Arborist

City of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Seattle's Department of Transportation (SDOT) seeks an Arborist to lead tree protection and management for transportation projects in the public right‑of‑way. You will review engineering drawings, develop protection plans, supervise staff, and maintain GIS tree inventories.

Required: bachelor's degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry; five+ years as an Arborist or Landscape Architect with supervisory duties; valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry.
• Five+ years as Arborist or Landscape Architect with supervisory duties.
• Driver’s license required; ISA credentials and TRAQ preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret engineering drawings; recommend design modifications or mitigation measures to protect trees.
• Develop, approve, and monitor tree protection plans; conduct field inspections during project phases.
• Supervise a team of arboriculturists inspecting tree protection, pruning, and removals.
• Manage tree inventory (GIS) for transportation projects; track trees planted or removed; document mitigation needs.
• Provide training or guidance to construction and field staff on tree removal, protection, pruning, or planting.
• Coordinate urban forestry work orders and field support with contractors or SDOT crews.

Skills

Urban forestry

Tree protection

Plan review

Supervisory experience

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree in horticulture/landscape architecture/forestry

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Office 365

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.

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!

Arborist

This position serves as a technical expert in the planning, protection, and management of trees affected by transportation projects within the public right-of-way (ROW). The position oversees plan review and construction; performs tree risk assessments and appraisals; manages tree inventory data; and tracks the performance of trees on transportation projects. This position also responds to public inquiries; participates in community outreach; provides training and guidance to construction and field staff.

• Review and interpret engineering drawings and landscape plans; recommend design modifications or mitigation measures to reduce impacts on trees; resolve conflicts between proposed designs and existing trees; ensure new trees are appropriate for site conditions.
• Develop, approve, and monitor tree protection plans and specifications; conduct and/or supervise field inspections during all project phases for compliance.
• Supervise a team of Arboriculturists inspecting tree protection, pruning, and removals on transportation projects.
• Manage tree inventory (GIS) for transportation projects; track trees removed and trees planted; document tree mitigation needs to comply with the One Seattle Tree Plan executive order.
• Provide training or guidance to construction and field staff related to tree removal, protection, pruning, or planting.
• Schedule, track, and coordinate Urban Forestry work orders and field support during construction.
• Develop scope for tree planting projects and ensure timely coordination with contractors or SDOT crews for implementation.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding tree removal, protection, pruning, or planting.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

• Requires five or more 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.

License, Certification

• Driver’s license, or evidence of equivalent mobility

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
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
• Familiarity with ANSI A300 Standards
• Experience appraising trees using the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition, published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers
• Software: ArcGIS Pro (or equivalent), Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Office 365
• Preferably three or more years of experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings or landscape plans
• Preferably three or more years of experience protecting trees during construction

Work Environment / Physical Demands

• Workdays and hours may vary to align with construction activities which may include weekends and holidays for field assignments with exposure to all types of weather, traffic conditions, hazardous/toxic substances, and construction sites.

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.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
4. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including professional work and education verifications, pre-placement physical exam, and full driver's abstract.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background 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 $58.51 - $68.03 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.