Urban Forestry Operations Manager

Position 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!

Position Overview:
This position will lead teams responsible for preserving and enhancing Seattle’s urban forest. The Urban Forestry Permitting Team and the Urban Forestry Construction Coordination Team, both of which play a vital role in advancing the City’s environmental goals and upholding public safety and sustainability in our streets and neighborhoods.
This position supports the City of Seattle’s commitment to racial and social equity, climate resilience, and building a healthy and inclusive urban environment through thoughtful planning and expert guidance on tree preservation, permitting, and construction activities. This position will report to the Urban Forestry Manager.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated team of arborists, arboriculturists, and civil engineering specialists in reviewing permits, inspecting work sites, and providing technical expertise to support sustainable and safe construction across Seattle.

• Oversee the Urban Forestry Permitting Team, which issues permits tree planting, pruning, and removal, and conducts plan reviews for Street Improvement and Utility Permits.

• Manage the Urban Forestry Construction Coordination Team, working with capital project and maintenance teams to develop Tree, Vegetation, and Soil Protection Plans and oversee impacts to trees during construction.

• Ensure compliance with the One Seattle Tree Plan and other citywide tree protection policies by promoting the preservation of trees during design, engineering, and construction processes.

• Foster partnerships with other City departments, community stakeholders, and external agencies to align urban forestry initiatives with broader city goals.

• Manage personnel, including recruitment, hiring, training, development, and performance management, with a focus on equity, inclusion, and a positive team culture.

• Track and manage complex workflows involving permits, funding sources, and multiple concurrent projects.

• Prepare and present reports and other communications for a variety of technical and community audiences.

Qualifications

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, a pre-placement medical examination, a review of driving history, and reference information.

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 $69.61 - $80.60 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 on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.

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.