available Fridays, weekends and holidays as needed. Schedules are subject to change. Travel may be required.

AFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer