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Utility Forester Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

ACRT, Inc.

Consulting Utility Forester (FT)

Newark, OH · On-site

Please Apply at: - US/ACRT_Careers/job/Consulting -Utility-Forester---Newark--OH_R8240 Full time Regular About The Team: At ACRT, we put safety first. Beyond that, our culture always has been, and ...

Essential Utilities, Inc.

Utility Worker

Westerville, OH · On-site

$28.91/hr

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state ... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ...

Aquaamerica

Utility Worker

Westerville, OH

$28.91/hr

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state ... acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Our company is one of the most ...

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All JobsUtility Forester JobsUtility Forester Jobs in Ohio

Utility Forester information

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$5

$23

$37

How much do utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility forester in Ohio is $23.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $26.97 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 Ohio?

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

What job categories do people searching Utility Forester jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Forester jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Utility Forester jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Utility Forester job openings:

Utility Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Forester job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,793 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Consulting Utility Forester (FT)

Newark, OH • On-site

ACRT, Inc.
See more jobs at ACRT, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

ACRT, Inc.
Please Apply at: https://acrt.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ACRT_Careers/job/Consulting-Utility-Forester---Newark--OH_R8240
Full time Regular

About The Team:
At ACRT, we put safety first. Beyond that, our culture always has been, and always will be, about one thing: people. It’s about our employees, our customers, and the communities our customers serve. We empower the best people to help sustain our world. We’re the only independent national vegetation management consulting firm — giving us the freedom to put our clients first. We’re always looking for driven individuals with good customer service skills who love the outdoors and appreciate the support and independence we provide. We offer qualified training opportunities in areas where they are needed to help our customers reach their fullest potential, preparing them for what their work throws at them. 
 
About the Role: 
The Consulting Utility Forester (CUF) 1 reports to the Senior Consulting Utility Forester at ACRT Inc. This position will play a key role in identifying, inspecting, and evaluating trees and brush along utility lines and submitting inspection results to clients with recommendations. This position plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of assigned tree clearance crews. This position requires a love of working outside, excellent attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal communications skills. 
What You’ll Do:
Vegetation Inspecting & Management:
  • Identify and inspect local trees with an understanding of growth rates. 
  • Map circuits using client continuity lists. 
  • Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and prescribed work to be performed by client tree trimming contractors. 
  • Enter tree trimming/tree and brush removal prescription into hand-held computer or other similar systems, and uses computers and associated software to perform duties. 
  • Notify property owners of tree trimming/tree and brush removal work to be performed relating to client specifications. 
  • Manage the issuance of work and track work progress. 
  • Perform outage investigations, when necessary. 
  • Discusses and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues. 
  • Perform herbicide audits. 
  • Assist with storm restoration efforts.
  
Tree Trimming Assessments: 
  • Audit tree trimming and tree removal work completed by the tree trimming contractor in the field to ensure compliance with work request forms and approved tree trimming. 
  • Determine when the next tree trimming is required. 
  • Complete post audit forms indicating adequacy of the tree trimming and tree removal work, and forward the completed forms to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator.
 
Maintain State, Local, & Organizational Compliance:
  • Obtain permits from public agencies and documents work. 
  • Comply with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards. 
  • As requested by the Senior CUF or Manager, perform all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with all safety requirements, law and regulations, and applicable labor agreements. 
  • Adhere to all attendance and work hour requirements. 
  • Conduct work in a safety-conscious manner as not to endanger themselves or others. 
  • Wear safety-related equipment such as hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, etc. 
  • Know and exemplify ACRT’s Guiding Principles. 

Positively Build Upon New & Existing Relationships: 
  • Serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers. 
  • Display optimism about the work to be done and demonstrate a positive attitude towards customers, peers, and the company. 
  • Maintain working relationships with local client personnel as well as all relevant federal, state and local governmental agencies. 
  • May be required to participate in public presentations and meetings. 

Other duties as assigned. 
About You: 
  • 2 or 4 year degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science or closely related field OR high school diploma plus two years of UVM experience.
  • Previous Utility Vegetation Management experience required.
  • Must have ISA Arborist certification.
  • Competent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience working with GIS integrated data collection software/hardware preferred but not required.
  • Candidate must be self-motivated, organized, production oriented.
  • Candidate must be comfortable working in an independent environment and managing a geographical area for all vegetation related activities.
  • Candidate must be able to work with stakeholders, utility customers and line clearance vendors and have excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Multi-tasking and strong time management skills required.
  • Ability to work in varied terrain and inclement weather with flexible schedules (available nights and weekends as needed).
  • Valid driver's license required.
 
Where We Work:
  • Employees will take their company provided vehicle to where they need to report for the day. They will generally not need to report to an office.  
 
Benefits:
Health and Safety:
  • Group health plans including medical/prescription, dental, vision and a variety of other coverage options offered. 
  • Company paid group life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability. 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts or an option for a Health Savings Account with company match. 
  • Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and eligible family members.
 
Retirement: 
  • Automatic enrollment in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost. 
  • Roth or Traditional 401(k) Retirement plan with company match.
 
Time Off: 
  • Paid Vacation. 
  • Paid Holidays. 
  • Veterans Day paid time off for our veterans.
 
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@acrtinc.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)