Tree Planting & Capital Improvement Projects Supervisor

Tree Planting & Capital Improvement Projects Supervisor

Salary

$45.16 - $52.71 Hourly

Location

Parks - Jefferson Horticultural Center, 1600 S. Dakota Street, Seattle, WA 98108, WA

Job Type

Classified Civil Service, Regular, Part-Time

Job Number

2026-00807

Department

Seattle Parks & Recreation Department

Division

Parks

Opening Date

06/16/2026

Closing Date

6/30/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

About Seattle Parks and Recreation:

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.

Equity & Inclusion

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities. #OneSeattle

About Your Division:

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.

Job Responsibilities

• 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 major storm or emergency situations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of three years of experience in the care, planting, and maintenance of trees and plant materials, and a Bachelors 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).

• A valid Washington State drivers license.

Additional Information

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.

Desired Qualifications:

• ISA Certified Arborist.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualified.
• Experience in appraising plants using standard industry methods.
• Experience in writing arborist reports including plant appraisals, and tree risk evaluations. and performing tree inventories.
• Experience in assessing and evaluating industry-standard tree work procedures.
• Knowledge of Best Management practices for Arboriculture and current industry standards.
• Knowledge of industry-standard tree protection during construction projects.
• Ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to effectively utilize ARCGIS.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public via email, written reports, and at public events.

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 $45.16 to $52.71 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.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation 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 Parks and Recreation 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 time, 12 paid holidays, 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 Citys website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR's Core Competencies are:

Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.

Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the Citys commitment to workforce equity.

Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.

Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.

Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.

We recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, automated response generators, or language models, can be helpful during the job search process. If you choose to use them, please carefully review all materials before submission to ensure accuracy, as you will be required to affirm that your responses are true and correct during the application process. Submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. Please also note that relying on AI to complete text-based supplemental questions or during interviews may not accurately represent your skills and experiences, which are critical to applicant success. In some cases, you may be instructed not to use AI tools during the selection process. Learn more about the City of Seattle AI Policy here.

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 Citys website at:

Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov

01

Describe your experience with tree planting, young tree care, and maintenance operations in urban landscapes. Please include any relevant certifications (e.g., ISA Certified Arborist, Tree Risk Assessor Qualified) and how you have applied industry best management practices and standards in your work.

02

Describe your experience supervising or leading a field crew. What approaches did you use to organize work plans, set priorities, and ensure accountability - particularly in seasonal or weather-dependent operations?

03

Do you have an ISA Certification or other similar certification?

• Yes
• No

04

If yes please include your number

Required Question

Employer City of Seattle

Address Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs