Arborist

About the role

The City of Renton is seeking an Inspecting Arborist to support the care and long-term sustainability of the urban forest. This position involves conducting tree inspections, assessing tree health and risk, and providing expert recommendations for maintenance and preservation.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and manage digital GIS database for tree inventory.
• Support code enforcement of tree regulations and site investigations.
• Affiliate with the Community Economic Development Department for the review of tree permits for tree removals and site inspections for tree protection requirements on development parcels.
• Affiliate with the Urban Forestry and Natural Resource Manager for inquiries and inspections arising from Renton Responds.
• Affiliate with the Urban Forestry and Natural Resource Manager for education and outreach efforts.
• Cookout with City departments including Community and Economic Development, Executive Services (GIS), Parks and Recreation, Public Works (Street Maintenance and Transportation divisions).
• Lay out new projects, assist in site management, create worklists of trees requiring maintenance, and locate assets using GIS database as directed.
• Respond to inquiries via the website, emails, online portal, walk-ins, and personal customer interaction in the field.
• Prepare worklists and spreadsheets.
• Affiliate with bidding and contracting as directed.
• Affiliate with contractor supervision for new projects, perform site management duties, and identify maintenance locations, as directed.
• Manage work orders.
• Document tree inspections or evaluations, assess tree health, risk and maintenance needs.
• Contribute to an environment of teamwork and respect.
• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals.
• Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.
• Participate in and help provide cross-training in processes as directed by management to ensure a well-rounded team for coverage purposes.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May be assigned to support City priorities during emergencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 2 years of certified arborist experience or combination of closely related work, including project management experience.
• Or minimum 6 years of relevant education and experience.
• ISA Certified Arborist designation required.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) required within 6 months of date of hire.
• First aid and CPR certificates within 6 months of employment.
• Valid drivers’ license.
• Successful passing of a required driving record check.
• Successful passing of a required background check.

Qualifications

• Strong technical skills.
• Sound judgement.
• A commitment to public service.

Skills

• Technical skills.
• Sound judgement.
• A commitment to public service.

Benefits

• Deferred compensation with the City contributing 3% of the employee's salary.
• VEBA Plan with the City contributing 1% of the employee's salary.
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance at affordable rates.
• Paid leave for vacation, sick, eleven holidays and two "personal" holidays a year.
• State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) plan enrollment.
• Telework Program: The City of Renton supports workers performing in a hybrid capacity (partial telework/in-office) where job responsibilities can be performed remotely.

Pay

• Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

• TBD.