Utility Forester VM Specialist

Clear Path Utility Solutions, LLC•Tifton, GA

21d•Onsite

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. Work is carried out in accordance with utility, industry, and safety standards. The position involves extensive outdoor fieldwork across varied weather conditions and terrain. The Utility Forester uses forestry expertise, GIS and field data collection systems, and strong communication skills to work independently and maintain effective relationships with clients, contractors, landowners, and the public. The role includes coordinating vegetation work, documenting inspections and compliance, responding to vegetation-related outages, and supporting emergency and storm restoration efforts. Georgia locations listed are 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; 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, 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 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; 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 with 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 work outdoors in varied weather and rugged terrain, hike long distances, work in remote locations, and stand or walk on uneven terrain for extended periods.
Willingness and ability to travel, work overtime, participate in emergency response and storm restoration, and safely carry and use field equipment, tools, and materials.
Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the company is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

Nice To Haves

Traditional forestry practices, tree risk assessment, vegetation inspection, or rights-of-way management experience.
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 rights-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 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.
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 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, and 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 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; obtain permissions, easements, and access authorization for vegetation work.
Use mapping systems and land records to identify property boundaries and ownership, and respond professionally to customer concerns, contractor inquiries, and public questions.
Promote community relations through effective communication and customer service.
Promote 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 vegetation-operation 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 when business needs dictate.
Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.