Utility Forester VM Specialist

Clear Path Utility Solutions, LLC•Macon, 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. Work is performed in accordance with utility, industry, and safety standards. The position involves extensive outdoor fieldwork in varied weather conditions and terrain. The Utility Forester uses forestry expertise, GIS and data collection systems, and strong communication skills to work independently and maintain productive relationships with clients, contractors, landowners, and the public. The role may include travel, overtime, emergency assignments, storm restoration, and natural-disaster recovery as business needs require. The position requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and 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 is listed for locations in Georgia, 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 two 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, 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 accurately read, interpret, and navigate maps and property boundaries.
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 work outdoors in varied weather and rugged terrain, hike long distances and work in remote locations, and stand, walk, and work 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.
Currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

ISA Utility Specialist certification.
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.
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 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 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 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, and respond professionally to customer concerns, contractor inquiries, and public questions.
Promote positive community relations through effective communication and customer service.
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, and safeguard employees, contractors, customers, and the public from vegetation-operation hazards.
Operate company vehicles and equipment safely and maintain assigned equipment; follow wildfire prevention plans, safe work procedures, and applicable safety protocols.
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.