Posting number: 2026-01138
Department: Seattle Department of Transportation
Division: Maintenance Operations
Job classification: Arborist
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Public Works, Transportation, Urban Forestry, Forestry, Horticulture
Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!
At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.
With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.
Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.
We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!
SDOT is excited to announce a new Arborist opportunity within our Right of Way and Urban Forestry division. This position serves as a technical expert in the planning, protection, and management of trees affectd by transportation projects within the public right-of-way (ROW). This position oversees plan review and construction; performs tree risk assessments and appraisals; manages tree inventory data; and tracks the performance of trees on transportation projects. This position also responds to public inquiries; participates in community outreach; provides training and guidance to construction and field staff.
Minimum Qualifications:Education:
Experience:
License, Certification:
OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.
Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:
Work Environment / Physical Demands:
Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.
Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:
Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including professional work and education verifications, pre-placement physical exam, and full driver's abstract
This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The full salary range for this position is $58.51 - $68.03 per hour.
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Adam Sallean and adam.sallean@seattle.gov
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.
Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.
Work With Purpose. Shape Seattle. Inspire the World.
Seattle is more than a world-class city — it’s a vibrant, evolving community rooted in shared values of sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. As a public employer, the City of Seattle is committed to building a city that works for everyone, where communities thrive, opportunity is accessible, and public service drives real, lasting impact.
With more than 12,000 employees across 40+ departments, we’re proud to serve the people of Seattle in every aspect of city life, from transportation and utilities to immigrant and refugee affairs, arts and culture, housing, and environmental stewardship. Whether you're maintaining parks, delivering clean water, strengthening neighborhoods, or shaping policy, your work helps power a city that puts people first.
We offer more than 1,100 job titles, from seasonal and entry-level positions to senior leadership roles, across a wide range of fields: skilled trades, technology, finance, urban planning, public health, human services, public safety, and more. Whatever your background or career path, there’s a meaningful place for you here!
At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it's a shared purpose. We don’t just serve our community, we strive to be a model of what good government can be: inclusive, innovative, equitable, transparent, collaborative, and visionary. We believe that local leadership, done right, can inspire change far beyond our city limits.
Joining the City of Seattle means joining a diverse, dedicated team that believes in the power of community and the possibility of progress. Together, we’re building a city where everyone can live, work, and thrive, and showing what’s possible when government works for the people it serves!
Come build your career and community with us!
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