Utility Forester VM Specialist

Clear Path Utility Solutions, LLC•Valdosta, 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 (ROW). 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. Work is performed in accordance with utility, industry, and safety standards. The position involves substantial outdoor fieldwork across varied weather conditions and terrain, requiring forestry knowledge, effective communication, and technical proficiency with GIS and data collection systems. The Utility Forester works independently and builds positive working relationships with clients, contractors, landowners, and the public. Duties include vegetation inspections and recommendations, field documentation and reporting, contractor coordination and audits, stakeholder communication, safety and environmental compliance, and emergency response. The role may require overtime, travel, and storm-restoration assignments as business needs dictate. The position is listed for Georgia locations including Atlanta, Athens, Albany, Jonesboro, Waycross, Tucker, Tifton, Savannah, Rome, Marietta, Macon, and Valdosta. The salary range is not specified. Clear Path offers a health and welfare benefits package, paid time off for eligible roles, holidays, flexible work schedules, professional development, and other listed perks.

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 instead 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 knowledge of tree and plant species, 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, with attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and 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, with a strong customer-service orientation.
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, as well as pole pruners and pump sprayers.
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
ISA Certified Arborist certification required or ability to obtain it within one year of employment.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and rugged terrain, hike long distances and work in remote locations, 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.
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

Traditional forestry practices, tree risk assessments, vegetation inspections, or right-of-way management experience.
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 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.
Gather 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 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 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 to customer concerns, contractor inquiries, and public questions professionally and promote 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.
Operate company vehicles and equipment safely and maintain assigned equipment in proper working condition.
Follow wildfire prevention plans, safe work procedures, and applicable safety protocols.
Participate in storm restoration, emergency response, and natural disaster recovery efforts as required; be available for extended hours, travel, and emergency assignments when business needs dictate.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.