Arboriculturist

Salary
$30.78 – $35.93 Hourly
Location
Seattle, WA
Job Type
Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Department
Seattle Department of Transportation
Job Number
2017-01322
Closing
Continuous
Position Description

The Seattle Department of Transportation’s Maintenance Operations Division presents an exceptional opportunity to join a highly successful team of professionals whose mission is to deliver a safe, reliable, efficient, and socially equitable transportation system that enhances Seattle’s environment and economic vitality.
 
The Urban Forestry Section of the Maintenance Operations Division is seeking a qualified Arboriculturist to issues permits, perform project plan reviews, complete inspections, supervises crews and contractors performing tree maintenance, manages public outreach and volunteer support, manages work orders, supports the street tree-planting program, and provides tree information and advice to the public. This position reports to the City Arborist.

Job Responsibilities
  • Supervises and directs the work of landscape and tree crews and involved in the maintenance of vegetation on City-owned and controlled property.
  • Serves as a technical expert with unique skills and abilities pertaining to the planting, care and maintenance of trees and plant materials.
  • Schedules and conducts routine inspections of construction sites.
  • Maintains Protect Tree Notices and monitors tree protection.
  • Develops and implements a comprehensive maintenance, replacement, chemical control, and care program for street trees, landscaped areas, and street right-of-way vegetation. Develops specifications and recommends contractor selection for landscape, vegetation maintenance, and pesticide spraying contracts; monitors contracts to ensure compliance; and prepares monthly report of contractor activities.
  • Inspects city trees and plantings for disease and pruning needs. Develops treatment plan and/or pruning schedule. Monitors work of crews to ensure completion.
  • Investigates and responds to complaints from the public.
  • Coordinates with other departments to provide services necessary for planting and/or removing of trees.
  • Plans and conducts training sessions for staff and/or the public in the care, installation, and maintenance of trees and plantings.
  • Performs public outreach and volunteer coordination for projects.
  • Prepares and reviews a variety of reports on section activities.
  • Orders and inspects plant and tree materials.
  • Maintains inventory of all trees and plants.
  • Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice.

These responsibilities are only a summary of typical functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. May perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Botany, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.
  • Three years of experience in the care, planting and maintenance of trees and plant materials.
  • Ability to effectively work in a multi-cultural workplace with a diverse customer base.


Licensing/Certification/Other Requirements

  • Current Washington State driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility
  • A background check may be required for this position


Work Environment/Physical Demands

  • Required to work in all weather conditions and stand, bend and walk for extended periods. Occasional exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides is required.


Desired Qualifications   

  • ISA Certified Arborist
  • Tree Risk Assessment Qualification from ISA
  • Class B CDL, air brake restriction removed, with tanker endorsement
  • Multilingual.
Additional Information

How to Apply
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Submit the following items to be considered for these vacancies:

  1. NEOGOV online (or paper) application
  2. Supplemental questionnaire
  3. A cover letter AND résumé

Your application may be rejected if these items are missing or incomplete. Attaching or pasting a cover letter and résumé alone is not a substitute for completing the application itself.
 
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.

To learn more about Seattle Department of Transportation, check out our website at: http://www.seattle.gov/jobs.

Agency
City of Seattle
Address
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500
Seattle, Washington, 98104.