Utility Forester

Greenway Utility Vegetation Management

Utility Forester

$26/hr - $30/hr

On site

Full-time

Temp-Perm

Chicagoland area

I am currently looking for several utility foresters for a 6-month project to begin shortly for a utility in northern Illinois. Additional work after 6 months is possible.

Essential Job Duties:

Plan vegetation removal work for tree contractors using Google Earth and Excel, then take before and after photos of each work location.

Find, document, and photograph encroachments on utility property. Then, speak to homeowners about removing their encroachments.

Be on site during tree clearing to answer questions from homeowners, keep homeowners out of the work area, and to make sure tree contractors complete the work safely and to the satisfaction of the utility.

Requirements:

Ability to walk several miles a day on uneven terrain and stand for several hours in most types of weather.

Access to a working vehicle and cell phone.

Ability to work 10-12 hours a day, usually 4-5 but sometimes 6 days a week. Schedules can rotate at certain times of the year, including some weekends. Hours can be dawn to dusk, but commute time is paid both ways. (Lots of OT available.)

Ability to identify common native and invasive tree species in Illinois.

Prior experience in the utility, environmental or landscaping industry.

Ability to plan vegetation work.

Customer service skills, ability to communicate with homeowners, tree contractors, and the utility.

Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.

Self-starter, comfortable with working alone.

Computer skills.

Safety focused.

Observant.

Preferred:

Certified Arborist.

Prior experience as a contract utility forester.

Relevant bachelor’s degree such as Forestry or Environmental Science.

Vehicle with 4-wheel drive.

Ability to identify electric and communication line types.

Ability to recognize areas that would be optimal for prairie restoration.