What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Forester position at PRF Forestry Specialists?
Why Plank Road Forestry?
At Plank Road Forestry, forestry isn't just one of the services we provide - it's what we do.
Founded in 2011, Plank Road Forestry has grown into a leading utility vegetation management and forestry consulting company. Our team includes experienced forestry professionals, ISA Certified Arborists, Utility Specialists, and Registered Foresters who support utility partners with vegetation management, work planning, hazard tree identification, quality control, and other field-based forestry services.
PRF's strength is its people. Our company is built around Integrity, Safety, Teamwork, Knowledge, and Innovation, with a focus on high-quality work, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
About the Position
Plank Road Forestry is hiring experienced Utility Forestersto support electric utility vegetation management operations throughout Georgia. Positions may involve Transmission, Distribution, or a combination of both, depending on the employee's experience, assigned territory, and program needs.
We are looking first and foremost for people who know utility vegetation management. If you have built your experience in utility forestry, work planning, line clearance, vegetation management inspection, QA/QC, or as a Crew Foreman or General Foreman, we encourage you to apply.
A forestry degree and professional certifications are valuable, but practical utility vegetation management experience is the primary qualification for this position.
What You'll Do
· Receive, investigate, and coordinate the resolution of vegetation-related cases and field issues.
· Evaluate vegetation conditions along electric utility corridors.
· Identify vegetation concerns and coordinate work needed to mitigate identified issues.
· Perform pre-trim assessments to determine the location, extent, and appropriate methodology of vegetation work.
· Inspect vegetation management work performed by contractor crews.
· Conduct crew audits, field inspections, and post-trim quality assessments.
· Evaluate completed work for compliance with utility requirements and applicable industry standards, including ANSI standards.
· Communicate with customers, utility representatives, contractors, and other stakeholders.
· Document field conditions, work progress, customer interactions, and assessment results.
· Assist with vegetation-related issues identified through outage reports, field observations, customer concerns, and other sources.
· Provide storm and on-call support as assigned.
· Perform other utility Forestry and Right-of-Way support duties as needed.
What We're Looking For
Utility vegetation management experience is strongly preferred.Relevant experience may include:
· Utility Forestry or Utility Arboriculture
· Electric utility vegetation management
· Transmission and/or Distribution vegetation management
· Utility work planning
· Vegetation management inspection or QA/QC
· Line clearance tree trimming
· Crew Foreman or General Foreman experience
· Right-of-Way vegetation management
· Other comparable electric utility vegetation management experience
Candidates should be comfortable working independently in the field, evaluating vegetation conditions, communicating professionally with customers and utility personnel, working with contractor crews, and documenting field activities.
Preferred Qualifications
The following are preferred but not required:
· Degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field
· ISA Certified Arborist
· ISA utility-related certification or credential
· Pesticide/applicator license or certification
· Other relevant forestry, arboriculture, or vegetation management credentials
What PRF Provides
· Full-time employment
· Assigned company vehicle
· Company gas card
· Annual boot/footwear allowance
· Monthly cell-phone stipend
· Company-provided apparel, PPE, and required work equipment
· Health insurance
· Dental insurance
· Vision insurance
· Health Savings Account (HSA)
· Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
· Life insurance
· Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
· 401(k) with company match
· Paid time off
· Parental leave
· Professional development assistance
Work Environment
This is primarily a field-based position. Employees should expect regular travel within their assigned territory and outdoor work in varying weather conditions and terrain. The position involves regular interaction with utility personnel, contractors, crews, customers, and property owners. Storm response, emergency assignments, and on-call support may be required.
Locations
Positions are anticipated throughout Georgia, including areas surrounding: Athens, Rome, Cartersville, Columbus, Canton, Marietta, Kennesaw, Dallas, Jonesboro, South Fulton, Fayette, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Tucker, Atlanta, Conyers, Savannah, Springfield, Statesboro, Brunswick, Hinesville, Waycross, Vidalia, Valdosta, Albany, Tifton, Bainbridge, and Union City.
Apply
If you have practical experience in electric utility vegetation management and want to bring that experience to a company focused on forestry and utility vegetation management, we encourage you to apply.
Please include your current location and any Transmission and/or Distribution experience on your resume.
Pay: $24.00 - $37.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: On the road
Salary : $24 - $37