Utility Associate Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Description

We are currently looking to add a Utility Forester to our team! If you are an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, enjoys a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ArborMetrics.

Some of the most important characteristics of an AMS Utility Forester are a desire to learn, an ability to adapt, and a commitment to engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public. You are accountable for advancing a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients. 

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Industry competitive pay.
• Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes. 
• Day 1 of Employment: Medical/Dental/Vision/VOYA/Paid Holidays/EAP (Full-Time Employees). 
• After 3 months: 401K, Life Insurance, Vacation Accrual, Short and Long-term Disability, Paid Maternity Leave. 
• Paid Sick Time. 
• Weekly Pay Cycle.
• Participation in Referral Bonus Program. 
• Company sponsored Boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees). 
• Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Pre-Patrol Preparation

• Organize records, maps, and paperwork for patrol circuits; maintain accurate documentation.
• Review work sites for endangered species, sensitive habitats, and incompatible vegetation.

Field Patrol Duties

• Safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identifying vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per Client standards.
• Classify prescribed work in accordance with field environment and tree condition, including use of herbicide.
• Conduct Tree Risk Assessments and analyze growth rates. 
• Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with Client directives and based on ISA pruning techniques and ANSI line clearance standards & principles.

Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement

• Use digital tools and maps to identify property boundaries and landowner rights.
• Communicate work plans to property owners, agencies, and organizations.
• Obtain permissions for vegetation work from private/public landowners and agencies.
• Provide professional customer service and foster positive community relations.

Vegetation Management & Compliance

• Recommend sustainable vegetation management strategies using IVM principles.
• Audit contractor work for compliance with Client specifications.
• Investigate tree-related outages and document findings.
• Address customer service and internal compliance issues.

Coordination & Safety

• Coordinate non-routine work with stakeholders and contractors.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, and hazards immediately.
• Follow all safety protocols, including AMS Code of Safe Practices and wildfire prevention plans.
• Operate vehicles safely and travel to assigned work areas.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in storm and emergency response as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline or equivalent work experience (education may be required dependent on client contract)
• Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or tree-related green industry preferred.  
• Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification
• Knowledge of common computer applications and ability to learn new programs
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record

• Experience with GIS software/technology as well as Microsoft Suite and an iPhone.
• Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and multi-tasking abilities and show attention to detail.

 WHAT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE:

• Certified ISA Arborist is a plus.
• Being Bi-Lingual (Spanish) is a plus.
• Utility line clearance or tree trimming experience.

Working Environment

Work with a team and alone; primarily in an outdoor field environment and/or low light conditions; foot patrol of energy corridors in the vicinity of power lines and/or pipelines; 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, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills and slopes, dense vegetation; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all types of weather extremes including snow, ice, fog, humidity, and low and high temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic and wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants. Other working conditions may include: in a vehicle or limited time in an indoor office.

Physical

The employee must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand, arm and shoulder movement in the performance of daily duties (e.g., forcefully beat down brush); carry, push and/or pull light to heavy amounts of weight, frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (sandbags); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with public; ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.

Company Overview

ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at AMS have come from a variety of backgrounds, including forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more. 

Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal background check.

All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

AMS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE/AA : Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.

Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees’ health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note:

• All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
• Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.