utility arborists

[treewhisperer1]

I have been searching the web for work and have noticed a lot of these jobs. Why are there so many positions available? Is there a great demand? Or is this something that no one wants to do?

 

[JJackson]

Probably the jobs are for beginner level permitting jobs would be my guess, people move on or new contracts are acquired by some of the larger contract firms.

 

[treewhisperer1]

it seems to be positions inspecting lines for vegetation conflicts, then coordinating with clearance crews. is that considered entry level? How is it entry level-pay or actual responsibility?

 

[JJackson]

Well at least that is how I started and still continue to do most of my work. Though I do have tasks that would normally be associated with a GF on a typical utility crew. Not sure what the pay would be in those positions. Back in 01 I started on the Central Coast in CA making around 12 to 13$ an hour, moved up steadily to about over 17.50 in 04-05 plus they gave me about 400$/month on my truck , paid the registration, most of the insurance and maintenance on it and a gas card for work purposes (certainly made a difference on take home pay when you don't really have to pay for all those things) or so in 04. I currently work directly for a utility with better pay, benefits and vacations, but working for those other company's is a good way to start in the business. My duties at that time where to do field inspections, notify customers, maintain and improve the inventory, seldom did we have to coordinate anything with the crews, fill out tree caused outage reports, line caused fire reports, maintenance order (help tickets) and train new guys to the field or the area.

 

[treewhisperer1]

thanks I appreciate the info

 

[speelyei]

treewhisperer, what area and company are you looking at? You can pm me if you want... I might be able to give you some info.