Forester

Portland General Electric • Portland, OR

3d

About The Position

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all. Associate Forester / Forester Job Function Manages vegetation in proximity to electrical facilities to promote resiliency and reliability of transmission services. Supports safe, compliant, and cost-effective vegetation management across assigned service areas. Position Overview: We are hiring at two levels based on experience and qualifications: Associate Forester (Level II | Grade 6) – An intermediate professional who applies established knowledge, works with moderate guidance, and supports vegetation management operations. Forester (Level III | Grade 7) – An experienced professional who works independently, leads complex initiatives, and serves as a subject matter expert.

Requirements

• Education Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, earth sciences, or a related field—or equivalent experience.
• Experience Associate Forester: Typically 2+ years of experience in tree trimming, arboriculture, or vegetation management Forester: Typically 5+ years of experience, including vendor and project management
• Certifications ISA Arborist Certification (required at hire) ISA Certified Utility Arborist (within 6 months) Oregon Pesticide Consultant License (within 6 months)
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Associate Forester Intermediate knowledge of forestry practices, processes, and regulations Working knowledge of vendor management principles Strong problem-solving and prioritization skills Effective communication and collaboration skills Forester Advanced knowledge of vegetation management, regulations, and industry best practices Strong expertise in vendor and project management Ability to solve complex problems independently Capable of mentoring others and serving as a technical resource Strong communication, presentation, and organizational awareness
• Ability to work long hours
• Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather
• Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance
• Ability to work shift schedule
• Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
• Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
• Lifting/pushing/pulling: More than 50 lbs.
• Carrying: More than 50 lbs.
• Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats)
• Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)
• Confined spaces
• Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
• Stairs (over 10 steps)
• Ladders (over 10 rungs)

Responsibilities

• Scoping Perform safety audits and field assessments Conduct vegetation scoping and risk analysis Prioritize work based on urgency, location, and system impact Associate Forester: Conducts scoping and prioritization with moderate guidance Forester: Leads complex scoping efforts; independently evaluates risks and sets priorities
• Scheduling & Planning Plan and organize vegetation clearance activities Schedule work assignments and contract crews Associate Forester: Schedules work based on manager priorities Forester: Owns planning strategy; aligns work with departmental goals and optimizes scheduling
• Vendor Management Monitor contractor performance against standards and specifications Track productivity and ensure cost-effective execution Ensure proper tree pruning and vegetation practices Associate Forester: Reviews performance and adapts practices to optimize resources Forester: Oversees vendor performance, enforces standards, and ensures maximum value from expenditures
• Consultation & Stakeholder Support Partner with engineering and operations teams Address routine and non-routine vegetation management questions Coordinate herbicide application activities Associate Forester: Responds to inquiries and represents forestry within established guidelines Forester: Serves as subject matter expert; proactively resolves complex issues and advises stakeholders
• Coordination Coordinate vegetation work with line restoration crews, especially during emergencies Work with operations teams on maintenance and construction needs Interface with city, county, and state agencies Associate Forester: Supports coordination efforts and execution Forester: Leads cross-functional coordination and ensures alignment across stakeholders
• Compliance Ensure adherence to all standards, regulations, and agreements Review regulatory updates and assess impacts Associate Forester: Applies and monitors compliance requirements Forester: Interprets regulations and adapts processes to maintain compliance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level