Utility Arborist / Auditor (Arborist & Tree Care)

  Western Environmental Consultants, Inc (Western ECI)

  San Diego, California, United States

We are currently seeking Utility Arborist/Auditor to join our team. We are looking for energetic professionals who enjoy working outdoors and value the freedom of working independently. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with Western ECI. This role is ideal for entry-level professionals looking to gain experience in the green industry, or for seasoned professionals interested in changing careers. Our employees act as a liaison between the Utility company, their clients, contractors and customers. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Inspect and assess customer requests for tree pruning or removals
• Secure clear rights-of-way (ROW) for new utility line and pole construction
• Handle customer concerns related to scheduled tree pruning and/or completed pruning
• Audit utility contractor’s field work for compliance with utility’s specifications
• Assist in storm and emergency situations and other miscellaneous line clearance projects
• Assist in investigating and recommending future ROW maintenance requirements
• Operate system forestry computer programs and record systems
• Communicate daily with the utility client, contractors, landowners, government agencies and the general public
• Perform duties in a manner that will promote and maintain good public relations
• May be involved in environmental assessment/ permitting where needed
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned 

Qualifications 

• Must be able to read maps and identify tree species.
• Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem solving and multi-tasking abilities and show attention to detail.
• Must be able to work alone, outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
• Must be able to adapt to change.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science or related field preferred.
• Utility line clearance experience preferred.
• Certification as an ISA Arborist is a plus.
• Bi-Lingual speaking (English and Spanish) is a plus. 

Physical Demands & Working Environment 

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employee must be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods of time. Reasonable accommodations, if available, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 

Environment 

Work alone in an outdoor field environment; vehicle and foot patrol of utility power lines; remote locations as well as urban, city environment; physical demands and travel from site to site, including: walking/hiking on various surfaces including flat, dry, wet, slippery, uneven, rough, steep terrain, hills and slopes; exposure to noise, dust, grease, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions 

Physical 

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk, stand, sit, and operate a motor vehicle for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, run, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (5 to 10 lbs.); to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information with public; ability to see and hear in normal range with or without correction; operate assigned field equipment, including handheld computer, range finder, fyrake, water backpack, shovel, and traffic cone. 

Applicants must pass a pre-employment drug test and a criminal background check. 

All candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a good driving record. 

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