Utility Forester Intern

Job Posting End Date

11-20-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Why Join Us?
This is your chance to embark on an exciting journey where you can make a real impact from day one! You’ll learn directly from industry leaders, collaborate with a dynamic team, and engage in mentorship opportunities while working on individual projects that showcase your unique talents. We’re dedicated to your growth, offering comprehensive training and development programs tailored to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of the electric utility industry.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

• Patrol lines and facilities to assess vegetation conditions and recommend utility vegetation operations; maintain records of work.
• Coordinate with landowners to obtain access and arrange vegetation management activities.
• Investigate and help resolve landowner issues and assist with the Investigative Order (IO-13) process.
• Estimate vegetation management requirements and costs for construction, rebuilding, and maintenance of facilities.
• Recommend short- and long-term vegetation management work plans and best management practices.
• Contact landowners and stakeholders to arrange and coordinate right-of-way vegetation management work plans.
• Administer and schedule forestry communications (e.g., mailings, DAVOX, postcards).
• Inspect vegetation management and work-planning contractors for contract compliance and recommend acceptance or corrective action.
• Recommend work plans, priorities, schedules, and contractor requirements in accordance with the vegetation management program.
• Provide administrative support for forestry work plans by district, including tracking partner timesheets, invoices, and budget reconciliation.
• Assist with storm restoration efforts; travel and overnight stays may be required during restoration events.

What We're Looking For:

Education requirements are listed below:

Required:

• Pursuing / Actively enrolled in a 4 - year degree program in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field.
• Ability to travel within the designated AEP service territory; willingness to work outdoors, including in adverse weather.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel/drive as required by field assignments.
• Must have completed at least your freshman year.
• Graduation date of December 2027 or later.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Willingness and ability to relocate for the summer to one of our internship locations, if necessary.
• This position is not eligible for sponsorship, OPT, or CPT.

Preferred:

• Experience with forestry field work, vegetation assessment, or right-of-way management is preferred.
• Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools and basic mapping.
• Basic knowledge of contractor oversight and safety practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Field-based role with frequent outdoor activity, walking patrols, site visits, and occasional heavy lifting (up to 25 pounds).
• Travel within the service territory; overnight stays may be required for storm restoration.
• Potential exposure to variable weather, uneven terrain, and roadside environments.

In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

Co-Op/Intern-001

Compensation Range:

$ - $

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.  

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It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.