Consulting Utility Forester

ACRT, Inc. Full time Regular 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) 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 plan s , direct s , and coordinat es the activities of assigned tree clearance crews. This position requires a love of working outside , excellent attention to detail , and exceptional interpersonal communications skill s .   What You’ll Do   Vegetation Inspecting & Management   Identify and inspect local trees with an understanding of growth rates   M ap circuits using client continuity lists   Patrol and investigate distribution and/ o r 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   N otif y property owners of tree trimming / tree and brush removal work to be performed relating to client specifications   M anage the issuance of work and track work progress   P erform 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   C omplete 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   O btain permits from public agencies and documents work   Compl y with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards   As requested by the S enior 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 exemplif y ACRT’s Guiding Principles   Positively Build Upon New & Existing Relationships   S erve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers   D isplay 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: High School Diploma or GED required; may substitute 5 years of experience in lieu of a High School Diploma or GED 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: Associates Degree in Forestry or Horticulture   Experience: ISA Certification and TDA 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