Lead Quality Control Utility Forester - Vegetation Management

Iapetus Holdings•Shreveport, LA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a Lead Quality Control Utility Forester focused on Vegetation Management, seeking candidates in Louisiana. The ideal candidate is organized, possesses strong communication and technical skills, enjoys working outdoors, and can handle demanding situations. The position involves conducting quality control assessments, inspecting power lines and rights-of-way, evaluating tree health and risks, documenting findings, auditing contractor performance, collaborating with stakeholders, and supporting storm response operations. A strong safety culture is essential.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years of specialized professional experience in Quality Control/Quality Assurance, Utility Vegetation Management (UVM), forestry, utility arboriculture, electric utility vegetation projects, pre-inspections, tree risk assessment, or closely related fields.
3+ years of equivalent experience required in lieu of Associates degree.
Active ISA Certified Arborist certification required.
Advanced knowledge of tree identification, arboricultural practices, utility vegetation management standards (e.g., ANSI A300, GO-95 compliance where applicable), hazard tree evaluation, and integrated vegetation management principles.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, and professional representation of the client.
Proven ability to multitask, solve complex problems independently, maintain meticulous attention to detail, and work productively in variable outdoor conditions (weather, terrain, remote/urban settings).
Proficiency with technology, including smartphones, tablets, GPS/navigation, mapping software, data collection apps, and basic computer systems for reporting and documentation.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Capable of safely operating a 4x4 vehicle on rough, unpaved, or off-road terrain.
Ability to work alone or collaboratively outdoors for extended periods, including walking/hiking on uneven/sloped terrain and exposure to all weather conditions.
Employees must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time.
Work alone in an outdoor field environment; extensive vehicle operation and foot patrol of utility power lines; remote locations as well as urban, city environment; physical demands and travel from site to site, including walking/hiking on various surfaces including flat, dry, wet, slippery, uneven, rough, steep terrain, hills, and slopes; exposure to noise, dust, grease, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions.
Physical Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment: walk, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties; carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (5 to 10 lbs.); operate assigned equipment and vehicles; verbally communicate to exchange information with public; see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone.
Successful candidates will be committed to their personal safety and to the safety of others.
This role will require a general understanding and the ability to identify safety hazards and report any unsafe working conditions.
The position requires active participation in safety briefings and may deliver industry-specific safety messages to a broad audience when called upon.
Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test.
All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent demonstrated experience as noted above).
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
ISA Utility Specialist certification
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) - priority consideration given to holders of this advanced credential.

Responsibilities

Conduct detailed quality control assessments and audits of pre-inspection, tree-trimming, and vegetation management work performed by Work Planners to ensure compliance with client specifications, industry standards, safety regulations, and utility program requirements.
Perform comprehensive inspections of overhead power lines and rights-of-way to verify proper vegetation clearance, identify non-compliant conditions, and recommend proper mitigation or corrective actions.
Accurately identify and assess dead, dying, hazardous, or high-risk trees affected by drought, disease, structural defects, or other environmental factors, including formal tree risk evaluations where applicable.
Inspect and evaluate trees for hazard or danger potential using industry-recognized methods (e.g., TRAQ methodologies).
Document findings, compile detailed reports, and maintain accurate records for the client’s vegetation management program, including data entry into utility systems or databases.
Audit Work Planner performance for adherence to specifications, work quality, safety practices, and regulatory compliance; provide constructive feedback and escalate issues as needed.
Collaborate daily with clients, contractors, landowners, stakeholders, and the public to communicate assessment results, address concerns, resolve conflicts, and promote positive public relations.
Support emergency and storm response operations, including rapid assessments, hazard mitigation, and coordination in accordance with safety protocols, laws, and utility guidelines.
Assist in miscellaneous line clearance projects, program improvements, and quality assurance initiatives as assigned.
Promote and uphold a strong safety culture while working independently or in teams in challenging outdoor environments.