Senior Arborist — Urban Tree Protection & Planning

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

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.