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Utility Forester Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Esri

Consultant - Natural Resources

Redlands, CA · On-site

$84K - $142K/yr

... utilities, commercial, and others. Your work will empower people to make meaningful decision by ... science, natural resources, forestry, or a related STEM field Recommended Qualifications

Esri

Sr. Consultant - Natural Resources

Redlands, CA · On-site

$107K - $183K/yr

... utilities, commercial, and others. Your work will empower people to make meaningful decision by ... science, natural resources, forestry, or a related STEM field Recommended Qualifications

Phenix Truck & Van

Be Seen First

Mechanical Design Engineer III, Automotive Industry

Pomona, CA · On-site

$38 - $56/hr

We service utilities, municipalities, fire departments, government agencies, and commercial fleets ... Forest Service, and Los Angeles County Public Works. Our influence extends beyond the region ...

Phenix Truck & Van

Be Seen First

Sheet Metal Design Engineer II, Automotive Industry

Pomona, CA · On-site

$34 - $44/hr

We service utilities, municipalities, fire departments, government agencies, and commercial fleets ... Forest Service, and Los Angeles County Public Works. Our influence extends beyond the region ...

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All JobsUtility Forester JobsUtility Forester Jobs in Riverside, CA

Utility Forester information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$5

$25

$41

How much do utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility forester in Riverside, CA is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $29.62 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 are utility foresters?

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 forestry job makes the most money?

In forestry, the highest-paying roles are often senior positions such as forest managers, consulting foresters, or specialized arborists, which require advanced skills, certifications, and experience. These roles typically offer higher salaries due to increased responsibility and expertise in managing large-scale forest operations or consulting projects.

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Utility Foresters typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually found in executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a business. For most roles, reaching this income level is uncommon without significant leadership responsibilities or ownership stakes.

How much do utility foresters make?

Utility foresters typically earn a median annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced foresters with specialized skills can earn higher wages and additional benefits such as overtime and hazard pay.

What does a utility forester do?

A utility forester is responsible for managing and maintaining trees near power lines to prevent outages and ensure safety. They conduct inspections, prune or remove trees as needed, and use tools like chainsaws and safety equipment, often working outdoors and following industry standards. Certification and knowledge of vegetation management are important for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Forester, and why are they important?

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 Riverside, CA? For Utility Forester jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Forester jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Forester jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Utility Forester jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Utility Forester job openings:
Utility Forester jobs near you
Vegetation Management Senior Specialist

Vegetation Management Senior Specialist

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Rimforest, CA • On-site

$99K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Vegetation Management Senior Specialist at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll engage with SCE customers, contractors, and public agencies to ensure our Utility Vegetation Management program is safely and successfully implemented. As a Vegetation Management Senior Specialist, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Performs contractor field safety observations on Safety Tier 1 High Risk, Safety Tier 1 and Safety Tier 2 contract partners. Enforces contractor adherence to the Life-Saving Compliance Tree Trimming Critical Observable Actions (COAs). Provides ongoing feedback on contractor's safety performance and corrective actions. Establishes success criteria, Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) and monitoring goals for new programs, examining plans and specifications to determine work procedures and costs.
  • Performs contractor field environmental observations. Enforces contractor adherence to standard and site- specific environmental requirements that drive environmental compliance.
  • Facilitates field calibration and orientation sessions with contractors to review SCE expectations, align with SCE evolving priorities related to reduction in wildfire risk and customer service, and identifies trends and corrective actions where quality of work does not meet expectations.
  • Performs Post Work Verification (PWV) on Pre-inspection and Tree Trimming work and identifies and assigns rework to contractors when quality expectations are not met. Passes a verbal and field practical Personnel Qualification Standard (PQS)) prior to performing these duties.
  • Provides input to annual work plans to optimize the execution of work and identifies associated contract resource needs, partners with RPPM to ensure schedule adherence of planned and emergent work.
  • Investigates tree-related outages to determine root cause. Documents and communicates observations and investigatory results to first line supervision, using standardized templates and forms.
  • Serves as a primary point of contact and subject matter expert on utility vegetation management programs and regulations and represents SCE VM to OU partners, the public/homeowners and County, City, and state/federal agencies.
  • Monitors and evaluates operational costs and performance of tree trimming and vegetation maintenance contractors, reviewing and approving contractor safety and billing documentation to ensure accuracy.
  • Supports the development, evaluation and implementation of new methods for line clearance and vegetation management in compliance with applicable regulations, standards and company tactical and strategic objectives.
  • Collaborates with key stakeholders (internal and external to SCE) in order to set project goals, prioritize new initiatives and programs, and maintains a documented vegetation management program strategy that meets key stakeholder expectations.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Five or more years of experience in vegetation management.
  • ISA Certified Arborist
  • Possess a valid Class C Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications
  • ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
  • ISA Utility Specialist certification.
  • Bachelor's degree in forestry, arboriculture, or business.
  • Effective communication skills and customer service.
  • Knowledge of CPUC GO 95 Rule 35, PRC 4292 & 4293 and environmental habitat areas.
  • Knowledge of NERC/WECC/ISO regulations.

Additional Information
  • This position's work mode is on-site. The employee will report to an SCE facility or in the field location. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • This position has been identified as a NERC/CIP impacted position - Prior to being hired, the successful candidate must pass a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) or Background Investigation. Once hired, the candidate must complete specified training prior to gaining un-escorted access to assigned work location and performing necessary job duties.
  • The primary work location for this position is Arrowhead, however, the office space will be located in Redlands.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.
  • As of September 2, 2025, this position is represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 47 (IBEW). The company and the union are currently working toward a collective bargaining agreement. Please note that the terms and conditions of employment listed in this job posting will be impacted by the final agreement reached between SCE and IBEW.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at AskHR@sce.com or (626) 302-3456 and select option 2.

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