Urban Forest Science Specialist

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Location: Portland, OR, USA
Salary: $81,556.80 - $ Annually

Join our team and help shape the future of Portland's urban forest.

We are seeking
two Urban Forest Science Specialists
to serve as core members of our Urban Forest Science team. These positions play a critical leadership role in providing the data and information that guide Urban Forestry's programs, investments, and strategic direction. Working alongside planners, arborists, program managers, field crews, and community partners, you'll help answer some of our most important questions:

• Where should we focus tree planting to maximize canopy, climate resilience, and environmental equity?
• Are our tree planting and stewardship programs succeeding?
• What is changing in Portland's urban forest, and what are the causes?
• How can we use what we know about the forest to improve policies, investments, and management practices?

These are applied science positions collaborating with staff and the public to increase knowledge about

Portland’s urban forest,assess threats to this public resource, identify opportunities for expanding tree canopy,and provide resources tobetter manage Portland’s trees. You'll lead projects from concept through implementation, coordinate field studies and monitoring efforts, analyze complex datasets, and communicate findings that inform City leadership, elected officials, community partners, and the public.

Successful Urban Forest Science Specialists combine strong project management skills with analysis and public communication abilities. They are experienced in urban forestry and can share that knowledge with an emphasis on equity and accessibility. They have relevant experience with the tools and best practices of urban forest measurement and assessment, as well as a strong background in data management and analysis in GIS, Excel, PowerBI, statistical software, or similar applications.

Our work has a lot of room for creativity in identifying needs and providing solutions, and candidates eager to brainstorm, collaborate, and implement those solutions are encouraged to apply.

• Represent programs to the public by leading events, creating written materials, and public speaking.
• Collect data in the field and lead the work of seasonal staff and volunteers to monitor and assess urban trees.
• Design, implement, and report on studies related to the structure, extent, and long‑term health of Portland's urban forest.
• Analyze data and conduct research to evaluate program outcomes and recommend improvements.
• Act as a technical resource on urban forestry research and practice, developing and updating policies and standards to support urban forest management goals.
• Collaborate across Urban Forestry and with other City bureaus, community organizations, universities, and regional partners to advance climate resilience and equitable access to healthy tree canopy.