Utility Forester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 have at least seven years of combined experience. Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of field experience. Associate degree with 5 years’ experience. 7 years of utility vegetation management experience.

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.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the company forester(s) with the overall vegetation management in an assigned territory.
• Patrol & inspect electric utility right of-way in order to determine appropriate management activities.
• Assist in the investigation of property owner & customer concerns.
• Assist in the monitoring of all vegetation management activities for contract compliance.
• Assist with storm restoration or other emergency situations as directed by AEP.
• Under direction, communicate work to be performed to the vegetation contractors.
• Assist with random observations/inspections of vegetation crews for the purpose of observing & documenting work practices specifically related to safety compliance.
• Conduct inspections of completed vegetation management work in order to ensure compliance to applicable guidelines &/or standards for vegetation clearances & work quality including follow-up entry of inspection data on applicable forms & in applicable computer systems.
• Assume other duties & responsibilities as assigned

Senior level roles will also include the following:

• Responsible for overseeing vegetation management activities & budgets in an assigned territory with minimal oversight.
• Under direction, monitor budgets, develop & manage forestry work plans.
• Investigate property owner & customer concerns.
• Monitor all vegetation management activities for contract compliance.

Qualifications:

Contract Utility Forester 1

• Bachelor Degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, or a related field or equivalent education &/or experience as follows:
• Associate Degree in one of the same fields & a minimum of two (2) years of experience in utility vegetation management. 
• High school diploma with a minimum of six (6) years as a forester or other related position in the utility industry.
• Learns company procedures while assisting senior foresters.
• Performs inspections and contractor support under direct supervision.
• Develops technical knowledge and field experience.
• Good verbal, written communications, & computer skills.
• Positive attitude/neat professional appearance.
• Able to work outside in a safe, productive manner in all weather conditions.
•  Demonstrated ability to work safely & efficiently with minimal oversight.
• Ability to travel & stay overnight.
• Work effectively & professionally with people

Contract Utility Forester 2

• 1 Year Satisfactory Performance as a CUF1 or equivalent
• Performs all CUF I responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Possesses appropriate pesticide use certifications/licensing as required in the work jurisdiction
• Demonstrates increased initiative and independent decision-making.
• Supports contractor coordination and project execution.

Contract Utility Forester 3

• 2 years of satisfactory performance as a CUF 2 or equivalent.
• Independently manages assigned work activities.
• Possesses ISA Certified Arborist certification.
• Possesses appropriate pesticide use certifications/licensing as required in the work jurisdiction
• Serves as a technical resource and mentor for less experienced foresters.

Contract Utility Forester 4

• 1 year satisfaction performance as a CUF 3 or equivalent.
• Meets all qualifications & skills of CUF 3
• Proven understanding of utility vegetation management practices & components.
• Oversees vegetation management activities within an assigned territory.
• Manages contractor performance, work plans, budgets, and customer concerns.
• Provides leadership while ensuring compliance with company, client, and regulatory standards.

Licenses/ Certifications

• Valid Driver's License.
• Actively pursue appropriate pesticide use certifications/licensing as required in the work jurisdiction.
• Actively pursue ISA arborist certification.

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

 AFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer