1

Utility Forester Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Winchester, KY ยท On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Delta Natural Gas Co., Inc., an Essential Utilities company, is engaged primarily in the ... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ...

Equipment Operator

Winchester, KY

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Delta Natural Gas Co., Inc., an Essential Utilities company, is engaged primarily in the ... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ...

Construction Technician

Winchester, KY

$16 - $21.75/hr

Delta Natural Gas Co., Inc., an Essential Utilities company, is engaged primarily in the ... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ...

Administrative Assistant

Nicholasville, KY

$16 - $21.50/hr

Delta Natural Gas Co., Inc., an Essential Utilities company, is engaged primarily in the ... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ...

$111.75/hr

As a Vegetation Program Lead, your office is the great outdoors- from city streets to remote forests. You'll lead field teams, coordinate with utility partners, and help shape sustainable right-of ...

New

$95 - $130/hr

Prestige Land - Charlotte NC, 820 Forest Point Circle, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of ... Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs for earthwork, utilities, grading, paving, and related scopes.

New

... Forester Distillery on historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. This building was renovated in ... and Central Utility Plant Operations to successfully complete daily/weekly work assignments ...

Project Manager - KY

Lexington, KY ยท On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

... USDA Forestry Service, and various municipalities. Key Responsibilities: * Project Planning ... Experience with bridges, highways, underground utilities, flat concrete, structural concrete, or ...

$120 - $170/hr

... Forestry, which is recognized as one of the largest home builders in the United States. Why work ... Lead feasibility studies when site constraints (e.g., tight setbacks, utility conflicts) challenge ...

New

We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products, advanced manufacturing, and minerals & metals. ITAC's purpose is to make life better. For our employees ...

We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products, advanced manufacturing, and minerals & metals. ITAC's purpose is to make life better. For our employees ...

We specialize in power generation & utilities, chemicals, food & beverage, forest products, advanced manufacturing, and minerals & metals. ITAC's purpose is to make life better. For our employees ...

Utility Forester information

See Kentucky salary details

$4

$21

$34

How much do utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility forester in Kentucky is $21.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility forester?

Utility foresters are professionals who manage and oversee vegetation near utility infrastructure, such as power lines and pipelines. Their main responsibility is to ensure that trees and other vegetation do not interfere with utility operations, which helps prevent outages and maintain safety. Utility foresters perform inspections, coordinate tree trimming or removal, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. They often work with utility companies, contractors, and governmental agencies to implement vegetation management plans.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility forester?

To thrive as a Utility Forester, you need knowledge of arboriculture, forestry principles, and utility vegetation management, usually supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping systems, tree risk assessment tools, and certifications like ISA Certified Arborist are typical technical requirements. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, reliable utility operations while protecting environmental and public interests.

What are some common challenges utility foresters face when balancing vegetation management with environmental regulations?

Utility Foresters often encounter the challenge of ensuring reliable utility line clearance while strictly adhering to environmental regulations and best practices. They must carefully plan and execute vegetation management activities to minimize ecological impact, protect wildlife habitats, and comply with federal, state, and local laws. This requires effective communication with landowners, regulatory agencies, and utility crews, as well as staying updated on evolving environmental guidelines. Successfully navigating these challenges helps maintain public safety and service reliability while promoting environmental stewardship.

What is the difference between Utility Forester vs Utility Arborist?

AspectUtility ForesterUtility Arborist
CertificationsTypically requires ISA Certified Arborist or Utility SpecialistOften requires ISA Certified Arborist or Utility Specialist
Work EnvironmentFieldwork managing vegetation near power lines, working with utility companiesFieldwork focused on tree care, pruning, and removal near utility infrastructure
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, forestry services, government agenciesUtility companies, tree care firms, municipal services

Utility Foresters and Utility Arborists share certifications and work environments related to vegetation management near power lines. However, Utility Foresters focus more on planning, mapping, and overseeing vegetation management programs, while Utility Arborists concentrate on tree pruning, removal, and maintenance. Both roles are essential in ensuring safe and reliable utility operations.

How do you become a utility forester?

To become a utility forester, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by a bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in tree identification and safety, and obtaining relevant certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist can improve job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Forester jobs in Kentucky?

For Utility Forester jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Utility Forester job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,575 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Winchester, KY โ€ข On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Delta Natural Gas Co., Inc., an Essential Utilities company, is engaged primarily in the distribution, transmission, storage and production of natural gas. With facilities located in 32 counties in central and southeastern Kentucky, Delta Natural Gas owns and operates 2,600 miles of natural gas gathering, transmission, distribution and service lines. Delta Natural Gas serves approximately 39,000 residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers.
Delta is more than your average natural gas utility. We have a vision to:
  • Provide valuable services to our customers
  • Encourage economic growth for businesses in our region
  • Improve the quality of life for our communities
  • Ensure that we are protecting our environment
  • Support our employees and partners

Join our team and make a difference!
About Essential Utilities
Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.
Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.
We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.
Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.
Delta, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Delta is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:
  • Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
  • Family members cannot work in the same department.