Utility Forester VM Specialist

Clear Path Utility Solutions, LLC•Albany, 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 combines fieldwork with planning, documentation, and coordination. The Utility Forester collects and reports accurate field data using GIS and related technologies, prepares routes and work packages, coordinates and audits vegetation management work, and communicates with utility personnel, contractors, landowners, public agencies, and other stakeholders. The role also supports safety and environmental compliance, mentors junior staff as needed, and participates in storm restoration and other emergency response assignments. Frequent outdoor work is required in varying weather and rugged terrain, including hiking long distances and working in remote locations. Travel, overtime, and extended hours may be required. The role is listed for Georgia locations including Atlanta, Athens, Albany, Jonesboro, Waycross, Tucker, Tifton, Savannah, Rome, Marietta, Macon, and Valdosta.

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.
At least 2 years of experience in utility vegetation management, utility line clearance, forestry, arboriculture, or related vegetation management operations.
Strong forestry 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 read, interpret, and navigate maps and property boundaries accurately.
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.
Ability to hike long distances, work in remote locations and rugged terrain, stand and walk for extended periods, travel as required, work overtime, participate in emergency response, and safely carry and use field equipment, tools, and materials.

Nice To Haves

Forestry degree.
ISA Certified Arborist and/or ISA Utility Specialist certification.
Utility transmission or distribution vegetation management experience.
Utility line-clearance or tree-trimming experience.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.
Experience with contractor auditing, outage investigations, and right-of-way management programs.
Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and project coordination experience.
Additional utility vegetation management certifications.

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 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 the accuracy of reports, summaries, charts, and supporting documentation.
Submit timely and accurate 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 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 needed for vegetation management work.
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.
Uphold company, client, and industry safety practices; 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 and safety protocols.
Participate in storm restoration, emergency response, and natural disaster recovery as required, including extended hours, travel, and emergency assignments when business needs dictate.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.