• Job Description

  Req#: 4954796

  Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

  At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

  With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone, no matter who they are or where they live.

  Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

  We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!
  
  SDOT is excited to announce a new Arborist position within our Right of Way and Urban Forestry division. This position will bring strategic leadership and expertise to an expanding tree planting program identified and funded by the recently approved transportation levy. The position will be responsible for delivering innovative approaches to optimize multiple funding sources across the City to deliver on the mission to increase the canopy in historically underserved communities. This position reports to the director of Right of Way and Urban Forestry.

  • This position, through an in-depth understanding of the means and methods by which trees are planted in the right-of-way, will develop strategies to optimize outcomes through each mechanism.
  • Assist with tree planting efforts regulated by Seattle’s Street Tree Ordinance and the related permitting system.
  • In concert with the existing SDOT Arborist and Sr. Landscape Architect, this position will develop and continuously refine a street tree planting program, including a work plan that encompasses site selection, community outreach, asset tracking and updates, intra and interagency coordination, supplies procurement, funding source administration, and supervision.
  • Manage the daily operations of the street tree planting program, including tree planting and tree watering performed by either in-house crew staff or contractors.
  • Provide leadership and oversight of various crews engaged in specific tree planting activities, including site preparation, excavation, planting, site restoration, and mulching.
  • Provide written and oral guidance to contractors and subcontractors working on capital projects, and support project managers in the implementation of City standard plans and specifications.
  • Facilitate asset and financial management and update the street tree inventory.
  • Coach and train others in the use of field devices powered by Geographic Information System software as required to maintain accurate and updated records.
  • Work closely with the SDOT asset management program team to develop process improvements and develop robust performance management systems to help communicate success and areas for improvement.
  • Develop and oversee contracts for specific asset management update projects.
  • Track expenditures and budgets related to unique programs and projects and develop reporting methods to ensure consistent and optimal outcomes for each program area.
  • Track landscape establishment budgets from a variety of capital projects.
  • Solicit bids and monitor contracts to complete landscape establishment projects.
  • Onboard landscape and irrigation assets, working directly with asset management program experts.
  • Develop and monitor expenditures and budgets related to each unique landscape establishment program.
  • Community Outreach and Engagement Working in partnership with SDOT’s communications, outreach, and engagement programs, leverage city networks to solicit input and feedback on developing tree planting programs.
  • Leverage existing City relationships and the transportation equity workgroup to deliver timely and helpful information about tree planting efforts in local communities.
  • Leverage feedback from the community to continually improve program effectiveness.
  • Present information in public meetings and other settings, occasionally on weekends and evenings.
  • Support the section in developing key messaging to effectively communicate the intended outcomes of the tree planting programs, and leverage community support to expand awareness of the value of a robust public street tree canopy.
  • Coordinate tree planting programs with parallel efforts across City departments and the Office of Sustainability and Environment.
  • Through direct communication and coordination, provide strategic alignment and support of Citywide Urban Forestry efforts and initiatives, including alignment with the Office of Sustainability and Environment, and
  • Participate with the Urban Forestry Core Team and contribute to the maintenance of the City's online information.
  • Inform and educate the public about tree planting programs and collaborate with the Trees for Seattle program and the Department of Neighborhoods on planting events and volunteer events.
  • Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.

  Education:

  • Baccalaureate degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry, or a closely related field.

  
  Experience:

  • Requires five years of experience as an Arborist or Landscape Architect with experience preferably in street use or urban landscape design, of which at least two years must involve supervisory, management, and/or planning duties.

  OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.
  

  Desired Qualifications:

  
  Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or can describe comparable experience:

  • Experience with public policy development.
  • Experience supervising in a municipal or other public agency setting.
  • Demonstrated budget management experience working with and tracking a variety of funding sources in a public sector environment.
  • ISA Arborist Certification and ISA TRAQ Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.

  
  Work Environment / Physical Demands :

  • Most work is performed in an office environment.
  • Requires periodic site inspection and selection activities in nurseries.

  License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

  Driver’s license, or evidence of equivalent mobility.

  Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

  Hiring Process
  
  Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

  1. Completed NEOGOV online application.

  1. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.

  1. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.

  A Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a pre-placement medical examination, a review of driving history, and reference information.

  Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  The full salary range for this position is $56.48 - $65.67 per hour.

  The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans .

  http://www.seattle.gov/jobs

  ZB

  APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:

  Job #2025 - 00733

  If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application by the closing date to our office.

  OUR OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:

  Seattle Municipal Tower

  700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

  Seattle, WA 98104

  Careers@seattle.gov

  Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

  Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.

  The City is a Drug Free Workplace.

• About the company

  The Seattle City Attorney is a non-partisan elected official in Seattle, Washington whose job is to "prosecute people for misdemeanor offenses, defend the city against lawsuits and gives legal advice to the city".

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