Consulting Utility Forester 1-3 | Bakersfield / Tehachapi, CA

ACRT Services • Tehachapi, CA

11d • $26 - $28

About The Position

The Consulting Utility Forester 1 is an entry-level position in ACRT Pacific’s Operations department that reports to the Operations Manager. The role supports vegetation management operations along utility lines by assisting with inspections, evaluations, work documentation, contractor audits, and related field activities. The employee works under close supervision while learning client standards, vegetation management practices, safety requirements, and field operations.

The position is primarily outdoors and involves fieldwork in varying weather, terrain, and vegetation conditions. Employees typically travel directly to field locations using a company-provided vehicle and may not report to a physical office each day. Travel is required as needed based on project and client requirements. The role includes onboarding, required safety training, additional systems and client-compliance training as needed, and ongoing field training and mentorship. Drug testing is required. There are no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• CPR/First Aid certification required prior to start.
• Ability to learn vegetation inspection and work-prescription processes.
• Basic knowledge of tree identification and vegetation management principles.
• Ability to follow established procedures and standards.
• Ability to work outdoors in rugged terrain and inclement weather.
• Ability to read and follow maps.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to learn and apply technical forestry knowledge in field conditions.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• One year of related arboricultural, forestry, landscaping, utility, or outdoor field experience is preferred.
• ISA Certified Arborist certification, or ability to obtain it within a defined timeframe.
• Experience working outdoors in varying terrain or weather conditions.
• Familiarity with handheld devices, maps, or data collection tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist with patrolling distribution and/or transmission circuits.
• Learn to identify, inspect, and evaluate trees and vegetation.
• Assist with prescribing tree trimming and removal work in accordance with client standards.
• Support circuit mapping using client continuity lists.
• Enter data and work information into handheld devices and applicable systems.
• Assist with notifying property owners and obtaining permissions when required.
• Support documentation and tracking of vegetation management activities.
• Assist with outage investigations and field observations.
• Assist with auditing contractor tree trimming and removal work.
• Observe and document the quality and compliance of completed work.
• Support post-audit documentation and reporting.
• Follow client vegetation management standards, safety requirements, laws, and regulations.
• Maintain accurate documentation in client systems and follow attendance and work-hour requirements.
• Wear required PPE and follow safety protocols.
• Communicate professionally with customers, contractors, property owners, team members, and supervisors.
• Support coordination with contractors and internal teams and represent ACRT professionally in field interactions.
• Complete required safety training, onboarding, and additional training as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• ESOP contributions.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Other region-specific benefits, as eligible.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED