1

Utility Forester Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator (Duke)

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential ... About Us Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry ...

Equipment Operator (Duke)

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential ... Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry ...

Equipment Operator (Duke)

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands. Essential ... About Us Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry ...

Career Opportunity Propane Outside Sales - Accounts Manager II Wake Forest, NC What makes us great ... Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-58

Utility Forester information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$5

$23

$38

How much do utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility forester in Raleigh, NC is $23.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $27.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Utility Forester jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Utility Forester jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Forester jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Forester jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Utility Forester jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Utility Forester job openings:
Infographic showing various Utility Forester job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 50% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 38% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,887 per year, or $24 per hour.

Equipment Operator (Duke)

Pike Corporation

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description


As an Equipment Operator (EO) your primary responsibility is to operate and maintain a range of specialized forestry equipment, such as Jarraffs, brush cutters, and Timberlands.
Essential Functions:
As an Equipment Operator you will support your team by:
  • Prioritizing safety in all tasks and operations.
  • Demonstrating trustworthiness and responsibility while performing daily tasks.
  • Experience may vary in operating specialized equipment and performing tasks related to line clearance work, such as pruning and removing trees near electrical conductors.
  • Must be thoroughly knowledgeable of the particular machines assigned to operate and all safety aspects of its operation.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Valid driver's license.
  • 1-year previous experience.
  • Able to read and communicate effectively in English.
  • Bilingual (Spanish / English) a plus.
  • A Commercial Driver's License is strongly preferred.
  • Able to travel long distances on short notice, when required.
  • Readily join storm restoration efforts in times of need.
  • Able to work for extended periods in various locations, when required.
  • Able to lift in excess of 50 lbs.
  • Willing to work over-time when requested.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Other Requirements:
  • Properly inspect Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Understand when to wear personal protective equipment.
  • Maintain company vehicles, equipment, and tools in good working order.
  • Able to perform rigorous physical labor.
  • Understand proper use of company radio.
  • Understand the proper use and maintenance of hand tools.
  • Capable of receiving and following directions.
  • Capable of working at heights and/or confined spaces.
  • Must be able to work outside, frequently in inclement weather.
  • Does all other related work as required to complete the job.
  • Able to read/write and communicate effectively.
  • Dutifully follows established Safety Rules and Company Policy.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are typical of those that must be met by a team-member to successfully perform the essential functions of their job in vegetation management.
While performing the duties of this job, team-members are regularly required to talk or hear. The team-member is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hands and arms.
The team-member is frequently required to perform rigorous physical labor; sit; standing for extended periods of time; or balance; and stoop, kneel crouch or crawl. Team-members frequently lift or move up to or in-excess of 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, team-members may frequently be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. Team-members are occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment can be loud. Vegetation clearing work is performed outside and is subject to diverse weather conditions.
Competencies:
  • Team-Oriented
  • Self-Motivated
  • Customer Service Focused
  • Ethical and Honest
  • Responsible
  • Trustworthy
  • Ethical
  • Honest
  • Punctual
  • Excellent communication skills

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled
Burford's Construction is a Non-Union Company
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
About Us
Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry throughout the Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western United States. With a great team of qualified professionals, Burford's Construction can serve all project needs.
Those services include:
  • Vegetation Maintenance
  • New ROW Clearing
  • ROW Reclamation/Widening
  • Erosion Control
  • Access Matting
  • Civil/Site Grading AND Many More!

We offer these services as turnkey support to customers across our service territory in Transmission, Distribution, and Generation. It is our belief that our work entails a true partnership with our clients to consistently exceed expectations. Our company culture and core values of safety for all, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and productivity are integral in every partnership.
About the Team
Burford's Construction is a leading provider of services in the electric utility industry throughout the Southeastern, Midwestern, and Western United States. With a great team of qualified professionals, Burford's Construction can serve all project needs.
Those services include:
  • Vegetation Maintenance
  • New ROW Clearing
  • ROW Reclamation/Widening
  • Erosion Control
  • Access Matting
  • Civil/Site Grading AND Many More!

We offer these services as turnkey support to customers across our service territory in Transmission, Distribution, and Generation. It is our belief that our work entails a true partnership with our clients to consistently exceed expectations. Our company culture and core values of safety for all, environmental stewardship, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and productivity are integral in every partnership.