Tree Permitting Supervisors (Supervisor I - Exempt) - Multiple Vacancies

The Position

Job Appointment:
Full Time, Regular

Work Schedule:

Monday
- Friday 8:00 – 5:00 PM. Alternate schedules may be available.

Work Location:

1900 SW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR 97201. All manager and supervisor positions will be expected to report to their worksites full-time. Remote workdays remain an option to accommodate travel or occasionally focus on major work projects.

Union Representation:
Non-represented.

Starting Pay:
The City of Portland follows the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying.

Position Summary: The City of Portland's Permitting & Development – Tree Permitting Division is seeking three (3) experienced and highly motivated Supervisors to lead key functional sections within the division. These positions oversee:
Development & Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Non-Development Tree Permitting, and Compliance & Enforcement.

The Tree Permitting Division administers the City's Tree Code (Title 11) to equitably preserve, restore, and expand Portland's urban forest. Guided by the 2025 Urban Forest Plan, the division supports biodiversity, community health, habitat connectivity, and the city's unique sense of place. Supervisors play a crucial role in the consistent application and interpretation of tree regulations, ensuring effective customer service, program oversight, and equitable enforcement.

Ideal candidates bring strong leadership abilities, excellent communication and conflict-mediation skills, and deep knowledge of arboriculture practices and municipal tree regulations. These roles require sound judgment, the ability to navigate complex permitting or compliance situations, and a commitment to fostering workplace diversity and a positive, inclusive environment. Each position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Portland's green spaces and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.

Supervisors in the Tree Permitting Division will:

• Oversee daily operations of their assigned section, ensuring efficient workflows, regulatory consistency, and high-quality customer service.
• Interpret and apply ISA Best Management Practices and the City's Tree Code across a wide range of tree-related activities in development, non-development, or compliance contexts.
• Develop and implement program improvements, standard operating procedures, and innovative approaches to enhance permitting or enforcement outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with the Tree Permitting Division Manager, internal city bureaus (Transportation, Water, Environmental Services, etc.), utilities, contractors, community members, and other partners to support coordinated urban forestry management.
• Recruit, hire, schedule, assign work to, and supervise staff.
• Manage, coach, and assess the performance of staff, promoting a safe, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Exercise independent judgment to meet program objectives and resolve complex regulatory issues.
• Research and apply complex municipal codes to develop workable solutions for applicants, stakeholders, and community members.
• Analyze and generate detailed reports using database systems to support decision-making, project management, and performance tracking.
• Provide clear, concise guidance to the public and partner agencies on tree regulations, permitting requirements, and compliance expectations.
• Interpret site plans, architectural drawings, and other development-related documents to ensure compliance with city regulations and standards.

Section Focus Areas While duties overlap, each Supervisor will focus on a specific operational area:

• Development & CIP: Tree regulation oversight for private development, capital projects, and major city infrastructure work; supervision of seven (7) Tree Inspectors and one (1) Senior Inspector.
• Non-Development: Permitting for tree removal, pruning, root pruning, tree attachments (ornamental lighting), chemical application, Heritage Trees, and interagency tree management activities; supervision of five (5) Tree Inspectors and one (1) Senior Inspector.
• Compliance: Investig…