Associate Forester

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Job Summary

CenterPoint Energy is looking for an Associate Forester to join our Vegetation Management Team, located in Houston, Texas.

You will have the ability to coordinate, benchmark, oversee, and complete all land and right of way, distribution and transmission utility vegetation management (VM) projects for all capital projects as well as the ongoing proactive programs for vegetation management - inclusive of local land and right of way properties. Inspects completion of vegetation clearances to ensure quality and compliance with both Company standards and various State and Federal agency regulations. Uses subject matter expertise as a certified arborist to promote the company VM program and interact with various community and stakeholder organizations to enhance public relations and resolve local governmental issues raised regarding tree trimming conflicts Reports to Vegetation Management Supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Assign and field check vegetation work in connection with construction of the distribution system associated with all overhead capital transmission and distribution projects. Assure that all work is performed in accordance with Company standards and with all governmental regulations.
• Coordinating and scheduling ongoing transmission and distribution VM line clearance activities in assigned areas to meet service reliability goals and other VM objectives for DPCM and various company internal clients. This is the single largest operating expense for the company spanning between 4,000-6,000 miles. Critical achievement of this objective is reported to various governmental oversight agencies including the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• Assisting various internal clients in analysis of other vegetation-related problems, development of corrective work procedures, and administering unplanned maintenance projects.
• Critically monitor and audit all contractor work activities to ensure contract guidelines compliance, evaluate job performance, and assess cost effectiveness.
• Reviewing contractor invoicing for accuracy and approving of all invoicing for payment in assigned areas.
• Coordinating contractor response for service restoration following storms, inclusive of scheduled periodic Forester rotations of "on-call" after normal working hours.
• Meeting routinely with customers to address VM program concerns, resolve complaints or work refusals, and enforce company policies and requirements. This is in support of internal construction projects in service of new or existing customers.
• Preparing, maintaining, and/or correcting job orders in the company work management system to meet vendor invoicing and company work process administrative requirements.
• Ensure that all project documentation and close out requirements are handled in compliance with SAP process flow guidelines

Essential Functions cont

• Coordinating the review and response to incoming customer trim request service orders and/or complaints with multiple department stakeholders in both the confirmation and prioritization for accurate and prompt contractor response.
• Provide status reports to supervisor and internal clients for budget and work management.
• Developing and evaluating initiatives identified to improve operational efficiencies or process improvements.
• Field check proposed job sites to coordinate activities city, county or state improvement projects, other utilities, and customers to avoid conflicts.
• Working with various governmental representatives to coordinate VM activities on public properties and ensure compliance with various governmental vegetation-related ordinances on company properties.

Education Description

• Requires Bachelor of Science Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry or Urban Forestry or related field from an accredited college or university

• Will consider industry experience in lieu of a degree

• Requires a Texas Department of Agriculture Non - Commercial Pesticide applicators license. Can be obtained after employment.

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist certification - preferred

• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) - preferred

Experience

• One year as a Vegetation Management (VM) arborist performing vegetation management activities directly for an electric utility company and/or a VM contractor providing vegetation management services for an electric utility preferred.

We want you to know

Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. Its an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, well create a better tomorrow together.

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time

Posting Start Date: 08/12/2026

Posting End Date: 08/19/2026

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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