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Remote Utility Forestry Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Remote Utility Forestry information

What is a remote utility forestry?

A Remote Utility Forestry job involves managing and maintaining vegetation near utility lines, such as power lines, often using remote sensing technology or working from remote locations. These professionals assess tree growth, identify hazards, and make recommendations or take action to prevent vegetation from interfering with utility infrastructure. The work may include using GIS mapping, drones, and other digital tools to monitor large or hard-to-reach areas. Remote Utility Foresters play a crucial role in preventing outages, wildfires, and ensuring public safety. This position often allows for flexible, remote work, with field visits as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote utility forestry professional?

To thrive as a Remote Utility Forestry professional, you need a solid background in forestry, arboriculture, or environmental science, often supported by relevant certifications such as ISA Arborist or Utility Specialist. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, remote sensing tools, and vegetation management systems is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help professionals coordinate with utility companies and ensure regulatory compliance. These skills are critical for maintaining utility safety, preventing outages, and supporting sustainable vegetation management in remote areas.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in remote utility forestry roles, and how can they be addressed?

Remote utility forestry professionals often encounter challenges such as working in isolated locations, ensuring effective communication with utility companies and field teams, and adapting to changing environmental conditions. Managing vegetation around utility lines requires strong problem-solving skills and adherence to strict safety protocols. To address these challenges, many teams utilize advanced mapping technology, regular virtual meetings, and ongoing training to stay updated on safety standards and environmental regulations, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Remote Utility Forestry vs Remote Utility Vegetation Management?

AspectRemote Utility ForestryRemote Utility Vegetation Management
CertificationsForestry certifications, GIS, safety trainingVegetation management certifications, pesticide licenses, GIS
Work EnvironmentForestry sites, remote areas, fieldworkPower lines, utility corridors, remote and urban areas
Industry UsageForest management, conservation, utility line clearancePower line clearance, vegetation control, utility maintenance

Remote Utility Forestry focuses on forest management, conservation, and working in forested areas, often involving tree planting and forest health assessments. Remote Utility Vegetation Management centers on maintaining utility lines by controlling vegetation growth near power lines, often involving pesticide use and clearance activities. While both roles require similar certifications and involve remote work, their primary focus and work environments differ, catering to distinct aspects of utility and environmental management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Forestry jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Utility Forestry jobs in Arizona are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Utility Forestry jobs in Arizona?

For Remote Utility Forestry jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Wildland Firefighter (Prevention)

Forest Service

Springerville, AZ • On-site, Remote

$67K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Supervise inspections for compliance with fire safety codes, permits, and contract provisions.

  • Develop and deliver fire prevention training and educational programs for personnel and external groups.

  • Create and implement fire prevention plans based on analysis of fire data, hazards, and resources.


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 297 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The position serves as Fire Prevention Officer on a Forest Service unit. The primary purpose of this position involves planning and execution of fire prevention, suppression, and education programs.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the specific contact information.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • Duties listed are at full performance grade GW-09 level.
  • Provides technical expertise on fire protection and prevention/ suppression issues. Supervises inspections in compliance with Federal, State and local codes and Special Use permit requirements and contract provisions relating to fire precautions.
  • Develops, implements and makes presentations on the role of fire in ecosystem management educational programs on unit, both internally and externally.
  • Develops and presents fire prevention training for unit and forest personnel and cooperating agencies, public utilities and citizens groups.
  • Develops district or unit fire prevention plan by analysis of fire occurrence data, hazard and risk, values, suppression capabilities and potential for the loss of resources.
  • Cooperatively designs/executes joint programs in fire prevention; reviews development plans for compliance with fire safe practices; provides technical expertise on fire protection in special use permits, service contracts and timber sale contracts.
  • Advises responsible parties of hazards or other unsatisfactory conditions and of governing laws and regulations.
  • Prepares written reports and plans, including case reports, narratives, investigation reports, maps, site sketches etc. Documents findings, issues citations as necessary.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
  • Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit E-Verify.
  • Must be 18 years of age.
  • This is a drug testing designated position. You will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. Appointment is based on a negative result. This announcement constitutes 30 days advance notice.
  • Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
  • Secondary Coverage: Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
  • Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
  • Some Fire positions may have Conditions of Employment such as: a valid state driver's license; a commercial driver's license (CDL); pre-appointment and random drug testing; or a physical or medical examination.
  • As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
GW-08: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-07).
Examples of specialized experience include: Provided technical expertise on fire protection and prevention/suppression issues; Made inspections of lands and buildings for compliance with Federal, State and local codes and Special Use permit requirements and contract provisions relating to fire precautions; Reviewed fire control plans and documents relating to fire prevention, detection, and hazard reduction, pre-suppression and suppression tactics and strategies; Assisted in the development, implementation and presentation of the role of fire in ecosystems management educational programs.
GW-09: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-08).
Examples of specialized experience include: Assisted in developing and executing plans to solve complex problems involving fire preparedness, fuels management, fire prevention, and/or training; Assisted the management of fire prevention and detection programs, scheduling staffing, maintenance and/or training; Assisted the development of fire control plans and/or documentation relating to fire pre-suppression, prevention, detection, suppression tactics and/or strategies.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a secondary firefighter position under 5 USC 8836 (c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Prior wildland firefighting experience is required. There is no age limit for entry into secondary positions. Firefighter retirement coverage of the incumbent depends upon his or her individual work history.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS, MODERATE, or LIGHT level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no substitution of education for specialized experience.
Additional information
For additional information about the duties and location(s) of these positions, please contact regional representative: To see the different locations within the Regional Offices | US Forest Service (usda.gov)
Region 3: Southwestern Region - Tobe Haught at tobe.haught@usda.gov
Region 5: Pacific Southwest Region - Brian Grabowski - brian.grabowski@usda.gov
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors.
These are permanent positions with varying tours of duty and may include weekend work. Some positions may have irregular and protracted hours of work. Tours of duty include full-time or less than full time (guaranteed minimum 13 pay periods full-time employment).
Availability of government housing, federal day care facilities, and telework may be available. Some positions filled via this announcement are bargaining unit positions represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees, IAMAW. This is dependent upon unit location.
The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized. Final determination to pay an incentive will be made by the hiring official at time of job offer.
The Forest Service may use certain incentives and hiring flexibilities, currently offered by the Federal government, to attract highly qualified candidates. Additional Information is available on the OPM Website.
Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. Questions should be directed to the Travel Help Desk, 877-372-7248, Option 1, or email SM.FS.asc_tos@usda.gov
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you will be placed under a career development plan, and may be non-competitively promoted if you successfully complete the requirements and if recommended by management. However, promotion is neither implied or guaranteed.
Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.
Forest Service daycare facilities may be available.
Government Housing may be available.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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