Job Detail

Utility Forester

Location: Edmond, OK
Salary:

About this Position

The Utility Forester job supports multiple programs and services within the Urban Forestry department and includes arborist tasks. The forester will coordinate contracted tree pruning around the City of Edmond's electric infrastructure and help with unloading plant material, pruning trees, staging materials for events, and contributing to public outreach. Utility Foresters must have strong customer service, time management, and public relations skills. This role often includes on-call coverage and work on weekends, holidays, evenings, or during/after storms.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-inspection for electric line clearance before pruning, and audit pruning after completion
• Notify residents of upcoming pruning and respond to questions, concerns, or requests for special accommodations
• Coordinate contract services and respond to tree-related service requests
• Manage contracted pruning crew scheduling, communicate with contractors, and respond to customer concerns
• Track invoicing and program budget
• Respond to tree inspection requests, perform tree risk assessments, and provide maintenance recommendations
• Perform maintenance activities such as pruning, planting, cutting, applying herbicide, placing staking material, and applying mulch
• Coordinate and assist with plant and landscape material delivery
• Manage and maintain plant and material inventory
• Assist with set up for volunteer and outreach events, including volunteer coordination
• Attend public events to assist in event set up, take down, and clean up

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• International Society of Arboriculture Arborist certification
• Associates of Arts or Science Degree in Horticulture, Forestry, Agriculture, Landscape Contracting, or a related field (preferred)
• International Society of Arboriculture Utility Specialist credential (preferred)
• 2 years of related experience and/or training
  • Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 12-18 months of management experience
  • people or project management
• Valid Oklahoma Driver's License and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier

Necessary Skills

• Strong written/verbal communication skills
• Strong aptitude for providing quality customer service and positive public relations
• Knowledge of tree pruning, routine care for plants, and plant, tree, and shrub identification
• Ability to operate vehicles, towing equipment, and trailers to load/unload materials and supplies
• Ability to read and follow maps, and use GPS and GIS systems
• Proactive outlook and strong time management skills
• Ability to work without direct supervision and within a team
• Flexibility to work after-hours, weekends, holidays, and during/after storms as needed
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools such as chainsaws, mowers, and string trimmers
• Ability to meet the required physical standards for this position
• Ability to pass extensive background process and pre-employment drug and audio screenings

Benefits

• Generous benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance
• Access to a dedicated primary care medical clinic at no cost to employees and covered dependents
• Generous time off, paid holidays, longevity rewards, and retirement benefits
• Paid parental leave
• Potential for bilingual pay
• A tangible impact to the Urban Forestry Department and residents in the City of Edmond
• A dynamic and inclusive environment where your contributions are valued

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