Job Detail

Arborist

Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Salary: Hiring range: $6246-$6994 per month

Job Purpose/Summary

Open until filled. Cutoff for first review of applications:  8 am, April 11, 2024.

The Arborist reviews tree-related permits for consistency with City regulations, relays information to the public about tree regulations, and performs tree health evaluations. The Arborist is relied upon by both internal and external customers to provide expertise on a range of topics, such as:

• Techniques for optimizing forest health;
• Emerging issues related to climate change and disease; and
• Best practices for planting, pruning and otherwise maintaining healthy tree canopy.

The ideal candidate:

• is able to quickly absorb land use codes; 
• is knowledgeable about our Pacific Northwest trees and vegetation; and
• provides excellent customer service utilizing strong oral and written communication skills. 

It is crucial that the City Arborist be able to relay complex information in digestible pieces for the public to understand.      

The Arborist provides urban forestry services and planning, including tree permitting and review of development proposals. The Arborist also assists with drafting development regulations and City standards, and provides public information about City policies, regulations, and permits. The Arborist performs tree inspections and makes recommendations regarding tree selection, retention, health, safety and other issues. The Arborist assists Public Works with the management of trees on City property and within public rights-of-way.

About the City of Bainbridge Island
The City of Bainbridge Island is a vibrant community with small-town feel, 52 miles of scenic shoreline and densely forested areas. Our employees are the most important asset in preserving and enhancing the special character of the Island, and in responding to the community's needs. The City provides competitive salaries, outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities.

 

Essential Functions

 

• Evaluates significant trees on new development and redevelopment sites, including review of tree surveys and tree protection and removal plans.
• Reviews permits and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) arborist reports for tree removal, snagging, coppicing and/or pollarding for consistency with critical area, shoreline and zoning regulations.
• Participates as needed in pre-application and pre-construction meetings.
• Evaluates/assesses hazard trees in relation to public safety concerns.
• Conducts field inspections of landscape projects to determine compliance with designs, plans and bid specifications.
• Provides information to the public and applicants for permits regarding the City’s tree regulations; provides advice concerning appropriate tree planting and maintenance practices.
• Works with individuals and interest groups to resolve disputes and facilitate consensus on issues pertaining to trees, or may serve as a technical resource to City officials involved in dispute resolution.
• Assists in the development of codes, policies, and guidelines pertaining to the care and maintenance of trees, including management of vegetation in all critical areas.
• Advises on the development and implementation of vegetation management programs for streets, trails, parks and open spaces, as needed by Public Works.
• Acts as liaison between the City and utility companies regarding periodic tree trimming and felling.
• Provides technical review for City capital projects.
• Supports the Code Compliance Officer, including code analysis and site visits.
• Maintains timely and regular attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in urban forestry, horticulture, natural resource management or a related field and 3 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of arboriculture; OR any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.

Knowledge of:

• The most current science in TRAQ standards and language.
• The care and maintenance of trees and plant materials used for landscaping of urban areas.
• City tree and vegetation management practices, policies, codes and permits.
• Appraising plants using standard industry methods.
• Best management practice and industry standards for arboriculture, including tree protection during construction projects.
• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Identify Pacific Northwest native trees and plant materials used in local landscapes.
• Recognize plant diseases, pests, cultural and nutritional deficiencies, and recommend corrective treatments.
• Use standard arboricultural diagnostic tools, including but not limited to chainsaws, pruners, loppers, increment bore, resistograph and air spade.
• Support and model the identified vision, values and behaviors of the organization.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Operate a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialist software.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist designation is required.
• Valid Washington State driver's license is required.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check is required.
• ISA TRAQ required within twelve months of employment.

 

Additional Information

Telecommuting/Residence
Some positions, including the Arborist, are eligible for a hybrid schedule (in-office and telecommuting), depending on the operational needs of the organization and department. Regardless of position or telecommuting authorization status, city employees must reside in Washington and within a reasonable distance to their regular work location.     

Working Conditions
The regular work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The office environment is busy, oriented to public service and subject to occasional work interruptions. Noise level is moderate. Driving and field inspections in inclement weather is required. Field inspections may require the ability to stoop, bend, walk over rough or uneven ground, crawl, and perform other such physical activities. Attendance at occasional meetings before or after regular work hours is required.
 
Physical Requirements
Continuous repetitive arm/hand movement is essential to performance. The incumbent in this position must be able to discern voice conversation, have the physical ability to perform essential job functions, and have hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate computers, do keyboarding and operate other office equipment. The incumbent must have the ability to produce legible handwritten documents and may need to push, pull, lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

Additional Salary Details
The salary range for this position is $6246-$7836 per month. The hiring range is $6246-$6994 per month. Step increases are attained annually based on satisfactory performance.    

The City of Bainbridge Island is an equal opportunity employer.  All employees and candidates for employment will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, compensated and, if necessary, disciplined or terminated without regard to sex/gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, veteran status, age, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information or any other basis prohibited by law.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from any background. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set. 

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