Utility Forester VM Specialist

Clear Path Utility Solutions, LLC•Waycross, GA

21d

About The Position

Clear Path Utility Solutions is seeking a Utility Forester to inspect, evaluate, and manage forestry and 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 supports vegetation management operations in accordance with utility, industry, and safety standards. The role involves extensive fieldwork across varying weather conditions and terrain. It requires strong forestry and communication skills, technical proficiency with GIS and data collection systems, and the ability to work independently while maintaining positive relationships with clients, contractors, landowners, and the public. The position is listed for locations in Georgia: Atlanta, Athens, Albany, Jonesboro, Waycross, Tucker, Tifton, Savannah, Rome, Marietta, Macon, and Valdosta. The Utility Forester conducts vegetation inspections and inventories, makes treatment recommendations, gathers and reports field data, prepares field routes and work packages, and coordinates and audits contractor work. The role also involves landowner and public communication, safety and environmental compliance, equipment and vehicle operation, and participation in storm restoration and emergency response as required. Overtime, travel, and emergency assignments may be needed based on business needs. The role requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with at least two years of relevant experience. An ISA Certified Arborist credential is required or must be obtained within one year of employment. The position offers a comprehensive health and welfare benefits package, paid time off for eligible roles, company holidays, flexible work schedules, employee referral opportunities, professional development, and charitable contribution matching.

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 tree and plant species identification skills, including knowledge of invasive species, 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.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
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 accurately read, interpret, and navigate maps and property boundaries.
Comfort using tablets, smartphones, range finders, and other field technology tools.
Ability to use 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.
Frequent outdoor work in varying weather conditions and rugged terrain; ability to hike long distances and work in remote locations.
Ability to stand, walk, and work on uneven terrain for extended periods; safely carry and use field equipment, tools, and materials.
Willingness and ability to travel as required, work overtime, and participate in emergency response and storm restoration activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting traditional forestry practices, tree risk assessments, vegetation inspections, or rights-of-way management activities.
ISA Utility Specialist certification.
Additional utility vegetation management certifications.
Forestry degree.
Utility transmission or distribution vegetation management experience.
Utility line-clearance or tree-trimming experience.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Experience with contractor auditing, outage investigations, and rights-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 in accordance with 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 in utility rights-of-way.
Investigate vegetation-related outages and document findings and corrective actions.
Gather, document, and maintain field data, including species identification, 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 database systems 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 documentation.
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 private 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 professionally to customer concerns, contractor inquiries, and public questions, and promote positive community relations.
Promote and 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; safeguard employees, contractors, customers, and the public from vegetation-operation hazards.
Operate company vehicles and equipment safely, maintain assigned equipment, and follow wildfire prevention plans, safe work procedures, and applicable safety protocols.
Participate in storm restoration, emergency response, and natural disaster recovery as required; be available for extended hours, overtime, travel, and emergency assignments when business needs dictate.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.