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Urban Forest Planner

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Urban Forest Planner

Salary

$96,193.48 - $128,900.86 Annually

Location

Edmonds, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Regular

Job Number

2025-025

Department

Planning and Development

Division

Planning

Opening Date

09/19/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

Union Classification

Non Represented

Application Requirements

A completed online application, an attached resume, and an accompanying cover letter are required to be considered for this position. An incomplete application packet will disqualify you. Applicants may attach additional information that will assist us in the review and selection process.

Social Security Notice

The City of Edmonds participates in MEBT in lieu of Social Security. Those who contribute to MEBT do not participate in Social Security, and do not earn Social Security service credits. The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on 1/5/2025 and ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). For more information visit this link: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html?tl=0

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Description

Applications received through Friday, October 3, 2025, at 4:30 PM will receive priority first review. This position will remain open until filled but may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected.

About the Position

Under general direction, leads or assists with efforts to develop and implement the City’s tree policies, programs, and regulations. Reviews development projects to ensure consistency with the City's tree regulations, creates and provides tree-related information for the public, and coordinates and interfaces with other City departments and stakeholders. New hires generally start between $8,016.12 and $8,837.38 per month. Placement within the position’s full wage scale is based on qualifications and professional experience. The full wage scale for this position is between $8,016.12 and $10,741.74 per month.

To address the City’s budgetary deficit, City Council approved a 4.62% wage decrease (representing the equivalent of 12 furlough days) in the 2025 budget for non-represented employees effective January 1, 2025. Total furlough days are equivalent to 1 day per month and will be prorated based on date of hire. To find the 2025 wage scales (including furlough and non-furlough), please visit this link: City Website - Salary & Wages

For the full job description, please visit: Urban Forest Planner (https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server\_16494932/File/Government/Departments/Human%20Resources/Job%20Descriptions/Non%20Represented/Urban%20Forest%20Planner%20Rev%20002.pdf)

The City currently offers hybrid works schedules based on the requirements of the position. This position may allow for up to one remote day per week.

About the Department

The Planning and Development Department is responsible for land use and building permit review and approvals; long-range city and regional planning; building inspection; coordination of development review processes, design standards, and enforcement of the community development code. We are committed to equity and inclusivity as a foundational element of our work and in creating a positive work environment.

About the City

The City of Edmonds is a beautiful community on the Puget Sound waterfront with a population of 43,420 ( MRSC, 2024 (https://mrsc.org/research-tools/washington-city-and-town-profiles) ) and is the gateway to the Olympic peninsula via the state ferry system. Edmonds provides a full range of services, including contracted fire services, police services a municipal court, a community pool, a regional performing arts facility, public works and utilities, a regional wastewater treatment facility, along with community events and services through our Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. Six department directors report directly to the Mayor and oversee approximately 279 full–time-equivalent employees.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Revise and implement the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan

+ Manage the City’s tree canopy goal and implement best practices for achieving its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan

+ Assist in revising the City’s Street Tree Plan

+ Revise and implement the City’s tree and landscaping codes

+ Prepare information, presentations, reports and memos for public meetings and events

+ Identify best practices for planting and management of trees on private property

+ Assist with identifying preferred tree species for certain types of private and public properties

+ Manage the permitting/notification process for removing or altering trees

+ Inspect trees on private property, as needed

+ Prepare information for the public regarding tree management on private property

+ Keep records and data for private property tree management

+ Review professional tree assessments/landscape plans that are submitted to the City (especially in conjunction with development)

+ Assist with determining compliance violations and penalties for illegal tree-cutting on private property

+ Where feasible, guide parties to resources for resolving disputes pertaining to private trees

+ Stay current on regional and national tree issues, trends and best practices

+ Attend and participate in related professional groups and committees as directed

+ Performs other related duties as assigned that are within the scope of this position classification.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Earth Sciences, Landscape Architecture or other relevant field and five years of urban forestry experience, including at least one year of planning or development-related work, are required.

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which allows the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may also be considered.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

+ A valid Driver's License at time of hire and a driving record that is acceptable to the City’s insurance requirements. Out of state candidates must obtain their WA State Driver's License within 30 days after moving to WA https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/moving.html

+ A criminal background check is required following a verbal offer of employment. Criminal history is not an automatic employment disqualifier. Results are reviewed on a case-by case basis.

+ Note: Other specialty certifications/licenses as required by state and federal law and/or OSHA and WAC regulations may be required within a specified period of time after hire

Highly Recommended Certifications:

+ Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:

+ Indoor and outdoor work environment, including field visits

+ Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

+ Occasional exposure to noise from equipment operation

+ Frequent office-type work, including computer operation and staff meetings

Physical Abilities:

+ Hearing, speaking and otherwise communicating to exchange information in person and on the phone

+ Operating a computer, electronic tablet, and other office equipment

+ Reading and understanding a variety of materials

+ Sitting, standing, walking or otherwise positioning oneself for extended periods of time

+ Wearing proper personal protective equipment as required by department or City policy

Hazards:

+ Exposure to insects, tree-dwelling animals, and tree and plant pollens

+ Working sometimes in the vicinity of noisy, motorized machinery

+ Exposure to chemical fumes, pesticides, dust, and odors

+ Contact with dissatisfied and upset members of the public

Benefits information is available below and varies based on classification status. Regular, part time employees may be eligible for prorated benefits.

Please visit the HR Benefits Website (https://edmondswa.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=16495016&pageId=17263650) for more information.

01

I have reviewed the job posting and linked job description (if applicable) and confirm I am able to perform the Essential Functions and can meet the Physical Abilities of this position with or without a reasonable accommodation.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Which selection below best describes your level of education?

+ High School or GED

+ Some College or Certificate

+ Associates Degree

+ Bachelors Degree

+ Masters Degree

+ None of the above

03

Which of the following most closely matches your program of study?

+ None or Not Applicable

+ Forestry

+ Earth Sciences

+ Landscape Architecture

+ Other related field

04

If you selected "other related field" above, please specify.

05

As supported by your application materials, which of the following most closely matches your urban forestry experience?

+ None

+ Less than 5 years

+ Less than 5 years with a demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

+ 5 or more years.

06

Does your experience include at least one (1) year of planning or development-related work?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Do you currently, or will you (by start of the position), posses a valid driver's license and be able to provide a copy of your driver's abstract? [Note - A WA state driver's license is required within 30 days of hire date]

+ Yes

+ No

08

Describe your experience working on a team or leading a municipal tree code or policy update. Include the types of outreach used, what stakeholder involvement there was, and the outcome of the project.

09

Describe your experience enforcing tree codes.

10

Describe your experience with permit reviews involving trees (building and land use permits).

Required Question

Employer

City of Edmonds

Address

121 5th Ave N Edmonds, Washington, 98020

Phone

425-775-7740

Website

http://www.edmondswa.gov