Consulting Utility Forester

Consulting Utility Forester

ACRT, Inc.

About The Team  

At ACRT, we put safety first. Beyond that, our culture always has been, and always will be, about one thing: people. It’s about our employees, our customers, and the communities our customers serve. We empower the best people to help sustain our world. We’re the only independent national vegetation management consulting firm — giving us the freedom to put our clients first. We’re always looking for driven individuals with good customer service skills who love the outdoors and appreciate the support and independence we provide. We offer qualified training opportunities in areas where they are needed to help our customers reach their fullest potential, preparing them for what their work throws at them. 

About the Role 

The Consulting Utility Forester (CUF) 1 reports to the Senior Consulting Utility Forester at ACRT Inc. This position will play a key role in identifying, inspecting, and evaluating trees and brush along utility lines and submitting inspection results to clients with recommendations. This position plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of assigned tree clearance crews. This position requires a love of working outside, excellent attention to detail, and exceptional interpersonal communications skills. 

What You’ll Do 

Vegetation Inspecting & Management 

Identify and inspect local trees with an understanding of growth rates 

Map circuits using client continuity lists 

Patrol and investigate distribution and/or transmission circuits and prescribed work to be performed by client tree trimming contractors 

Enter tree trimming/tree and brush removal prescription into hand-held computer or other similar systems, and uses computers and associated software to perform duties 

Notify property owners of tree trimming/tree and brush removal work to be performed relating to client specifications 

Manage the issuance of work and track work progress 

Perform outage investigations, when necessary 

Discusses and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues 

Perform herbicide audits  

Assist with storm restoration efforts  

Tree Trimming Assessments 

Audit tree trimming and tree removal work completed by the tree trimming contractor in the field to ensure compliance with work request forms and approved tree trimming 

Determine when the next tree trimming is required 

Complete post audit forms indicating adequacy of the tree trimming and tree removal work, and forward the completed forms to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator 

Maintain State, Local, & Organizational Compliance 

Obtain permits from public agencies and documents work 

Comply with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards 

As requested by the Senior CUF or Manager, perform all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with all safety requirements, law and regulations, and applicable labor agreements 

Adhere to all attendance and work hour requirements 

Conduct work in a safety-conscious manner as not to endanger themselves or others 

Wear safety-related equipment such as hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, etc 

Know and exemplify ACRT’s Guiding Principles 

Positively Build Upon New & Existing Relationships 

Serve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers 

Display optimism about the work to be done and demonstrate a positive attitude towards customers, peers, and the company 

Maintain working relationships with local client personnel as well as all relevant federal, state and local governmental agencies 

May be required to participate in public presentations and meetings 

Other duties as assigned. 

About You 

Must haves: 

Education: Associates Degree in Forestry, Horticulture or related field or

Experience: Two years of related utility experience. Must be 21 years of age or older. Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.  

Nice to haves: 

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Horticulture or related field

Experience: One year of experience on utility VM System. ISA Certification and Pesticide Applicator’s License is a plus.  

Your Skills: 

Ability to learn and use company or job-specific software systems 

Proficiency with Microsoft Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook] or similar software suite 

Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rates 

Ability to work in rugged terrain and inclement weather 

Ability to read and follow maps 

Ability to drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle 

Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task, and work independently and as a team 

Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with senior management, customers, and clients 

Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to exercise good judgement to make good business decisions 

Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is a plus 

Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is a plus 

This role would not be a good fit if: 

You do not enjoy working independently or working outdoors 

Are not comfortable driving a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle 

You do not have the ability to calmly communicate with customer conflicts 

Employee Training 

Employee will need to obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification as an Arborist within thirty (30) months upon being assigned as a CUF 

All employees are required to take an online safe driver course and safety training.  

Drug/Alcohol Testing:  

Drug/alcohol testing is required  

Where We Work  

Employees will take their company provided vehicle to where they need to report for the day. They will generally not need to report to an office.  

Benefits 

Health and Safety 

Group health plans including medical/prescription, dental, vision and a variety of other coverage options offered 

Company paid group life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability 

Flexible Spending Accounts or an option for a Health Savings Account with company match 

Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and eligible family members 

Retirement 

Automatic enrollment in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost 

Roth or Traditional 401(k) Retirement plan with company match  

Time Off 

Paid Vacation 

Paid Holidays 

Veterans Day paid time off for our veterans 

Perks 

Company vehicle and gas card 

Meal and travel per diems (allowances) 

Boot allowance 

Certification reimbursement program 

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@acrtinc.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)