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

ACRT•Bakersfield, CA

10d

About The Position

ACRT Pacific, LLC is hiring an entry-level Consulting Utility Forester 1 to support vegetation management operations along utility lines in the Bakersfield / Tehachapi, California area. The role reports to the Operations Manager and works under close supervision while learning client standards, vegetation management practices, safety requirements, and field operations. Work is primarily outdoors and involves inspections, evaluations, field observations, and documentation. Employees typically travel directly to field locations in a company-provided vehicle and may not report to a physical office daily. The position assists with patrolling distribution and/or transmission circuits; identifying, inspecting, and evaluating trees and vegetation; and supporting trimming and removal work prescriptions in accordance with client standards. It also supports circuit mapping, data entry, property-owner notifications and permissions, tracking vegetation management activities, outage investigations, contractor work audits, and post-audit documentation. The role involves communication and coordination with customers, property owners, contractors, utility clients, public agencies, internal teams, and supervisors. Other duties may be assigned. The position is non-exempt and has no supervisory responsibilities. It requires outdoor fieldwork in varying weather, terrain, and vegetation conditions, including rugged terrain and inclement weather. Travel is required as needed based on project and client requirements. Employees must complete company onboarding and safety training; additional systems, compliance, and client-standard training may be required, with ongoing field training and mentorship provided. Drug testing is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 21 years old.
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, or ability to learn them.
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.
Ability to collaborate as part of a team and 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 lbs.
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 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.
Audit contractor tree trimming and removal work; observe and document quality and compliance.
Support post-audit documentation and reporting.
Maintain accurate documentation in client systems and follow client vegetation management standards, safety requirements, laws, and regulations.
Wear required PPE and follow safety protocols at all times.
Adhere to attendance and work-hour requirements.
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, company onboarding, and additional training as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.