Job Details

Planting Program Supervisor

Location: Portland, OR, USA
Salary: $99,860.80 - $129,729.60 Annually

We are seeking a forward-thinking supervisor to lead and enhance our tree planting, establishment, and young tree pruning programs. We aim to increase the number of urban trees planted and established up to 10,000 trees annually, prioritizing large, native, and evergreen species. Significant investments have been made to promote tree canopy equity throughout Portland, including the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. This supervisor role will be vital to the successful development and implementation of this transformative initiative. As a supervisor, you will guide and mentor your team to expand tree canopy coverage and mitigate heat in communities that need it most, particularly in low-income and low-canopy areas of Portland.

Our Tree Planting and Establishment Program, part of the Urban Forestry division of Portland Parks & Recreation, is responsible for planting and establishing thousands of trees each year in residential yards, parks, and along city streets. Our programs encompass various property types, including private residences and public rights-of-way. Key initiatives include the Free Street Tree Program, Park Tree Planting Program, Yard Tree Giveaway Program, Learning Landscapes Program, Private Property Tree Program, young tree pruning, and collaborative efforts with other City of Portland bureaus.

This supervisor position leads the team managing our Free Street Tree Program, Park Tree Planting Program, young tree pruning program, and our partnership with Friends of Trees. As the supervisor, your team manages the planting, establishment, and pruning of thousands of young trees annually in the public right-of-way, City-owned properties, and private properties. You will supervise nine full-time tree planting specialists to plan, implement, and evaluate programs. You will hire, train, coach, and supervise your team to be proactive problem solvers and to implement the best practices of equity, public service, urban forestry, project management, GIS/database management, and contract management. You will coach and provide constructive feedback to enhance employee performance and support career development. You will also serve as a strategic thinker who leads your team through program development, expansion, and refinement.  
  
Collaboration is essential to this role; you will work closely with two other supervisors within the Tree Planting and Establishment Program to develop multi-year planting plans, manage contracts, ensure quality standards for all plantings, facilitate communication, and conduct outreach efforts. You will set the example for your team on how to navigate the complexities of urban forestry projects while serving the public at the highest level possible. You will work closely with a diverse and collaborative team, driving our mission to equitably expand Portland's urban forest.
  
What you'll get to do:

• Champion Equity and Environmental Justice
  Advance equitable access to trees by reducing barriers, promoting workforce diversity, and engaging communities with compassion and cultural responsiveness. Apply City of Portland Core Values to create equitable outcomes.
• Lead and Develop Your Team
   Hire, train, coach, supervise, and assign work to the street tree planting and young tree pruning team. Build a resilient, change-adaptable workforce and support staff development in urban forestry, contractor management, project management, GIS/database tools, community engagement, and effective customer service.
• Manage Tree Planting and Establishment
   Oversee tree planting and establishment programs in the right-of-way and on private and City-owned properties. Manage contractor activities, including tree procurement, planting, watering, mulching, staking, and young tree structural pruning.
• Guide Site Surveys and Field Operations
   Lead site surveys to identify suitable planting locations in alignment with procedures and stakeholder input. Ensure fieldwork, inspections, and data collection align with program goals and industry standards.
• Oversee Technical and Contract Operations
  Provide direction on fieldwork quality, data management, and contract compliance. Train staff in contractor oversight, specification adherence, invoice review, and problem-solving. Ensure accurate data and records using ArcGIS, TreePlotter, Excel, and Smartsheet.
• Lead Project Management
   Coach staff through project planning, implementation, and evaluation. Guide the expansion of planting programs in collaboration with internal teams and community partners. Use feedback, seasonal debriefs, and tree monitoring data to assess outcomes, refine processes, and improve service quality and program effectiveness.
• Ensure Quality and Best Practices
   Ensure that planting, establishment, and pruning follow best management practices and meet high standards for safety, quality, and documentation.
• Establish Clear Procedures
   Create and maintain documented practices for site surveys, planting, establishment, pruning, inspections, contractor management, and public communication. Provide training and meaningful feedback to reinforce quality and consistency.
• Engage Communities and Partners
   Manage communication and outreach with property owners, contractors, community groups, and City bureaus to expand equitable planting opportunities.
• Cultivate Knowledge and Skills
   Support staff training in technical skills, customer communication, and contractor management to strengthen program delivery.