Consulting Utility Forester 4-6 | Santa Clarita, CA

ACRT Services•Santa Clarita, CA

11d•$35 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

The Consulting Utility Forester 4 is an advanced-level field role reporting to the Operations Manager at ACRT Pacific. The position performs complex vegetation management inspections, evaluations, and work prescriptions along utility lines. It manages complex circuits, coordinates with contractors and stakeholders, and ensures compliance with client and regulatory requirements. The work is primarily outdoors and calls for advanced technical knowledge, sound decision-making, and effective communication with clients, contractors, and stakeholders. The forester independently patrols distribution and/or transmission circuits, identifies and evaluates trees and vegetation, prescribes trimming and removal work, maps circuits, enters data into handheld devices and applicable systems, and tracks work progress and documentation. The role also audits contractor work, investigates outages, supports complex field situations, coordinates vegetation management activities, and communicates with property owners, public agencies, customers, and other stakeholders. The position is based in outdoor environments with significant field time and exposure to weather, terrain, and vegetation conditions. Employees typically travel directly to field locations in a company-provided vehicle and may not report to a physical office daily. Travel is required as needed based on project and client requirements. Employees must complete safety training and company onboarding; additional training may be required for systems, compliance, and client standards. Drug testing is required. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Four years of related arboricultural or vegetation management experience.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
CPR/First Aid certification required before starting.
Ability to perform complex vegetation inspections and prescribe work.
Advanced knowledge of tree identification, growth rates, and vegetation management practices.
Ability to interpret and apply client vegetation management standards and specifications.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex field conditions.
Ability to work in rugged terrain and inclement weather.
Ability to read and follow maps.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
Ability to coordinate with contractors, agencies, and stakeholders.
Ability to resolve field issues and escalate appropriately.
Ability to walk, stand, and work outdoors for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to operate a vehicle and field equipment.
Ability to wear required PPE.
Complete required safety training and company onboarding programs; additional training may be required for systems, compliance, and client standards.
Drug testing is required.

Nice To Haves

ISA Certified Arborist certification, or ability to obtain it within a defined timeframe.
Experience with GIS, data collection tools, and utility systems.
Experience coordinating with contractors or external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Independently patrol distribution and/or transmission circuits, including complex or high-priority areas.
Identify, inspect, and evaluate trees and vegetation.
Prescribe tree trimming and removal work in accordance with client standards and specifications.
Map circuits using client continuity lists.
Enter prescriptions and data into handheld devices and applicable systems.
Notify property owners and obtain necessary permissions when required.
Track work progress and manage documentation efforts.
Perform outage investigations and support complex field scenarios.
Support and coordinate vegetation management activities across assigned areas.
Audit tree trimming and removal work performed by contractors.
Evaluate the quality, productivity, and compliance of completed contractor work.
Determine future trimming requirements and cycles.
Complete post-audit documentation and reporting.
Address and resolve discrepancies or issues in contractor work.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards.
Obtain permits from public agencies as required.
Ensure proper documentation in client systems.
Follow all safety requirements, laws, and regulations; wear required PPE and follow safety protocols.
Adhere to attendance and work-hour requirements.
Serve as a liaison between clients, contractors, and customers.
Coordinate with contractors to resolve access issues, work conflicts, and scheduling challenges.
Maintain working relationships with internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders.
Communicate with property owners, agencies, and the public.
Support resolution of customer concerns or escalated issues.
Complete other duties as assigned.