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Utility Forestry Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AS350 Utility & Drill Support Pilot

Red Bluff, CA

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

With a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, PJH primarily supports the utility, forestry, and construction industries. Our operations are built on three core pillars: world-class equipment, highly skilled ...

Assessor - Tehachapi/Bakersfield

Tehachapi, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Opportunity to work with a dynamic and dedicated team If you are a utility forester with a passion for tree care and vegetation management and want to join a leading organization in the utility ...

Assessor/Pre-Inspector - Bishop, Mammoth

Bishop, CA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Opportunity to work with a dynamic and dedicated team If you are a utility forester with a passion for tree care and vegetation management and want to join a leading organization in the utility ...

Forester I

Cameron Park, CA

$70K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field. * 0-2 years of forestry experience in project management, field operations, or forest inventory.

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Utility Forestry information

See California salary details

$5

$24

$39

How much do utility forestry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility forestry in California is $24.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility forestry?

A Utility Forestry job involves managing and maintaining vegetation around utility infrastructure, such as power lines and pipelines, to ensure safety and service reliability. Professionals in this field assess trees and vegetation for potential hazards, coordinate trimming or removal, and follow environmental and regulatory guidelines. They work closely with utility companies, arborists, and field crews to prevent outages and mitigate wildfire risks. This role requires knowledge of tree species, pruning techniques, and industry safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in utility forestry?

To thrive in Utility Forestry, you need knowledge of arboriculture, vegetation management, tree identification, and safety practices, often supported by a degree or certification in forestry, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping systems, chainsaws, aerial lifts, and vegetation management software is typically required, along with necessary safety certifications like OSHA or ISA Certified Arborist credentials. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you excel when coordinating with utility companies, property owners, and field crews. These competencies ensure safe, efficient vegetation management around utility infrastructure, helping prevent service interruptions and maintain public safety.

How much do utility foresters make?

Utility foresters typically earn between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in utility companies with demanding safety and environmental standards.

What does a utility forestry do?

A typical day for a Utility Forestry professional involves inspecting utility rights-of-way to identify hazardous trees and vegetation, consulting with utility crews and landowners, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. You may use GIS software and mapping tools to document sites and plan vegetation management activities. Fieldwork is common, so you’ll spend much of your time outdoors in varying weather conditions, often traveling between sites. Collaboration with line clearance crews, foresters, and utility company representatives is also a routine part of the job, as you ensure vegetation is managed safely and efficiently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Forestry jobs in California?

The most popular types of Utility Forestry jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Utility Forestry jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Forestry jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Utility Forestry jobs?

Cities in California with the most Utility Forestry job openings:

Infographic showing various Utility Forestry job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,651 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Consulting Utility Forester - Routine and Special Projects

American Tree Medics Inc

Lakeshore, CA • On-site

$21 - $62.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Consulting Utility Forester for Routine and Special Projects

Join the team at American Tree Medics as a Consulting Utility Forester (CUF). We are looking for passionate professionals with a drive to prosper within a rapidly expanding team!


With a commitment to public safety, and forest preservation, we are searching for candidates whose values closely align with our own. Play a vital role in patrolling circuits and prescribing work for both routine and special projects. As a Consulting Utility Forester, you will conduct hazard and growth assessments of trees, evaluating their relationship to utility systems and structures.


American Tree Medics offers a competitive salary package including educational opportunities and pathways to career advancement. We officer a dynamic work environment with multiple locations across California.


Work Location

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in various locations around: District 50 (Shaver Lake), or as a Roving Forester across Northern California, as needed.


Key Responsibilities Include:

Conducting inspections on right of way and utility infrastructure, in collaboration with major utility systems

Managing communication with land owners regarding work on their property

Effectually navigate various habitats, terrains and other environmental conditions

Collaborate with project managers and vegetation crews to ensure smooth processes and quality work

Efficiently use handheld devices for data entry, maps and GPS.


Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent.

A minimum of one year of arboriculture experience.

An Ability to work independently (essential)

A valid California driver's license with a clean DMV record (printout required before interview)

Competency driving 4x4 vehicles on rough and narrow paths, including operating in inclement weather

International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist (ISA) (requirement is project specific at this time)

A willingness to travel (lodging and per diem provided for overnight stay, when needed)

Capable of performing job in accordance with the ADA, FMLA, or any other local, state or federal regulations.

An ability to adapt to inclement weather to include hiking in rugged terrain.


Desired Qualifications:

A love of nature and an ability to embrace working in an outdoor environment

An ability to quickly learn tree species and growth rates

An ability to adapt to using range finders and other job-specific equipment

Thriving in a fast-pace, changing environment with continual learning and attention to detail

An ability to embrace open communication and teamwork, as an essential component to our success


Additional Requirements

The role requires physical activity in, sometimes, challenging environments. This includes an ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and operate vehicles in rugged terrain. Candidates can expect to work in various weather conditions and strong communication skills are a must.