Forester

Portland General Electric Company•Portland, OR

23h

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
Work Environment & Demands: Combination of field and office work in varying weather conditions
Requires analytical thinking and sound decision-making
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Must adapt to changing conditions and work effectively under pressure
Career Level Distinction: Associate Forester (Level II): Developing professional; works with moderate guidance; builds technical expertise
Forester (Level III): Experienced professional; works independently; leads projects and influences outcomes
Schedule/Attendance 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
Physical Capabilities 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) (check all that apply): 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)
Environment - Indoor/Outdoor (check all that apply): Office Plant Field

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