Utility Forester VM Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Utility Forester - Vegetation Management Specialist

Position Summary
Clear Path Utility Solutions plays a critical leadership role bridging construction companies and vegetation field services. We provide advanced emergency and non‑emergency vegetation management expertise to help utility companies assess, plan, and execute complex field projects. From routine maintenance, construction management to emergency response, our Vegetation Management professionals deliver hands-on strategy, project oversight, and quality control services to optimize evolving utility projects and needs. We are looking for strong forestry-related candidates.
The Utility Forester is responsible for inspecting, evaluating, and managing forestry/vegetation within utility transmission and distribution rights-of-way (ROW) to ensure system reliability, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public safety. This role performs vegetation assessments, hazard tree evaluations, contractor oversight, stakeholder engagement, landowner relations, and field data collection while supporting vegetation management operations in accordance with utility, industry, and safety standards.

This position requires extensive fieldwork in various weather conditions and terrain, strong communication skills, strong forestry 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.

Georgia Locations : Atlanta, Athens, Albany, Jonesboro, Waycross, Tucker, Tifton, Savannah, Rome, Marietta, Macon, Valdosta.
Essential Responsibilities
Forestry/Vegetation Management & Field Operations

• Conduct vegetation/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 (IVM) principles.
• Evaluate tree health, structure, defects, growth rates, and species characteristics to develop appropriate 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, document, and maintain accurate field data including species identification, tree measurements, conductor clearances, growth projections, and work prescriptions.

Planning, Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare patrol routes, maps, records, and work packages for daily field activities.
• Utilize 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 thorough records in accordance with client, regulatory, and company requirements.

Contractor Oversight & Coordination

• Plan and coordinate vegetation management work with contractors and operational personnel.
• Audit contractor performance to ensure 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.
• Support project execution by monitoring work progress, identifying issues, and recommending corrective actions.
• Mentor, train, and provide technical guidance to junior staff as needed.

Landowner, Client & Public Relations

• Contact and communicate with private landowners, public agencies, municipalities, and other stakeholders regarding vegetation management activities.
• Obtain permissions, easements, and access authorization required to complete vegetation management work.
• Use mapping systems and land records to identify property boundaries and ownership information.
• Respond professionally to customer concerns, contractor inquiries, and public questions.
• Promote positive community relations through effective communication and customer service.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and uphold all company, client, and industry safety standards and 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 hazards associated with vegetation operations.
• Operate company vehicles and equipment safely and maintain assigned equipment in proper working condition.
• Follow wildfire prevention plans, safe work procedures, and all applicable safety protocols.

Emergency Response

• Participate in storm restoration, emergency response, and natural disaster recovery efforts as required.
• Be available for extended work hours(OT), travel, and emergency assignments when business needs dictate.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications
Education & Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in utility vegetation management, utility line clearance, forestry, arboriculture, or related vegetation management operations.
• Experience conducting traditional forestry practices, tree risk assessments, vegetation inspections, or ROW management activities preferred.
• Extensive industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong forestry skills, 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 (IVM) 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.

Technical Requirements

• 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.
• Comfortable with tablets, smartphones, range finders, and other field technology tools.
• Use of pole pruners and pump sprayers.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• ISA Certified Arborist required or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• ISA Utility Specialist certification preferred.
• Additional utility vegetation management certifications are considered an asset.

Working Conditions

• Frequent outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, 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.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.
• Ability to work overtime and participate in emergency response and storm restoration activities.
• Ability to safely carry and use field equipment, tools, and materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Forestry Degree
• ISA Certified Arborist and/or ISA Utility Specialist certification.
• Utility transmission or distribution vegetation management experience.
• Utility line clearance or tree trimming experi