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Utility Forester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ACRT

Roving Utility Forester

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$20/hr

Our Roving Utility Forester position is ideal for candidates with a background in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, environmental studies and natural resources, or a related discipline.

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Utility Forester information

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$5

$24

$39

How much do utility forester jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility forester in the United States is $24.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $28.37 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Utility foresters typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their pay varies based on experience, location, and project scope, but high-paying roles in the industry may reach several hundred dollars per day. Extremely high daily earnings are more common in specialized consulting, executive positions, or contract work in related fields such as environmental consulting or forestry management, often requiring advanced certifications and extensive experience.

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 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 much do utility foresters make?

Utility foresters typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced foresters or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for utility vegetation management.

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, identify hazards, and perform pruning or removal using tools like chainsaws, often working outdoors and following safety protocols. Certification in forestry or arboriculture is typically required 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Utility foresters typically do not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; high earnings in this field usually require experience, certifications, or advanced skills. Jobs that can pay this amount without a degree include certain sales roles, real estate brokers, or specialized trades like commercial pilots or oil and gas workers, often requiring specific training or licenses. These roles often involve high responsibility, physical work, or sales commissions to reach such income levels.
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Utility Forester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Forester job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% As Needed, and 50% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,323 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Consulting Utility Forester

Consulting Utility Forester

ArborMetrics Solutions, LLC

Raleigh, NC

$18 - $21/hr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

We are currently looking to add a Consulting Utility Forester/Work Planner to our team! If you are an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, enjoys a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ArborMetrics.

Some of the most important characteristics of an AMS Utility Forester are a desire to learn, an ability to adapt, and a commitment to engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public. You are accountable for advancing a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients. 

 Must be willing to travel overnight during the work week. Travel can be anywhere from 2-6 months at a time throughout client territory in North Carolina/South Carolina. Per diem is provided.

WHAT WE OFFER:

  • Industry competitive pay.
  • Company vehicle with a fuel card for work purposes. 
  • Day 1 of Employment: Medical/Dental/Vision/VOYA/Paid Holidays/EAP (Full-Time Employees). 
  • After 3 months: 401K, Life Insurance, Vacation Accrual, Short and Long-term Disability, Paid Maternity Leave. 
  • Paid Sick Time. 
  • Weekly Pay Cycle.
  • Participation in Performance Incentive and Referral Bonus Program. 
  • Company sponsored Boot and clothing program (Full-Time Employees). 
  • Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Pre-Patrol Preparation

  • Organize records, maps, and paperwork for patrol circuits; maintain accurate documentation.
  • Review work sites for endangered species, sensitive habitats, and incompatible vegetation.

Field Patrol Duties

  • Safely patrol energy corridors on foot, identifying vegetation for pruning, removal, or protection per Client standards.
  • Classify prescribed work in accordance with field environment and tree condition, including use of herbicide.
  • Conduct Tree Risk Assessments and analyze growth rates. 
  • Mark vegetation and prescribe clearance actions in line with Client directives and based on ISA pruning techniques and ANSI line clearance standards & principles.

Landowner & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Use digital tools and maps to identify property boundaries and landowner rights.
  • Communicate work plans to property owners, agencies, and organizations.
  • Notify of upcoming vegetation work from private/public landowners and agencies.
  • Provide professional customer service and foster positive community relations.

Vegetation Management & Compliance

  • Recommend sustainable vegetation management strategies using IVM principles.
  • Audit contractor work for compliance with Client specifications.
  • Investigate tree-related outages and document findings.
  • Address customer service and internal compliance issues.

Coordination & Safety

  • Coordinate non-routine work with stakeholders and contractors.
  • Report safety concerns, incidents, and hazards immediately.
  • Follow all safety protocols, including AMS Code of Safe Practices and wildfire prevention plans.
  • Operate vehicles safely and travel to assigned work areas.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Participate in storm and emergency response as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or related discipline or equivalent work experience
  • Knowledge or practical experience in tree identification
  • Knowledge of common computer applications and ability to learn new programs
  • Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
  • Experience with Microsoft Suite and Apple software (iPad, iPhone.)
  • Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
  • Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and multi-tasking abilities and show attention to detail.
  • Ability and willingness to travel for extended periods of time during the work week.

 WHAT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE:

  • Certified ISA Arborist is a plus.
  • Being Bi-Lingual (Spanish) is a plus.
  • Utility line clearance or tree trimming experience.
  • Experience in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or tree-related green industry.
  • Experience with GIS software/technology

Working Environment

Work with a team and alone; primarily in an outdoor field environment and/or low light conditions; foot patrol of energy corridors in the vicinity of power lines and/or pipelines; 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, rocky, sandy, uneven, rough, unstable, steep terrain, hills and slopes, dense vegetation; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, and all types of weather extremes including snow, ice, fog, humidity, and low and high temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions, domestic and wild animals, insects, and poisonous plants. Other working conditions may include: in a vehicle or limited time in an indoor office.

Physical

The employee must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk up to 10 miles per day, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand, arm and shoulder movement in the performance of daily duties (e.g., forcefully beat down brush); carry, push and/or pull light to heavy amounts of weight, frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (sandbags); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with public; ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.

Company Overview

ArborMetrics (AMS) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at AMS have come from a variety of backgrounds, including forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more. 

Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal background check.

All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

AMS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE/AA : Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.

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