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Utility Forester Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Having completed over 250,000 jobs, we fully understand the unique needs of municipalities and the utility industry. We specialize in hard and soft surface restoration, trucking, forestry, and many ...

Having completed over 250,000 jobs, we fully understand the unique needs of municipalities and the utility industry. We specialize in hard and soft surface restoration, trucking, forestry, and many ...

Cost Estimator

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$105K - $115K/yr (+ commission)

Having completed over 250,000 jobs, we fully understand the unique needs of municipalities and the utility industry. We specialize in hard and soft surface restoration, trucking, forestry, and many ...

Cost Estimator

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$105K - $115K/yr (+ commission)

Having completed over 250,000 jobs, we fully understand the unique needs of municipalities and the utility industry. We specialize in hard and soft surface restoration, trucking, forestry, and many ...

Company Description One of the leading Utility Company that provides natural gas and electricity ... available, forestry complete, obstructions in area, customer conduits installed & marked/pull ...

Showing results 21-40

Utility Forester information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$21

$34

How much do utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility forester in Michigan is $21.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $24.71 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 Michigan?

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

Infographic showing various Utility Forester job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,733 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Utility Vegetation Management Specialist

Atlas Field Services

Ann Arbor, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description


Utility Vegetation Management Specialist

Who are we?

We’re dedicated to the growth of our employees. We truly believe in your development. For those who show initiative, we will do what it takes to get you where you want to go.

We’re growing but still maintain an entrepreneurial spirit. We give you room to be accountable and responsible in your role. We believe progress is bred through innovation and we encourage our employees to bring their ideas forward.

We’re safety focused. Safety is paramount in how we operate as we believe in providing excellence in our service to our vegetation management clients.

We’re transparent and respectful. We support each other and are transparent and honest in our communication. We believe that trust is the foundation of our success with clients and within our team. 

Who You Are:

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. You must reside in the Detroit, Michigan area / client service territory.

Responsibilities:

  • Assesses vegetation around powerlines and plans necessary work to meet utility standards
  • Collects data on unit counts, species, conditions, and GPS locations
  • Communicates with tree owners about upcoming vegetation management work
  • Collaborates with Removal Negotiation Experts and/or foresters as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Experience in Forestry, Arboriculture, or Horticulture
  • Actively pursue ISA arborist certification; possession of ISA arborist certification preferred
  • ISA Utility Specialist certification preferred
  • Must possess tree identification skills and the ability to read maps
  • Positive attitude/neat professional appearance
  • Demonstrates initiative and proactively looks for ways to perform work in the most effective manner and the ability to work safely and efficiently with minimal oversight
  • Must be able to work safely and productively alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain
  • Must be skilled with technology and possess basic computer and smart phone skills
  • Capable of operating a 4x4 vehicle on rough roads

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 Services. 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