Urban Forestry Park Specialist & Lead Arborist

City of Bellingham; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave with accrual

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Health, dental & vision insurance

Retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

457 deferred compensation

Job summary

The City of Bellingham is hiring a Park Specialist – Urban Forestry to advance the city’s urban forest through advanced arboriculture and technical aerial work. You will lead tree-related projects in parks and right-of-way areas, perform hazard assessments, and guide team members with practical experience and safety in mind.

Responsibilities include coordinating with Parks and other City departments, providing professional arborist input, and preparing reports and budget considerations.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of recent experience in technical arboriculture including technical tree removals and pruning, rope and saddle, spurs and flip line, aerial lifts, rigging and related tools and equipment.
• Two (2) years coursework related to arboriculture may be substituted for one year of required experience.
• Two (2) years experience participating in the planning and execution of arboriculture in significant rural or urban environments including hazard tree assessment and written reports.
• Current ISA Certified Arborist credential required at time of hire.
• One (1) year lead worker experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plans, schedules, implements, monitors and evaluates work for trees and forest stands in City parks, public spaces, open spaces and right-of-way areas.
• Performs technical tree work and hazard assessments; makes recommendations for forest stand management, removals and plantings.
• Leads staff in the program area; provides training, technical guidance and input on performance evaluations.
• Coordinates activities with Parks Department, other City departments and contractors; represents the City as a consulting arborist and provides reports and budgets.

Skills

Arboriculture

Climbing & rigging

Hazard assessment

Team leadership

Education

ISA Certified Arborist credential

Tools

Rope and saddle

Aerial lifts

Rigging gear

Job description

The City of Bellingham is hiring a Park Specialist – Urban Forestry to advance the city’s urban forest through advanced arboriculture and technical aerial work. You will lead tree-related projects in parks and right-of-way areas, perform hazard assessments, and guide team members with practical experience and safety in mind.

Responsibilities include coordinating with Parks and other City departments, providing professional arborist input, and preparing reports and budget considerations.