Utility Forester

Company Overview

GREEN VELVET TREE INC, based in Coram, New York, is a leading provider of vegetation management services for public utilities, mass transit, and municipalities across the Northeast. Known for safe, efficient, and cost‑effective solutions, the company specializes in line clearance, aerial trimming, hazard tree removal, right‑of‑way clearing, reclamation, and herbicide application. With extensive experience in transmission and distribution vegetation work, GREEN VELVET TREE INC has become the contractor of choice for utility companies and is also recognized for reliable storm response services locally and nationwide, including in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Green velvet Tree Inc. is seeking an experienced and motivated Utility Forester to support our General Foreman in overseeing line‑clearance operations. The ideal candidate will have strong technical tree knowledge, field experience, and familiarity with the safety and regulatory demands of vegetation work around utility lines.

• Perform site inspections to assess trees, brush, and vegetation risk along utility lines.
• Identify species, structural defects, and hazard trees; recommend appropriate pruning or removal.
• Work with the General Foreman to scope and plan jobs, set priorities, and coordinate crew work.
• Review completed work to ensure it meets utility standards and specifications (proper pruning cuts, clearances).
• Provide technical guidance to field crews on pruning techniques, removals, and safety.
• Assist in storm response: damage assessment, emergency line‑clearance, and hazard mitigation.
• Document work in field software or GIS systems: collect data on tree conditions, work completed, and hazards.
• Interact with customers, landowners, municipalities, and utility stakeholders.
• Participate in safety meetings, job hazard analyses, and enforce compliance with relevant safety protocols (ANSI, OSHA, etc.).
• Prepare maps, reports, and documentation needed for job planning and utility audits.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• ISA Certified Arborist (or willing to obtain within 12 months).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Experience working in a field‑based role – preferably with vegetation management or utility companies.
• Strong knowledge of tree species, pests, diseases, and growth habits.
• Ability to identify and evaluate hazard trees, structural defects, and decay.
• Proficiency with mapping/GIS tools and field data collection software.
• Excellent communication skills (crew‑level and stakeholder‑level).
• Comfortable working outdoors in varied terrain, weather, and conditions.
• Ability to travel routinely and possibly stay overnight during storm response, if required.

• ISA Utility Specialist certification.
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP).
• 3+ years in utility vegetation management.
• Supervisory or crew‑lead experience.
• Experience in emergency/storm‑response work.
• Familiarity with herbicide use, wildfire mitigation, or fuels risk.

Salary: $60,000–$90,000 per year.

Additional compensation:
Overtime/storm‑response pay, performance bonuses, per diems or lodging reimbursement during extended travel or storm response.

Benefits:
Health insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick), retirement plan, training/certification support (e.g., ISA, safety training).