Trees for Neighborhoods Program Manager (P&D Specialist-II)

Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) Drainage and Wastewater Line of Business is looking for a dynamic individual to fill a Trees for Neighborhoods Program Manager position. This position is responsible for implementing the Trees for Neighborhoods program, which uses a community-centered approach to plant at least 1,000 trees each year in residential areas at homes, schools, and more. This includes using data driven approaches for supporting and centering neighborhoods with low canopy and high heat which often are communities of color, low-income, immigrant, and refugee communities.

In this work, the Trees for Neighborhoods Program Manager will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to run a program that is data driven and focused on equity and tree survivorship. This person will work to build and maintain partnerships, both with residents and neighborhood communities. The Trees for Neighborhoods Program Manager is part of the Pollution Prevention Community Engagement team within SPU's Drainage and Wastewater line of business and serves on the Trees for Seattle team.

If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading ...and APPLY!

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Here is some of what you might be doing in this role:

The Trees for Neighborhoods Program Manager implements the program through job duties such as:

• Working with wholesale growers to purchase trees that meet program requirements.
• Providing Right Tree, Right Place and young tree pruning workshops for program participants.
• Conducting an annual evaluation of tree health.
• Engaging with focus communities to attract program participants.
• Coordinating permits for street tree planting with the Seattle Department of Transportation.
• Managing the Trees for Neighborhoods database.
• Managing contracts with partner organizations to support program work.

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.

Experience: Requires two (2) years of experience in planning and research related to land use, urban economics, human services, environmental issues, conservation; or other work directly related to City planning and development work.

Education: Baccalaureate degree in planning, urban design, environmental studies, public administration, or related field

Experience/Education Equivalency: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class may be substituted for the required education or experience.

Special Conditions:

• Work is primarily in an office environment but involves some outside work in the field.
• Requires working occasional nights and weekends for events and community meetings.

To be successful in this role, a candidate should possess some of the following knowledge/experience, skills & abilities:

• Arborist Certification issued by the International Society of Arboriculture or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
• Familiarity with horticultural and climate-adapted trees.
• Arboriculture experience and skill in tree ID, tree planting in residential and street tree settings, young tree establishment and pruning, and tree pests and disease.
• Community outreach and engagement experience, including working with communities of color.
• Familiarity with Seattle's communities and urban forest.
• Experience with program management- planning, implementing, analyzing outcomes, and adapting or revising.
• Strong people skills and experience working with the public.
• Excellent customer service.
• Experience with GIS.
• Experience with race and social justice issues as it relates to urban canopy.
• Experience working with residential landscapes.
• Experience building partnerships with diverse and BIPOC community groups.
• Strong written, oral, and digital communication skills.
• Ability to convey complex technical information in engaging and easy to understand ways.

How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should address your knowledge and experience related to the position.

Workplace Environment:This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be required to come into the office twice a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $41.66 - $48.48 per hour.

Benefits: 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: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

Employment Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time