Distribution Arborist | Dallas / Fort Worth, TX

ACRT Services • Fort Worth, TX

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About The Position

ACRT, Inc. is seeking a Distribution Arborist to identify, inspect, and evaluate trees and brush along utility lines and submit inspection results and recommendations to clients. The role plans, directs, and coordinates activities of assigned tree-clearance crews and reports to the Planned Distribution Senior Consulting Utility Forester.

The position involves fieldwork outdoors, inspecting vegetation and utility circuits, preparing and tracking work prescriptions, auditing contractor work, and ensuring compliance with client standards and applicable regulations. The employee also serves as a liaison among clients, tree crews, property owners, and client customers. Employees generally travel in a company-provided vehicle directly to their work location rather than reporting to an office.

The employee must obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification within 30 months of being assigned as a CUF. All employees must complete an online safe-driver course and safety training. Drug and alcohol testing is required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; alternatively, five years of experience may substitute for the diploma or GED, plus two years of related utility experience.
• Alternatively, an associate or bachelor's degree in Forestry or Horticulture.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to learn and use company or job-specific software systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) or a similar software suite.
• Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rates.
• Ability to work in rugged terrain and inclement weather.
• Ability to read and follow maps.
• Ability to drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle.
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, able to multitask and work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort interacting with senior management, customers, and clients.
• Demonstrated critical-thinking skills and sound judgment in making business decisions.
• Obtain ISA Arborist Certification within 30 months of assignment as a CUF.
• Complete the required online safe-driver course and safety training.
• Pass required drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience on the Oncor VM System.
• ISA Certification.
• TDA Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use.
• Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware.

Responsibilities

• Identify and inspect local trees, applying an understanding of growth rates.
• Map circuits using client continuity lists.
• Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and work prescribed for client tree-trimming contractors.
• Enter tree-trimming and tree or brush removal prescriptions into a handheld computer or similar system, and use computers and associated software to perform duties.
• Notify property owners about planned tree-trimming and tree or brush removal work in accordance with client specifications.
• Manage issuance of work and track work progress.
• Conduct outage investigations when necessary.
• Discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues.
• Perform herbicide audits.
• Assist with storm restoration efforts.
• Audit tree trimming and tree removal performed by contractors in the field for compliance with work requests and approved trimming practices.
• Determine when the next tree trimming is required.
• Complete post-audit forms documenting the adequacy of tree-trimming and tree-removal work and forward them to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator.
• Obtain permits from public agencies and document work.
• Comply with regulatory requirements and client vegetation-management standards.
• Perform emergency-response duties as requested by the Senior CUF or Manager, following applicable safety requirements, laws, regulations, and labor agreements.
• Meet attendance and work-hour requirements and conduct work safely to avoid endangering self or others.
• Wear safety-related equipment, such as a hard hat, safety vest, and safety glasses.
• Know and exemplify ACRT’s Guiding Principles.
• Serve as a liaison among clients, tree crews, and client customers; build and maintain positive working relationships with client personnel and relevant government agencies.
• Maintain a positive attitude toward customers, peers, and the company.
• Participate in public presentations and meetings when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Group health plans, including medical/prescription, dental, vision, and other coverage options.
• Company-paid group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts or a Health Savings Account option with company match.
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program for employees and eligible family members.
• Automatic enrollment at no cost in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Roth or Traditional 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid holidays, including Veterans Day paid time off for veterans.
• Company vehicle and gas card.
• Meal and travel per diems.
• Boot allowance.
• Certification reimbursement program.

What This Job Offers

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