Utility Forester VM Specialist

Clear Path Utility Solutions, LLC•Athens, GA

21d

About The Position

Clear Path Utility Solutions is seeking a Utility Forester to inspect, evaluate, and manage vegetation within utility transmission and distribution rights-of-way. The role supports system reliability, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public safety through vegetation assessments, hazard tree evaluations, contractor oversight, stakeholder engagement, landowner relations, and field data collection. The position involves extensive outdoor fieldwork in varied weather and terrain. The Utility Forester uses forestry expertise and GIS and other data-collection technology, works independently, and maintains effective relationships with clients, contractors, landowners, and the public. The role also supports vegetation management planning, documentation, compliance, emergency response, and storm restoration. Georgia locations listed are Atlanta, Athens, Albany, Jonesboro, Waycross, Tucker, Tifton, Savannah, Rome, Marietta, Macon, and Valdosta. The position requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, along with at least two years of related experience. An ISA Certified Arborist credential is required or must be obtained within one year of employment. The role may require travel, overtime, extended hours, and emergency assignments as business needs dictate.

Requirements

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience; extensive industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
At least 2 years of experience in utility vegetation management, utility line clearance, forestry, arboriculture, or related vegetation management operations.
Strong forestry skills and ability to identify tree and plant species, including invasive species, and knowledge of tree growth rates and vegetation management practices.
Working knowledge of utility line-clearance concepts, ISA pruning standards, ANSI standards, and Integrated Vegetation Management principles.
Ability to perform hazard tree evaluations and develop vegetation management recommendations.
Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with landowners, contractors, clients, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders, both independently and as part of a team.
Strong customer service orientation and attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and mobile field technology.
Experience using GIS, GPS, mapping software, data collection applications, and utility-related databases.
Ability to read, interpret, and navigate maps and property boundaries accurately.
Comfort using tablets, smartphones, range finders, and other field technology tools; use of pole pruners and pump sprayers.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
ISA Certified Arborist certification, or ability to obtain it within one year of employment.
Ability to hike long distances and work in remote locations; stand, walk, and work on uneven terrain for extended periods.
Ability to safely carry and use field equipment, tools, and materials; willingness and ability to travel as required.
Ability to work overtime and participate in emergency response and storm restoration activities.

Nice To Haves

ISA Utility Specialist certification.
Additional utility vegetation management certifications.
Experience conducting traditional forestry practices, tree risk assessments, vegetation inspections, or right-of-way management activities.
Forestry degree.
Utility transmission or distribution vegetation management experience.
Utility line-clearance or tree-trimming experience.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.
Experience with contractor auditing, outage investigations, and right-of-way management programs.
Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and project coordination experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct vegetation and forestry inspections, tree inventories, and hazard tree assessments along utility transmission and distribution corridors.
Identify, classify, mark, and prescribe vegetation for pruning, removal, treatment, or protection according to client specifications, ISA pruning practices, ANSI line-clearance standards, and Integrated Vegetation Management principles.
Evaluate tree health, structure, defects, growth rates, and species characteristics to develop vegetation management recommendations.
Assess environmentally sensitive areas, endangered species habitats, invasive species concerns, and incompatible vegetation within utility rights-of-way.
Investigate vegetation-related outages and document findings and corrective actions.
Collect and maintain accurate field data, including species, tree measurements, conductor clearances, growth projections, and work prescriptions.
Prepare patrol routes, maps, records, and work packages for daily field activities.
Use GIS, GPS, mobile applications, and databases to collect, manage, validate, and report field data.
Verify reports, summaries, charts, and supporting documentation; submit timely inspection reports, audit findings, outage investigations, and compliance records.
Maintain records in accordance with client, regulatory, and company requirements.
Plan and coordinate vegetation management work with contractors and operational personnel.
Audit contractor performance for compliance with client specifications, safety requirements, environmental standards, and work quality expectations.
Coordinate non-routine vegetation work with utility personnel, contractors, landowners, and regulatory agencies.
Monitor project progress, identify issues, and recommend corrective actions.
Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to junior staff as needed.
Communicate with landowners, public agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders about vegetation management activities.
Obtain permissions, easements, and access authorization; use mapping systems and land records to identify property boundaries and ownership.
Respond to customer concerns, contractor inquiries, and public questions, promoting positive community relations.
Uphold company, client, and industry safety standards; identify and report unsafe conditions, incidents, hazards, and near misses.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, vegetation management standards, and utility program specifications, and safeguard employees, contractors, customers, and the public from operational hazards.
Operate company vehicles and equipment safely, maintain assigned equipment, and follow wildfire prevention plans and applicable safety procedures.
Participate in storm restoration, emergency response, and natural disaster recovery as required, including extended hours, travel, and emergency assignments.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.