Sr. Forester (Civil Engineering Specialist, Sr.)

Full Job Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

Do you want to be a part of growing Seattle’s Tree Canopy?

SDOT Urban Forestry is looking for a Senior Forester (Civil Engineering Specialist, Sr.) to join the team and do just that! In this critical role you will supervise, review, approve, and inspect Urban Forestry permits for complex private development and right-of-way improvement projects to ensure street trees meet municipal code requirements and city design standards to grow Seattle's tree canopy, protect public safety, and prevent conflicts with city-owned infrastructure.

Requirements

• Review plans and development proposals for impacts related to utilities, traffic, transportation, and street improvements.
• Coordinate and cooperate with permit applicants and other agencies, departments, divisions, and private utilities involved in or affected by project(s).
• Recommend permit revisions and requirements to mitigate negative impacts of development on street trees and ensure plans meet Seattle Municipal Code requirements and City of Seattle design standards.
• Ensure compliance with terms of permits authorizing development and construction projects related to street trees and landscapes in the right-of-way.
• Serve as subject-matter expert for soil protection, environmentally critical areas, tree selection, and urban forestry elements of projects.
• Respond to inquiries from the public and other departments about the process, requirements, and procedures of the development process and investigate and resolve complaints from the public.
• Perform regular site walk-throughs for projects in construction to assess the conditions of existing trees, inspect tree protection, and provide oversight of pruning (root and canopy) to conform with ANSI A300 standards.
• Determine the appraised value of existing street trees using the current editing of the Guide for Establishing Values of Trees and Other Plants prepared by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
• Perform contract administration activities including reviewing change orders and responding to submittals; preparing field notes; collecting material samples; attending final walkthroughs; and compiling or auditing as-built records.

Qualifications

Education:

• An Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology or related fields

Experience:

• Requires four (4) years of related civil engineering or similar experience

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

License, Certification:

• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility may be required

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or Environmental Science or two years of college level coursework OR a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background related to the duties of this position
• Experience evaluating tree health, reviewing tree protection BMPs, and making pruning recommendations (root pruning and canopy pruning)
• Experience reviewing construction drawings, details, and specifications
• Ability to manage a variety of tasks on multiple projects to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment and the flexibility to change priorities when necessary
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base
• ISA Certified Arborist Urban Forest Professional
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
• Familiarity with applicable codes and standards related to Seattle trees (Seattle Municipal Code, Seattle Standard Specifications, Seattle Standard Plans, SDOT Street Tree Manual)
• Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Work is typically performed in a hybrid work environment in which a minimum of 3 days of work is completed in a City office, and 2 days of work is completed remotely in a regular 40-hour work week
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites.
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
4. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check.

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 $62.79 - $70.35 per hour.

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

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle 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.

The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.