Consulting Utility Forester 4-6 | Lancaster, CA

ACRT Services•Lancaster, CA

11d•$35 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

The Consulting Utility Forester 4 performs advanced vegetation management inspections, evaluations, and work prescriptions along utility lines. Reporting to the Operations Manager, this role manages complex or high-priority circuits, coordinates vegetation management activities with contractors and stakeholders, and ensures work complies with client and regulatory requirements. The position is primarily outdoors and requires advanced technical knowledge, sound independent decision-making, and effective communication with clients, contractors, property owners, and other stakeholders. The forester patrols distribution and/or transmission circuits, identifies and evaluates trees and vegetation, prescribes trimming and removal work, maps circuits, records data and prescriptions, obtains property-owner permissions when needed, and tracks work and documentation. The role also audits contractors’ work, evaluates quality and compliance, determines future trimming requirements, conducts outage investigations, and helps address complex field situations and customer concerns. Employees typically travel directly to field locations in a company-provided vehicle rather than reporting to a physical office daily. The work involves outdoor conditions, weather, rugged terrain, and vegetation. 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 position has no supervisory responsibilities and is non-exempt.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Four years of related arboricultural or vegetation management experience.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
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 them 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.
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 according to 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.
Perform outage investigations and support complex field scenarios.
Support and coordinate vegetation management activities across assigned areas.
Audit contractor tree trimming and removal work.
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.
Maintain proper documentation in client systems.
Follow 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 required safety training, company onboarding, and any additional training required for systems, compliance, or client standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.