Distribution Arborist | Dallas / Fort Worth, TX

ACRT • Dallas, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

ACRT, Inc. is hiring a Planned 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 the activities of assigned tree-clearance crews. It requires working outdoors, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal communication skills. The position reports to the Planned Distribution Senior Consulting Utility Forester.

Employees generally take a company-provided vehicle directly to their work location rather than reporting to an office. The role includes fieldwork in rugged terrain and inclement weather, customer and property-owner interaction, and emergency-response duties as requested. Employees must complete safety training and an online safe-driver course; drug and alcohol testing is required. The employee must obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist certification within 30 months of assignment as a CUF.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or five years of experience in lieu of a high school diploma or GED plus two years of related utility experience; an associate or bachelor’s degree in forestry or horticulture is also listed as an option.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• 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; ability to multitask and work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort interacting with senior management, customers, and clients.
• Critical-thinking skills and sound judgment for business decisions.
• Ability to work outdoors and independently, drive a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle, and calmly communicate about customer conflicts.
• Obtain ISA Arborist certification within 30 months of being assigned as a CUF.
• Complete required online safe-driver course and safety training.
• Submit to 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, including understanding growth rates.
• Map circuits using client continuity lists.
• Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and work prescribed by the client’s 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 of planned tree-trimming and tree- or brush-removal work in accordance with client specifications.
• Manage work issuance and track work progress.
• Perform outage investigations when necessary.
• Discuss and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues.
• Perform herbicide audits.
• Assist with storm restoration efforts.
• Audit contractors’ tree-trimming and tree-removal work in the field for compliance with work request forms and approved trimming requirements.
• Determine when subsequent 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 when requested, in accordance with safety requirements, laws, regulations, and applicable labor agreements.
• Meet attendance and work-hour requirements and conduct work safely to avoid endangering oneself or others.
• Wear safety-related equipment, including a hard hat, safety vest, and safety glasses.
• Follow ACRT’s Guiding Principles and build positive relationships with clients, tree crews, customers, peers, company personnel, and relevant government agencies.
• Serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers.
• Maintain working relationships with local client personnel and relevant federal, state, and local government agencies.
• Participate in public presentations and meetings when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Group health plans, including medical and prescription coverage, dental, and vision, with other coverage options.
• Company-paid group life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and short- and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Account or 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.
• 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
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED