What are the responsibilities and job description for the Consulting Utility Forester position at PRF Forestry Specialists?
About the Role
Plank Road Forestry is seeking an experienced utility forestry or vegetation management professional to support a utility client's Electric Distribution Forestry Program in the Petersburg District.
This is a field-based position for someone with prior experience in utility vegetation management, forestry, arboriculture, or right-of-way operations. The successful candidate will coordinate vegetation management activities, inspect contractor work, investigate vegetation-related outages, address customer concerns, and help ensure work is completed safely and according to utility standards.
Applicants should have relevant utility forestry, vegetation management, arboriculture, or right-of-way experience to be considered. This is a field based position.
What You'll Do
- Coordinate vegetation management and right-of-way maintenance activities throughout the assigned service area
- Inspect tree trimming and vegetation management contractor work for compliance with utility specifications, safety requirements, and work schedules
- Monitor contractor performance and provide clear, professional feedback to contractors and utility leadership
- Investigate tree-related outages, identify contributing factors, and recommend corrective actions to improve system reliability
- Respond to customer questions, complaints, and vegetation concerns professionally and promptly
- Represent the utility client during customer meetings and field interactions
- Develop productive working relationships with local governments, regulatory agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders
- Review contractor safety, production, and billing documentation for accuracy and completeness
- Support storm response and electric service restoration efforts during outage events
- Participate in safety meetings and promote safe work practices
- Safely operate company vehicles in both on-road and off-road environments
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience in utility forestry, utility vegetation management, arboriculture, right-of-way management, or a closely related field
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
- Ability to travel throughout the assigned service territory
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills
- Availability for storm and emergency response, including occasional evenings, weekends, and extended hours
Preferred Qualifications
- ISA Certified Arborist
- ISA Utility Specialist certification
- Experience inspecting or overseeing utility tree trimming or vegetation management contractors
- Knowledge of integrated vegetation management (IVM) practices
- Knowledge of utility line-clearance standards and practices
- Understanding of electric distribution systems and vegetation-related reliability issues
- Forestry, arboriculture, natural resources, or related degree
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for a self-motivated utility forestry professional who is comfortable working independently in the field and communicating with contractors, utility personnel, and customers.
The right candidate will have strong field judgment, attention to detail, and the confidence to identify work that does not meet specifications while maintaining productive working relationships with crews and customers.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending account
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance