Forestry Specialist

Do you have a passion for trees, safety, and keeping the lights on for our members? East Central Energy (ECE) is looking for a Forestry Specialist to join our Forestry Services team! In this role, you’ll plan and monitor vegetation management work, coordinate with contractors, and help ensure safe, reliable electric service across our communities. If you enjoy working outdoors, problem-solving, and making a visible impact in your community, we encourage you to apply today and be part of your local co-op! 

Why You’ll Love Working at ECE 

• Values-Driven Culture: Built on Respect, Integrity, Courage, and Humility, we foster innovation, accountability, and empowered decision-making to help you succeed. 

• Competitive Pay: Starting wage range of $37.20 - $41.86 hourly, based on your relevant education and experience. 

• Outstanding Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical with employer contributions to an HSA, dental, vision, STD, LTD and more—including tuition reimbursement and employee assistance programs. 

• Future-Ready: Build your financial security with a 401(k)-plan featuring up to a 10% employer contribution. 

• Rest and Renewal: Recharge with 22 days of PTO and ten paid holidays. 

• Community Focused: Be part of a cooperative that actively supports local initiatives and strengthens the communities we serve. 

 
A Day in the Life 

• Vegetation Management Oversight: Plan and monitor vegetation management for scheduled maintenance cycles. Inspect work to ensure quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness, and educate contractors and members on best practices. 

• Line Patrol and Risk Tree Program: Oversee line patrol activities, identify and map high-risk vegetation, and assign off-cycle work to minimize outages and safety hazards. 

• Coordination and Communication: Work with Engineering, Construction, and Maintenance teams to coordinate clearing for line construction projects and ensure efficient project flow. 

• Member Engagement: Contact property owners to explain vegetation management plans, address concerns, and support cooperative understanding. 

• Special Projects: Assist the Forestry Services team with field surveys, system verification, software implementation, and training for contractors. 

What You’ll Need 

• Education & Experience: A two-year degree or certificate in forestry or arboriculture, plus five years of experience in utility vegetation management (UVM) that includes project management and/or supervision; or seven years of UVM assignments, or a combination of education and experience. 

• Credentials: Valid Driver’s License, Electrical Hazards Awareness Training, and have or be able to obtain the following three certifications within 6 months: ISA Arborist Certification, ISA Utility Specialist Certification, and State Herbicide Applicator’s Certification. Preferred credentials include Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), and FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Certification. 

• Skills: Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and maintain professionalism under pressure. Knowledge of tree pruning, removal, and herbicide application practices, and proficiency with Microsoft 365 and related systems. 
   
  Additional Details 

• Schedule: This position is based onsite and may report out of any ECE location, including Braham, Finlayson, Milaca or Wahkon, MN and Superior, WI. A work truck is provided for business use but must be returned to an ECE location at the end of each workday. The Forestry Services team is homebased out of the Operations Center in Finlayson, MN, and the employee must be available to attend team meetings there at least once a month. 

        The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, typically 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During busier     seasons, a flexible four-day workweek may be offered. 

• Hybrid Option: This position does not offer a hybrid work arrangement. 

• Equal Opportunity Employer: ECE embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value the unique perspectives and experiences they bring. 
   

Apply by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 10, 2025, to start your journey with East Central Energy!