Job Detail

Development Review Arborist

Location: Kirkland, WA
Salary: $79,206.40 - $93,184.00 Annually

Salary               $79,206.40 - $93,184.00 Annually

Job Type           Full-Time

Location           Kirkland, WA

Job Summary

Provides arboricultural development review services for the Planning and Building Department. Reviews development applications for compliance with City tree management and landscape regulations. Works cooperatively with City staff and departments as needed to coordinate vegetation management practices.

Principal Accountabilities 
Applies professional judgment to make recommendations and decisions regarding, tree retention, selection of appropriate vegetation, tree health and safety, and other related development issues. Works with internal and external customers.

Essential Responsibilities  

• Evaluates significant trees on development sites, including review of tree plans and proposals for tree protection and removal for compliance with development regulations.
• Reviews tree removal notifications and tree permits for compliance with regulations.
• Participates as needed in pre-application and pre-construction meetings.
• Evaluates/assesses hazard trees.
• Conducts field inspections of landscape projects to determine compliance with designs, plans, specifications, and conditions of approval.
• Provides information to the general public, permit applicants, and public officials (over the telephone, at the counter, through e-mail, and at meetings) regarding the City’s tree regulations and policies. Provides advice concerning appropriate tree planting and maintenance practices.
• Works to resolve disputes and facilitate consensus on issues pertaining to trees, and serves as a technical resource to City officials involved in dispute resolution.
• Provides peer review of arborist reports for compliance with development regulations. 
• Plans and conducts training sessions for staff, arborists, applicants and citizens on development regulations and in the care and maintenance of trees and plantings.
• Supports Planning staff with site visits and inspections.
• Supports the Code Enforcement Officer, including code analysis and site visits.

Additional Responsibilities

• Acts as liaison between the city and utility companies regarding periodic tree trimming and removal.
• Provides technical review of vegetation issues for public construction and repair projects.
• Prepares public information regarding trees.
• May provide tree valuations and appraisals.
• Promotes public awareness in the value of Kirkland's urban forest.
• May serve as an emergency worker in the event of an emergency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the care and maintenance of trees and plant materials used for landscaping of urban areas. The work requires the ability to identify trees and plant materials and to recognize plant diseases, pests, cultural and nutritional deficiencies, and recommend corrective treatments.
• Knowledge of urban forestry practices, policies, and codes.
• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, regulations, data, and maps.
• Ability to work with other City staff in collaborative problem solving and completion of tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly both in writing and orally, including the ability to make public presentations before hearing bodies and diverse groups.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Advanced interpersonal and customer relations skills.
• Ability to negotiate solutions and facilitate consensus on tree issues.
• Ability to operate personal computer programs, including those involving word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and permit tracking.

 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications 
Three years of professional work experience in the field of Arboriculture (or a closely related field) or a two-year degree in arboriculture and two years of practical experience. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) required at the time of hire. Ability to perform site visits is required. Valid Washington State Driver’s License is required.

 

Other

Working Conditions 
Job involves deskwork and extensive customer contact at the counter, on the phone, and via email. Reports and correspondence are typically prepared at the computer terminal. Frequent site visits to building sites, or vacant properties may involve rugged and dirty conditions and exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Selection Process 
Position requires a resume and cover letter (letter of interest) for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or email. Job open until filled with first review of applicants by 15th day of initial posting.    
 
Vaccination requirement
Effective November 8, 2021, all new hires to the City will be required as a condition of employment to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to start date.        

 

Benefits

This position includes a health insurance benefit package with 100% City-paid premiums (medical/dental/vision for employee and dependents). and participation in the Washington State DRS Public Employees Retirement Systems (PERS).  Other employment benefits include: 401b Municipal Employee Benefits Trust (MEBT) with up to 6% City matching contribution, voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan, Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)/VEBA with City contribution up to $2,400/year, voluntary Flexible Spending Account for Healthcare and Childcare, City paid Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), City paid 2x annual salary life insurance, City paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance, ORCA Card, on-site work out facility, free employee parking, on-site bicycle storage, paid vacation (starts with 13 days), 12 days of paid sick leave accruals, and 12 paid holidays.

Please visit our Benefits Page to learn about the benefits at the City of Kirkland.

 

How to Apply

Please submit your application online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kirklandwa/jobs/3547848/development-review-arborist

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