Contract Forester | Lehigh County PA

ACRT, Inc.

About The Team

At ACRT, we put safety first. Beyond that, our culture always has been, and always will be, about one thing : people. It’s about our employees, our customers, and the communities our customers serve .

We empower the best people to help sustain our world. We’re the only independent national vegetation management consulting firm giving us the freedom to put our clients first .

We’re always looking for driven individuals with good customer service skills who love the outdoors and appreciate the support and independence we provide.

We offer qualified training opportunities in areas where they are needed to help our customers reach their fullest potential, preparing them for what their work throws at them.

About the Role

The Consulting Utility Forester (CUF) 1 reports to the Operations Manager at ACRT Inc . This position will play a key role in identifying , inspecting, and evaluating trees and brush along utility lines and submitting inspection results to clients with recommendations .

This position plan s , direct s , and coordinat es the activities of assigned tree clearance crews. This position requires a love of working outside , excellent attention to detail , and exceptional interpersonal communications skill s .

What You’ll Do

Vegetation Inspecting & Management

Identify and inspect local trees with an understanding of growth rates

M ap circuits using client continuity lists

Patrol and investigate distribution and / o r transmission circuits and prescribed work to be performed by client tree trimming contractors

Enter tree trimming / tree and brush removal prescription into hand-held computer or other similar systems, and uses computers and associated software to perform duties

N otif y property owners of tree trimming / tree and brush removal work to be performed relating to client specifications

M anage the issuance of work and track work progress

P erform outage investigations , when necessary

Discusses and negotiate line-clearance crew access issues

Perform herbicide audits

Assist with storm restoration efforts

Tree Trimming Assessments

Audit tree trimming and tree removal work completed by the tree trimming contractor in the field to ensure compliance with work request forms and approved tree trimming

Determine when the next tree trimming is required

C omplete post audit forms indicating adequacy of the tree trimming and tree removal work, and forward the completed forms to the vegetation management program manager or coordinator

Maintain State, Local, & Organizational Compliance

O btain permits from public agencies and documents work

Compl y with all regulatory requirements and client vegetation management standards

As requested by the S enior CUF or Manager, perform all necessary duties for emergency response in accordance with all safety requirements, law and regulations, and applicable labor agreements

Adhere to all attendance and work hour requirements

Conduct work in a safety-conscious manner as not to endanger themselves or others

Wear safety-related equipment such as hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, etc

Know and exemplif y ACRT’s Guiding Principles

Positively Build Upon New & Existing Relationships

S erve as a liaison between clients, tree crews, and client customers

D isplay optimism about the work to be done and demonstrate a positive attitude towards customers, peers, and the company

Maintain working relationships with local client personnel as well as all relevant federal, state and local governmental agencies

May be required to participate in public presentations and meetings

Other duties as assigned.

About You

Must haves :

Education : Associates Degree in Forestry or Horticulture

Experience : Two years of related utility experience. Must be 21 years of age or older. Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record .

Nice to haves :

Education : Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or Horticulture

Experience : One year of UVM experience . ISA Certification and TDA Pesticide Applicator’s License is a plus.

Your Skills :

Ability to learn and use company or job-specific software systems

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook or similar software suite

Ability to identify local trees and knowledge of growth rates

Ability to work in rugged terrain and inclement weather

Ability to read and follow maps

Ability to drive and operate a 4x4 vehicle

Self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to multi-task , and work independently and as a team

Excellent communication skills, comfortable interacting with senior management , customers, and clients

Demonstrated critical thinking skills and ability to exercise good judgement to make good business decisions

Knowledge of vegetation management and herbicide use is a plus

Knowledge of electric utility facilities and hardware is a plus

This role would not be a good fit if :

You do not enjoy working independently or working outdoors

Are not comfortable driving a pickup truck or 4x4 off-road vehicle

You do not have the ability to calmly communicate with customer conflicts

Employee Training

Employee will need to obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification as an Arborist within thirty (30) months upon being assigned as a CUF

All employees are required to take an online safe driver course and safety training.

Drug / Alcohol Testing :

Drug / alcohol testing is required

Where We Work

Employees will take their company provided vehicle to where they need to report for the day. They will generally not need to report to an office.

Benefits

Health and Safety

Group health plans including medical / prescription, dental, vision and a variety of other coverage options offered

Company paid group life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, short and long term disability

Flexible Spending Accounts or an option for a Health Savings Account with company match

Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees and eligible family members

Retirement

Automatic enrollment in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost

Roth or Traditional 401(k) Retirement plan with company match

Time Off

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Veterans Day paid time off for our veterans

Perks

Company vehicle and gas card

Meal and travel per diems (allowances)

Boot allowance

Certification reimbursement program

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR