Forester

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Associate Forester / Forester

Job Function

Manages vegetation in proximity to electrical facilities to promote resiliency and reliability of transmission services. Supports safe, compliant, and cost-effective vegetation management across assigned service areas.

Position Overview:

We are hiring at two levels based on experience and qualifications:

Associate Forester (Level II | Grade 6) – An intermediate professional who applies established knowledge, works with moderate guidance, and supports vegetation management operations.

Forester (Level III | Grade 7) – An experienced professional who works independently, leads complex initiatives, and serves as a subject matter expert.

Key Responsibilities:

Scoping

• Perform safety audits and field assessments
• Conduct vegetation scoping and risk analysis
• Prioritize work based on urgency, location, and system impact
  
  

Associate Forester: Conducts scoping and prioritization with moderate guidance

Forester: Leads complex scoping efforts; independently evaluates risks and sets priorities

Scheduling & Planning

• Plan and organize vegetation clearance activities
• Schedule work assignments and contract crews
  
  

Associate Forester: Schedules work based on manager priorities

Forester: Owns planning strategy; aligns work with departmental goals and optimizes scheduling

Vendor Management

• Monitor contractor performance against standards and specifications
• Track productivity and ensure cost-effective execution
• Ensure proper tree pruning and vegetation practices
  
  

Associate Forester: Reviews performance and adapts practices to optimize resources

Forester: Oversees vendor performance, enforces standards, and ensures maximum value from expenditures

Consultation & Stakeholder Support

• Partner with engineering and operations teams
• Address routine and non-routine vegetation management questions
• Coordinate herbicide application activities
  
  

Associate Forester: Responds to inquiries and represents forestry within established guidelines

Forester: Serves as subject matter expert; proactively resolves complex issues and advises stakeholders

Coordination

• Coordinate vegetation work with line restoration crews, especially during emergencies
• Work with operations teams on maintenance and construction needs
• Interface with city, county, and state agencies
  
  

Associate Forester: Supports coordination efforts and execution

Forester: Leads cross-functional coordination and ensures alignment across stakeholders

Compliance

• Ensure adherence to all standards, regulations, and agreements
• Review regulatory updates and assess impacts
  
  

Associate Forester: Applies and monitors compliance requirements

Forester: Interprets regulations and adapts processes to maintain compliance

Required Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, horticulture, earth sciences, or a related field—or equivalent experience.

Experience

Associate Forester:

Typically 2 years of experience in tree trimming, arboriculture, or vegetation management

Forester:

Typically 5 years of experience, including vendor and project management

Certifications

• ISA Arborist Certification (required at hire)
• ISA Certified Utility Arborist (within 6 months)
• Oregon Pesticide Consultant License (within 6 months)
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Associate Forester

• Intermediate knowledge of forestry practices, processes, and regulations
• Working knowledge of vendor management principles
• Strong problem-solving and prioritization skills
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
  
  

Forester

• Advanced knowledge of vegetation management, regulations, and industry best practices
• Strong expertise in vendor and project management
• Ability to solve complex problems independently
• Capable of mentoring others and serving as a technical resource
• Strong communication, presentation, and organizational awareness
  
  

Work Environment & Demands:

• Combination of field and office work in varying weather conditions
• Requires analytical thinking and sound decision-making
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Must adapt to changing conditions and work effectively under pressure
  
  

Career Level Distinction:

• Associate Forester (Level II): Developing professional; works with moderate guidance; builds technical expertise
• Forester (Level III): Experienced professional; works independently; leads projects and influences outcomes
  
  

Schedule/Attendance

Ability to work long hours

Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather

Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance

Ability to work shift schedule

Physical Capabilities

• Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
• Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
• Lifting/pushing/pulling: More than 50 lbs.
• Carrying: More than 50 lbs.
• Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats) (check all that apply):
• Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)
• Confined spaces
• Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
• Stairs (over 10 steps)
• Ladders (over 10 rungs)
  

Environment - Indoor/Outdoor (check all that apply):

• Office
• Plant
• Field
  
  

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.