Location: Fort Smith,AR, USA
ECI is looking to add a **Utility Forester** to our team! If you are an energetic professional who enjoys working outdoors, values the freedom of working independently, enjoys a fast-paced environment and the challenges of a rewarding profession, consider a career in vegetation management with ECI.
Some of the most important characteristics of an ECI Utility Forester are a desire to learn, an ability to adapt, and a commitment to engage in safe, constructive interactions with the public. You are accountable for advancing a culture of safety and excellence while providing quality and value to our customers and clients.
**The pay range for this position is from $17.00 to $27.00 per hour, contingent upon relevant education, experience, and industry-specific certifications. This specified range is determined by the tier associated with the job posting. However, should the employee be classified under a different tier, the compensation may fall outside the stated range.**
**WHAT WE OFFER:**
+ Industry competitive pay.
+ Company vehicle with fuel card to take to and from home & work.
+ Medical/Health/Dental/Vision/VOYA/Vacation Accrual/Paid Holidays/EAP eligibility on day one of employment (Full-Time Employees).
+ 401K, life insurance, long-term disability eligibility first of the month after 3 months of service.
+ Sick Time eligibility on day 90 of employment.
+ Weekly pay checks and direct deposit.
+ Participation in Employee Referral Program (must meet eligibility requirements).
+ Boot and clothing program (company funded).
+ Ongoing training and assistance with obtaining industry certifications.
**WHAT YOU WILL DO:**
+ Inspect and assess customer requests for pruning or removals.
+ Secure clear rights-of-way for new-line and pole construction.
+ Handle customer complaints related to scheduled pruning and/or completed pruning.
+ Audit tree contractor's 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 R-O-W maintenance requirements Operate system forestry computer programs and record systems.
+ Communicate daily with the utility client, contractors, landowners and the general public.
+ Perform duties in a manner that will promote and maintain good public relations.
+ Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
**WHAT YOU MUST HAVE:**
+ 1-3 years experience in UVM, Forestry, or Horticulture.
+ Local tree identification skills.
+ Must be able to read maps.
+ Ability to hike ROW's and drive for extended periods of time required.
+ Must be able to work alone, and outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
+ Must have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strong problem-solving and multi-tasking abilities, and show attention to detail.
+ Must be able to adapt to change.
+ Must have basic computer skills (Microsoft Suite).
**WHAT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE:**
+ Associate or bachelor's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science or related field a plus. New grads may be considered depending on relevant experience.
+ 3+ years direct UVM experience preferred (or forestry combined with equipment and tree trimming practices).
+ ISA Certification a plus.
+ Prior experience with GIS software/technology a plus.
+ Being Bi-Lingual (Spanish) is a plus.
**Working 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. Reasonable accommodations, if available, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
**Physical**
The team member must have sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk up to 10 miles per day, 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, arm and shoulder movement in the performance of daily duties (e.g., forcefully beat down brush); carry, push and/or pull light to heavy amounts of weight, frequently lift up to 10 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 60 lbs. (sandbags); 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.
**Company Overview**
Environmental Consultants (ECI) is a leading provider of vegetation and asset management consulting services to the utility industry. Successful professionals at ECI have come from a variety of backgrounds, including: forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, biology, landscape maintenance, horticulture, nursery management, environmental sciences, geology, agriculture, parks & recreation management, urban forestry, geography, and more. For more information visit our website www.eci-consulting.com
**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.**
**ECI is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. EOE/AA: Minority/Female/ Vets/ Disabled.**