Arboriculturist

Seattle Department of Transportation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) seeks Arboriculturist specialists in the Right of Way Maintenance and Urban Forestry division to support arboricultural field inspection services for tree work related to SDOT permits, planting, care and maintenance, including root protection, soil restoration, mulching, watering, and pruning.

Responsibilities include inspecting work to ensure permit compliance, updating the SDOT tree inventory, and contributing to a canopy-friendly, safe urban

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Botany, or related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the care, planting and maintenance of trees and plant materials with supervision or lead work.
• Valid Washington State driver's license; ISA Arborist credentials and related certifications are favorable.

Responsibilities

• Attend pre-construction meetings and review tree protection plans; monitor tree protection and evaluate root systems.
• Oversee root pruning; recommend measures to lessen construction impacts on trees; assess pruning needs for equipment access.
• Update tree inventory; post notices; respond to inquiries about tree removal, retention, and protection.
• Ensure permit plans protect public safety and grow Seattle's tree canopy; document changes in inventory.

Skills

Tree care experience

supervision / lead work

Tree protection during construction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field

Job description

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.

Position Description

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’s Right of Way Maintenance and Urban Forestry division has Arboriculturist opportunities available! These positions provide arboricultural field inspection services for tree work related to SDOT permits. They also provide technical expertise for planting, care and maintenance of trees and plant materials, including root protection, soil restoration, mulching, watering, and pruning. The positions also inspect work to ensure compliance with approved permits and updates the SDOT tree inventory map for all permitted tree work.

Job Responsibilities

• Attend pre-construction meetings and review tree protection plans; establish and monitor tree protection; evaluate exposed root systems; oversee root pruning and recommend other measures to lessen construction impacts on existing trees; evaluate pruning needs for equipment operation and construction access.
• Post tree removal notices on trees impacted by SDOT projects and respond to public inquiries related to tree removal, retention, and protection; provide timely evaluation of public safety concerns, diagnose insect and disease problems, and complete tree risk assessments and appraisals as needed.
• Update SDOT tree inventory to track tree removals and new trees; complete inspection checklists in Accela; facilitate permit closeout and bond release for development projects.
• Ensure permit plans are designed to grow Seattle's tree canopy, protect public safety, and prevent conflicts with city-owned infrastructure. Make adjustments as needed and document changes in the SDOT tree inventory.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Botany, or related field

Experience

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the care, planting, and maintenance of trees and plant materials and demonstrated experience in supervision or lead work.

License, Certification

• A valid Washington State driver's license

OR:

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

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

• ISA Certified Arborist
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
• At least three (3) years of experience protecting trees during construction

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Required to work in all weather conditions and stand, bend and walk for extended periods.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $45.16 - $52.71 per hour.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Adam Sallean and [e-mail]

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

Who May Apply

This position is open to all candidates that 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.