Temporary Arboriculturist

City of Seattle • Interim • Seattle, WA • $43 - $50 / hour • 4d ago

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

The Vegetation Management & Wildfire Mitigation Unit, within Transmission & Distribution Operations, is hiring an Arboriculturist to support vegetation-based projects for a term-limited position. This role is ideal for a technically skilled, solutions-oriented arborist who thrives at the intersection of fieldwork, data tracking, public service, and environmental compliance.

This is a temporary, project-based position expected to end on 7/18/2028. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting with process improvements for tree-related service request functions, investigating and resolving tree-related issues, updating the Transmission Vegetation Management Plan, and supporting tree data reporting. This position requires a combination of fieldwork and process-based work, including documenting, tracking, and establishing systems to support ongoing program operations.

This position reports to the Utility Urban & Community Forestry Lead.

Serve as subject matter expert in utility urban forestry and arboriculture
Track and manage data for all actively managed trees (inventory, health, maintenance, watering, QA/QC)
Develop and document standard operating procedures for tree-related processes
Support updating and implementation of the Transmission Vegetation Management Plan
Map and inventory trees on City Light property using GIS tools
Respond to public inquiries, storm calls, and vegetation-related work orders
Ensure compliance with City of Seattle and franchise city tree regulations
Plan and deliver training on arboriculture best practices and Tree Line USA standards
Prepare and review reports on program and section activities
Promote equity-focused and relationship-first practices in all work
Balance fieldwork, data management, and cross-departmental collaboration

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of three years of experience in the care, planting, and maintenance of trees and plant materials, and a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Botany, or related field and demonstrated experience in supervision or lead work is required (or a combination of education, training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Required to work in all weather conditions and stand, bend and walk for extended periods. Occasional exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides is required.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

You must hold a current valid state issued driver’s license from any US state to be verified prior to start date. Out of state license holders will be required to obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

- - Current Washington State Public Pesticide operator's license
  - ISA Certified Arborist or the ability to attain certification within 6 months of hire.
  - ISA TRAQ or the ability to attain certification within 6 months of hire
  - Experience in coordinating community or public projects
  - Previous EHAP training
  - ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist Certification
  - Experience identifying and implementing new processes and/or procedures to increase efficiencies and customer service.
  - Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio) and the Work Asset Management System(WAMS)
  - Experience using handheld GPS devices for data capture and analysis
  - Experience with ESRI GIS programs

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $43.59 to $50.88 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.