Parks Arboriculturist; Tree Planting & Capital Improvement Projects Supervisor

Parks Arboriculturist Position

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors.

Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Under the Department of Natural Resources Unit in the Parks and Environment Division, the Urban Forestry program oversees the stewardship of tree preservation, protection and enhancement of tree canopy development in nature and developed parks' property. The bodies of work in Urban Forestry unit comprises of tree maintenance operations with priorities for public safety and accountability, tree inspection program, permit and capital project development works, inter-agency work relating to trees, tree planting, tree watering and young tree care establishment maintenance.

SPR Urban Forestry works and collaborates closely with city-wide agencies to maintain, develop and grow the city's urban forest to provide the benefits of greenery equitably to communities and mitigate climate change.

SPR Urban Forestry is seeking well-qualified candidates to fill one full-time Parks Arboriculturist position (Tree Planting & Capital Improvement Projects Supervisor). This positions plan and supervise the planting and maintenance of trees on Parks' owned properties. As a technical expert, the Arboriculturist use their specialized knowledge and unique skills in planting, care, and maintenance of trees in the urban landscape. The Arboriculturist position requires comprehensive knowledge of the care and maintenance of trees including technical knowledge of soil conditions, pesticides, best practices and industry standards and operational procedures of tree planting and young tree care.

The work requires the ability to identify tree, abiotic and biotic conditions and recommend corrective treatments or mitigation measures. The Arboriculturist will exercise judgment in monitoring maintenance and planting budgets and responding to citizen concerns and inquiries. The Arboriculturist develops work plans and priorities and maintenance schedules in tree planting and young tree care. The Arboriculturist will oversee the body of work in tree planting and watering, Capital Improvement Projects and construction development reviews, supervises the Tree Planting Crew (4 staff) and reports to Parks' Urban Forestry Manager.

The Arboriculturist oversees the Trees for Seattle Parks program to ensure that the tree planting, young tree care and equity focused goals of this program are achieved.

• Supervises, plans and directs the work of tree planting crew (3 crew member and 1 Field Lead) in tree planting, summer watering and young tree care operations.
• Serves as the technical expert with unique skills and abilities pertaining to the planting, care and maintenance of trees and plant materials.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive tree planting program in developed parks. Develops specifications and recommends contractor selection for young tree watering and
• Monitors work of in-house crews and contractors to ensure compliance.
• Inspects young tree plantings and carried out field surveys for tree planting in developed parks.
• Investigates and responds to complaints from the public, especially in relation to tree planting and/or in work order requests.
• Coordinates with other departments to provide services necessary for planting and/or removing of trees and tree stumps
• May be called upon to support with tree inspections and appraises value of trees.
• Develops and manages project budget for acquisition and maintenance of trees and plantings.
• Orders and inspects young tree materials for planting.
• Maintains inventory of all trees on parks' properties.
• Plans and conducts training sessions for staff and/or the public in the care, installation and maintenance of trees and plantings.
• Leads, plans and support interdepartmental or internal events related to tree planting.
• Conducts tree planting reviews and coordination with various internal and external stakeholders on annual tree plantings in developed parks.
• Reviews Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) design and construction plans and attends Proview meetings to provide technical input and comments to ensure compliance of standards and code pertaining to trees.
• Attend CIP site meetings and inspects any tree conditions in development and construction related work.
• Prepares and reviews a variety of reports on section activities.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.
• May be called upon to support with tree inspections related to work order requests or in…