Job Description

Urban Forest Planner

Location: Lake Forest Park, WA
Salary: $43.39 - $57.85 Hourly (30 Hours a week)

Part-Time/30 hours per Week - Full Benefits
Remote/Hybrid Schedule

Under the direction of the Community Development Director, this position oversees and implements the City's tree regulations and programs that apply to development projects and private properties; reviews tree permit applications, conducts site inspections, issues tree removal permits, reviews and approves tree protection measures and tree replacement plans, conducts tree code enforcement inspections, manages public outreach and education, manage long-range urban forestry projects, and provides tree information and advice to the public. This position provides administrative support to the Tree Board.

Duties require good customer services skills, strong communication skills, considerable attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to meet rigid deadlines. Responsibilities have a significant impact on the department's operations and customer satisfaction.

Work schedule is typically day shift, with choice of either a 4-day or 5-day schedule; occasional evening work may be required.

This is a non-exempt, non-represented position, eligible for overtime, benefits, and a hybrid remote work schedule. The City provides benefit eligible employees the following: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), employee assistance program (EAP), HRA/HSA/FSA, enrollment in Washington State's DRS PERS plan, 401(a) retirement plan, and an optional 457 deferred compensation plan (DCP). 

• Enforces the City’s Tree Ordinance Code, issuing notices of violations and assessing civil penalties and fines.
• Provides arboricultural services for City including health and risk assessment of trees in public rights-of-way, parks, and other city-owned property; coordination, inspection and approval of public tree plantings and removals, and an ongoing analysis of public tree needs.
• Reviews and inspects capital and private development plans/sites, details, and specifications for conflicts with trees.
• Monitor and document tree impacts and protection during construction administration; conduct site inspections and identify any corrections, as needed.
• Makes recommendations regarding tree selection, retention, health, safety, and other issues regarding public trees.
• Conducts field inspections of tree plantings to determine compliance with designs, plans, and specifications.
• Assists in the development of priorities, policies and guidelines pertaining to public tree care and maintenance. 
• Provide guidance and administrative support to the Tree Board or, as necessary, other boards and commissions.
• Review professional tree assessments/landscape plans that are submitted to the City (especially in conjunction with development).
• Support implementation of the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan and facilitate periodic updates.
• Provides input on city code updates and interpretations related to trees.
• Lead development and implementation of tree programs to encourage healthy trees on private property.
• Make public presentations and prepare reports and memos as needed for public meetings.
• Identify tree-related policies and information for updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan or other City plans.
• Identify best practices for planting and management of trees on private property; Assist with identifying preferred tree species for certain types of private properties.
• Coordinate tree-related code requirements and plan policies with other divisions and departments
• Verify zoning requirements for specific projects and sites.
• Manage the permitting/notification process for removing or altering trees.
• Prepare information for the public regarding tree management on private property.
• Stay current on regional and national tree issues, trends, and best practices.

Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Botany, Earth Sciences, or related field AND at least three years of experience in hazard tree recognition and assessment, tree identification and diagnosis, and the care, planting, and maintenance of trees and plant materials, including one year of planning or development related work OR equivalent education/experience.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license by date of hire. 
• Ability to maintain insurability under City insurance to operate department vehicle. 

Preferred: 

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification from ISA
• Prior public sector experience within Planning/Community Development.

For more information, please view the position job description: 

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The position works in a standard office environment; field inspections are performed in all weather conditions. Evening meetings and weekend work may occasionally be required. 

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