Consulting Utility Forester 1-3 | Lancaster, CA

ACRT Services•Lancaster, CA

11d•$26 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Consulting Utility Forester 1 is an entry-level position supporting vegetation management operations along utility lines. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the role assists with inspections, evaluations, tree-trimming assessments, and documentation under close supervision while learning client standards, vegetation management practices, safety requirements, and field operations. The work is primarily outdoors and involves communicating with internal teams, contractors, customers, property owners, utility clients, and public agencies. Employees typically travel directly to field locations in a company-provided vehicle and may not report to a physical office daily. Work involves outdoor environments, significant field time, varying weather and terrain, and vegetation conditions. Travel is required as needed for project and client requirements. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. Employees complete safety training and company onboarding, with additional systems, compliance, and client-standard training as needed, as well as ongoing field training and mentorship. Drug testing is required. For applicants residing in California, the stated salary is $26 to $28 per hour. Other rewards may include paid time off, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, ESOP contributions, medical, dental, and vision insurance, and other region-specific benefits, subject to eligibility.

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 before start.
Ability to learn vegetation inspection and work-prescription processes.
Basic knowledge of tree identification and vegetation management principles.
Ability to follow established procedures, standards, and safety requirements.
Ability to work outdoors in rugged terrain and inclement weather.
Ability to read and follow maps.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills and 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 and 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 according to 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 contractors’ 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, applicable laws, and regulations.
Maintain accurate documentation in client systems and adhere to 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 applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned.