Utility Arborist Line Patrol Specialist

Utility Arborist Line Patrol Specialist

Location: Thomasville, GA (Territory Covers South Georgia)

Position Summary

Georgia Right of Way is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Utility Arborist / Forester Line Patrol Specialist to support utility vegetation management activities throughout South Georgia. This position is responsible for conducting right-of-way (ROW) inspections, identifying vegetation maintenance needs, evaluating potential hazards to electrical infrastructure, and documenting field observations.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently in a field environment, traversing uneven terrain, interacting with landowners when necessary, and utilizing GIS and computer-based systems to document findings.

This full-time position offers a four-day work week, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to support the safe and reliable operation of utility infrastructure throughout South Georgia.

While residence within the South Georgia service territory is preferred, candidates who can reliably travel throughout the assigned territory to perform daily field responsibilities are encouraged to apply.

Employment Information

• Full-Time Position
• Schedule: 40 hours per week, four 10-hour workdays (Monday through Thursday)
• Location: Thomasville, GA (Territory Covers South Georgia)
• Pay Range: $26.00 - $36.00 per hour, based on qualifications, certifications, and relevant experience
• Daily travel throughout the assigned service territory is required
• Overtime may be required as needed, including support of storm restoration and other operational requirements
• Benefits are available following successful completion of the first 90 days of employment

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 100% Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Company-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Accrual
• 401(k) Plan with 4% Company Match (Traditional and Roth options available)
• Six Paid Holidays Per Year

Required Qualifications

• College Degree in Forestry or related field (preferred but not required)
• Ability to be self-motivated and work independently
• ISA Certified Arborist (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and GIS applications
• Basic GIS understanding
• Ability to operate an ATV
• Ability to operate a pickup truck
• Ability to walk utility rights-of-way on uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Right-of-Way Measurement and Inspection

Measure the Easement

• Take three measurements per span unless terrain impairs visibility.
• Obtain one measurement at each pole and one measurement at mid-span.
• Measure and flag each side of riparian areas to ensure no vegetation is encroaching.

Vegetation Identification and Management

Identify Trees Within the Easement

• Identify trees located within the easement that will reach a height greater than 15 feet at maturity.
• This may include yard trees and volunteer trees.
• Inspect fence lines, debris piles, hedgerows, and similar areas for volunteer trees that may be difficult to observe.
• Utilize Sprakil or Garlon where appropriate.
• Notify landowners of any required yard tree removals.

Identify Locations Requiring Reactive Trimming

• Fast-growing trees along the easement edge.
• Trees that were not adequately trimmed during previous maintenance activities.

Inspect for Vines

• Inspect poles, guy wires, and related structures for vine growth.
• Apply herbicide treatment where appropriate.

Identify Fast-Growing Invasive Species

• Document locations of bamboo and kudzu.
• For small infestations of kudzu, Sprakil may be used where appropriate.

Inspect for Willow Species Requiring Attention

Danger Tree Assessment

Identify and Document Danger Trees

Danger trees include:

• Dead trees
• Diseased trees
• Dying trees
• Leaning trees
• Trees exhibiting structural defects such as cankers, hollow trunks, root damage, or other conditions that may threaten the electrical system

For All Identified Danger Trees

• Measure and record tree height.
• Measure and record the distance from the nearest conductor.
• Document all findings.

Immediate Hazards

• Trees requiring immediate action must be reported promptly to the forester.

Utility Facility Inspection

Inspect Customer Facilities and Utility Infrastructure

Including:

• Poles
• Guy wires
• Guy anchors
• Conductors
• Other associated facilities

Documentation and Reporting

• Document any observed damage.
• Note buried guy anchors and buried lattice tower footers.
• Report any firearm-related damage to the forester immediately.

Encroachment Monitoring

Inspect for Easement Encroachments

Including:

• Grading activities within the easement
• Buildings or structures located within the easement

Structure Requirements

• Structures larger than 12' x 12' x 12' should be documented.
• Notify landowners when a structure exceeds allowable easement restrictions and must be removed from the easement.

Quality Assurance Reviews

Inspect Recently Completed Vegetation Management Work

Including:

• Tree trimming
• Mowing
• Herbicide applications
• Other maintenance activities

Work Quality Assessment

• Evaluate and document the quality of completed work.

Preferred Candidate Attributes

• Strong observational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate professionally with landowners and customers
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to work safely in remote field environments with minimal supervision
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and utility reliability

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the year
• Ability to walk several miles per day on uneven, wooded, and remote terrain
• Ability to safely enter and inspect utility rights-of-way and easements
• Ability to operate company vehicles, ATVs, and field equipment
• Ability to perform field inspections with limited supervision

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Right of Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace that promotes professionalism, safety, respect, and opportunity for all employees.