Planning & Development Services Arborist (Natural Resources Analyst, Associate)

The City of Tacoma's Planning & Development Services Department is seeking a customer focused individual to join our team as a Development Services Arborist, in pursuit of building a livable community through application of its landscaping and tree codes. This role involves overseeing the application of private development standards, ensuring compliance with newly adopted City Tree regulations, reviewing private development permits for trees and landscaping compliance, performing inspections, and leading investigations for enforcement of violations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in arboriculture, customer service, plans review, permit administration, and enforcement procedures.
Responsibilities Include:

• Review and administration of permits for street tree pruning, removal, and planting.
• Assessing compliance of private development permits with applicable City Codes & Standards for trees and landscaping.
• Providing arborist services support for Planning & Development Services staff.
• Assisting in evaluating potentially hazardous trees for private development projects, within the right-of-way and within Critical Areas.
• Advise staff and the public on best management practices for trees and vegetation.
• Conduct onsite meetings to ensure compliance with applicable City Codes & Standards.
• Inspect tree and landscaping installations prior to certificate of occupancy.
• Review plant establishment plans and conduct follow-up inspections to ensure viability.
• Provide expertise during enforcement processes related to tree removal and pruning.
• Conduct inspections for alleged violations in the Right-of-Way, critical areas and City real property.
• Develop a system to track tree loss and gain through annual permit reporting.
• Update City's asset management software with planted and removed street trees.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, resource management, archeology or other scientific field related to assignment

AND
Minimum Experience

• 0-1 years depending upon assignment

Desired Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in arboriculture, forestry, or related field

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

• First Aid and CPR certification within the first 6 months of employment
• Washington State Driver's License

Desired Licensing, Certification and other Requirements

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of local regulations and standards related to trees and landscaping.
• Knowledge of ANSI A300 Standards and BMPs for tree care and management.
• Ability to read construction plans and specifications for development projects.
• Ability to recommend tree protection strategies for construction around existing trees.
• Strong communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn the City's permitting system

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
Apply
Interested individuals shouldapply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.
Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.
If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400. Employment Type: Non-Classified