Job Detail

Project Lead Arborist (TPS3)

Location: Shoreline, WA
Salary: $68,027.00 - $91,501.00

About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure that people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project. 

 

The Opportunity

WSDOT is eager to hire an environmental steward to serve as Project Lead Arborist. This position will provide expertise and services for environmental restoration, forest preservation, and restoration of construction impacts to meet environmental permit obligations, facility safety, and WSDOT policies. As the Project Lead Arborist, this position acts as the primary contact and technical expert to apply arborist services and agency standards, guidance, and procedures to integrate transportation facilities into the natural and build environment. The successful candidate appointed to this position will support WSDOT’s strategic plan through wise management of the roadside as an asset, delivering right-sized projects, supporting multimodal transportation options, improving environmental conditions, and meeting the expectations of the public for livable communities.  
 
What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Lead Arborist will:

• Write and review arborist reports using International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards and tree risk assessment qualifications (TRAQ). 
• Respond to tree assessment request from internal and/or external partners using the Arborist Services Request Form. 
• Ensure requests are tracked, assigned, and prioritized using an Excel tracking worksheet. 
• Use landscape inspection tools and equipment to perform field inspections for tree assessments. 
• Use Resistograph tool to assess tree decay during tree risk assessments. 
• Provide field analysis and landscape architecture expertise based on contract plans, environmental permits, and WSDOT policy. 
• Contribute to Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) plans for Area Maintenance and attend IVM meetings. 
• Provide leadership, expertise, and guidance on best management practices for pesticide application to internal and external customers. 
• Analyze adaptive management solutions and long-term management strategies for constructed sites

 

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture or closely aligned field and two (2) years of professional experience in Arborist Services
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (TRAQ) certification
• WSDA Pesticide Certification including four endorsements of Ornamental Insect and Disease, Rights of Way Weed, Aquatic, and Ornamental Weed or the ability to obtain within one year of hire. 
• Ability to manipulate and transport up to 25lbs. 
• Experience in forest preservation, adaptive management, and/or site management. 
• Ability to traverse uneven ground and perform field investigative work outdoors and in inclement weather. 

 

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Site Erosion and Sediment Control certification
• WSDA Pesticide Certification
• Knowledge of Resistograph
• Knowledge and familiarity with AutoCAD or Microsoft Office and Excel
• Experience construction contract administration
• Experience with native plant material and environmental restoration

 

Important Notes 

• Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 357-16-197 mandates that all employees who work for executive cabinet agencies (which includes the Department of Transportation) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Compliance with this mandate is a condition of employment with WSDOT. Exemption may be granted for religious or medical purposes; however, accommodations will be subject to approval based on the essential functions required of the position.   
• This position offers flexible/hybrid work options
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• The recruiting efforts for this position may be extended beyond the displayed closing date for as long and until a sufficient candidate pool has been established. The Appointing Authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time thereafter. It is to your benefit to submit your application as soon as possible.
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov

 

Why WSDOT

• Work-Life Balance – We offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn a minimum 14 paid vacation days per year!
• Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options, and free dental coverage! Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

 

How to Apply 

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
 

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further details your qualifications, and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact information to be included in the “References” section of the online application for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, knowledge base, and job-related competencies.

 

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in, or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

 

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

 

Contact us: 

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, Eric Saniatan, at SaniatE@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 23DOT-NWR-11561 in the subject line. 

 

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

---

Back to Job Listings