Tree Permitting Supervisors (Supervisor I - Exempt) - Multiple Vacancies

Full-time, regular position located at 1900 SW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR 97201. Non-represented union status. Schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; alternate schedules may be available. All supervisors are expected to report to the worksite full-time, with occasional remote workdays for travel or focused projects.

Position Summary

The City of Portland’s Permitting & Development – Tree Permitting Division is seeking three experienced and highly motivated Supervisors to lead key functional sections: Development & Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Non-Development Tree Permitting, and Compliance & Enforcement. The division administers the City’s Tree Code (Title 11) to equitably preserve, restore, and expand Portland’s urban forest, guided by the 2025 Urban Forest Plan. Supervisors ensure consistent application of tree regulations, effective customer service, program oversight, and equitable enforcement. Ideal candidates bring strong leadership, excellent communication, conflict-mediation skills, and deep knowledge of arboriculture practices and municipal tree regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of an assigned section, ensuring efficient workflows, regulatory consistency, and high-quality customer service.
• Interpret and apply ISA Best Management Practices and the City’s Tree Code across tree-related activities in development, non-development, or compliance contexts.
• Develop and implement program improvements, standard operating procedures, and innovative approaches to enhance permitting or enforcement outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Tree Permitting Division Manager, internal city bureaus (Transportation, Water, Environmental Services, etc.), utilities, contractors, community members, and partners to support coordinated urban forestry management.
• Recruit, hire, schedule, assign work to, and supervise staff; manage, coach, and assess performance to promote a safe, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• Exercise independent judgment to meet program objectives and resolve complex regulatory issues.
• Research and apply municipal codes to develop workable solutions for applicants, stakeholders, and community members.
• Analyze and generate detailed reports using database systems to support decision-making, project management, and performance tracking.
• Provide clear, concise guidance to the public and partner agencies on tree regulations, permitting requirements, and compliance expectations.
• Interpret site plans, architectural drawings, and other development-related documents to ensure compliance with city regulations and standards.

Section Focus Areas

While duties overlap, each Supervisor will focus on a specific operational area:

• Development & CIP: Tree regulation oversight for private development, capital projects, and major city infrastructure work; supervision of seven Tree Inspectors and one Senior Inspector.
• Non-Development: Permitting for tree removal, pruning, root pruning, tree attachments (ornamental lighting), chemical application, Heritage Trees, and interagency tree management activities; supervision of five Tree Inspectors and one Senior Inspector.
• Compliance: Investigation of tree regulation violations, issuance of notices, enforcement actions, and lien processing for non-compliant cases; supervision of three Code Specialists and three Tree Inspectors.

About The Bureau

Portland Permitting and Development is dedicated to ensuring the sustainable and continued growth of the city. The bureau provides comprehensive services related to building permits, land use, inspections, urban forestry, and code enforcement to enhance Portland’s urban landscape. Its mission is to foster a vibrant, safe, and sustainable city through effective regulation and support of construction and development activities, balancing growth with environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and community welfare.

Qualifications

The following minimum qualifications are required:

• Experience working independently with strong initiative and sound judgment to oversee and manage an urban forestry permitting program’s daily functions.
• Experience managing a diverse workload applying principles, theories, and methods of urban forest management and municipal tree regulation, including tree risk assessment, permitting, and ISA best management practices.
• Experience interpreting site plans, reviewing arborist reports, and using modern permitting management systems to track data, generate reports, and manage workflow.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; present information, reports, and recommendations clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, staff, and external stakeholders.

Applicants must also possess:

• ISA Certified Arborist certification.
• A valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), to be obtained within six months of hire.
• Electrical Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP) certification, to be obtained within nine months of hire.
• Oregon public pesticide applicator license or pesticide consultant license, to be obtained within nine months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a lead or supervisor practicing employee supervision, including training, scheduling, performance evaluation, and promoting a safe, equitable workplace.