FORESTER (SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYST)

An online application must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.
Are you interested in applying your forestry and project management skills in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment focused on implementing forest management projects in the City's source supply watersheds that comprise 100,000 acres in the Cascade Mountains and supply high quality drinking water to the region?
If so, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is looking for a forester that will implement forest thinning and management projects with ecological objectives under the Cedar River Municipal Watershed Forest Management Plan. The Plan pursues the goals of the Cedar River Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) by addressing long-term management goals of water quality and supply protection, forest restoration and conservation for late-seral forest conditions, and biodiversity. It also adds new management goals addressing habitat development for tribal objectives, climate resilience, and wildfire hazard mitigation. The forester will implement the Plan by developing project plans to meet ecological objectives and facilitating efficient, cost-effective implementation, managing each project from start to finish. The forester will also implement forest management activities in the South Fork Tolt Municipal Watershed under the South Fork Tolt Watershed Management Plan and will support the Watershed Management Division in other forest-related activities.
If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading and APPLY!
About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.6 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:
* SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
* Strategic Business Plan
SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
Why join us?
We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:
* Hybrid work schedule opportunities
* Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
* Generous benefits package
* Free public transportation options
* City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
* Growth potential and advancement opportunities
* Design ecological forest thinning and restoration projects in an environmentally sound manner in compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
* Secure Forest Practice Application permits, which includes negotiation of mitigation measures with agencies and tribes.
* Prepare, negotiate, and administer consultant and contractor agreements to implement forest thinning and wildfire fuels management projects, including scopes of work, budgets, and contract compliance.
* Supervise, oversee, and evaluate contracted work for multiple concurrent forest management projects.
* Develop as-built reports to document thinning projects and ensure compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and Forest Management Plan.
* Manage the budget development and long-term planning of the Forest Management Plan.
* Develop annual report on timber sold for submittal to City Council and the Mayor's office.
* Secure ordinance authority for surplus timber sales from City Council, as needed to implement the Forest Management Plan and other watershed projects.
* Serve as a technical and subject matter expert for capital and long-term planning projects for the City and SPU.
* Perform hazard tree assessment and mitigation, which includes the evaluation of safety and consequences for hazard trees on watershed lands and subsequent recommendations for mitigation and coordination of arborist contractors.
* Contribute to watershed wildfire planning and risk mitigation efforts, including the implementation of pre-wildfire mitigation activities.
* Coordinate the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe firewood program in support of the MIT Settlement Agreement.
* Coordinate the Forest Stewardship Council Certification for Cedar River and South Fork Tolt River municipal watersheds, including outreach to public stakeholders.
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.
Experience: A minimum of five years' experience in environmental research, environmental law, impact analysis, environmental compliance, toxic substance management, or a related field.

Education: Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences, environmental sciences, planning (with emphasis on environmental issues), public administration/policy (with emphasis on natural resources), or related field.

Experience/Education Equivalency: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class may be substituted for the required education or experience.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
Special Conditions: Physical requirements: Ability to work outside in uneven terrain and in adverse weather conditions, carry up to 50 lbs.

You will be most successful in this role if you possess one or more of the following:
* Organized, self-directed, and a good team player.
* Experience designing and laying out forest thinning projects.
* Experience with Forest Practices Act and related environmental regulations.
* Experience with ArcGIS and ESRI mobile mapping applications.
* Experience with logging contract administration and compliance.
* SAF Certified Forester or ability to obtain.
* ISA Arborist or ability to obtain.
How to Apply: Please fully complete an online application. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.

Workplace Environment: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be required to come into the office in North Bend a minimum of twice a week. Oversight of active forest management projects will require more frequent in-person work. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $54.03 - $62.96 per hour.

Benefits: 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:

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at [email protected]

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

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