Senior Urban Forestry Consultant

Job Title: Senior Urban Forestry Consultant

Location: Seattle, WA

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary/rate range: $100,000+ DOE

Reports to: Director of Sales

About Us:

With a legacy spanning over 15 years, Seattle Tree Care boasts a rich legacy of excellence and stands as the forefront provider of premier tree care services in the Seattle area. Our dedicated team, composed of over 40 passionate professionals, is committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Seattle's trees. Rooted in a foundation of safety, transparency, and continuous improvement, our collaborative work environment encourages innovation. Seattle Tree Care is expanding its regional presence and service offerings, presenting exciting opportunities for individuals eager to contribute to the vitality of Seattle's urban forest. Join our dynamic team, where your dedication is valued, and experience a workplace that offers competitive wages, advancement possibilities, and a supportive, growth-oriented culture.

Job Summary:

The Senior Urban Forestry Consultant will lead a variety of complex consulting tasks daily, working in close collaboration with the sales and consulting team. This senior-level position requires a thorough understanding of municipal code, advanced project leadership, and team mentorship. Core priorities include leading field work and tree inventories, conducting tree risk assessments, advising on tree preservation strategies, preparing comprehensive written reports, liaising with clients, driving consulting and training sales, ensuring STC municipal regulation compliance, and demonstrating a high level of competency and adherence to ANSI Standards, ISA Best Management Practices and Code of Ethics, and company safety policies and procedures. This role is also expected to provide guidance and mentorship to junior consulting staff.

Responsibilities:

• Lead client consultations across complex, multi-phase projects that may significantly impact trees and surrounding ecosystems


• Prepare and review tree inventories, arborist reports, site maps, memos, and other written documentation as required for projects, permits, and record keeping


• Correspond with clients, municipalities, consultants, and contractors at a senior advisory level


• Submit and manage tree permit applications and oversee process tracking


• Serve as an internal subject matter expert on tree code, municipal regulations, and specific permit applications through ongoing research and engagement with municipal arborists


• Conduct and oversee site monitoring for tree protection during construction or demolition


• Lead complex tree risk assessments and quality-review assessments completed by junior staff


• Manage large-scale and high-complexity arborist projects from initiation through completion


• Develop and maintain long-term tree management plans for residential, municipal, and commercial clients


• Mentor, train, and support junior consultants and field staff, contributing to team development and internal knowledge sharing


• Drive performance of the consulting department and create timely and accurate invoices for delivery to clients


• Assist leadership in developing departmental processes, standards, and best practices


• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Formal education in arboriculture, urban forestry, biology, ecology, horticulture, environmental science, or an associated field; a Bachelor's degree or higher is strongly preferred


• Certified ISA Arborist with a minimum of 7–10 years of experience in arboriculture, urban forestry, or a closely related field such as construction, landscape architecture, or environmental consulting


• Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) or Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) designation required


• Tree Risk Assessor Qualification (TRAQ)


• Demonstrated management or supervisory experience, including leading teams, mentoring staff, or managing multi-disciplinary projects


• Proven experience in construction or a closely related industry — candidates from civil, landscape, or environmental construction backgrounds are encouraged to apply


• In-depth practical knowledge of consulting arborist work including tree inventory, vegetation identification, arborist reports, integrated pest management, mitigation of construction interference, municipal by-laws and permit processes, and technical detailing


• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to independently assess scope of work and coordinate across construction crews, municipal bodies, and consulting teams


• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English


• Professional appearance and ability to build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and government stakeholders


• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PC computers


• Current Driver's License


• Climbing experience is not required

Requirements and Skills:

• Ability to walk, stand, and traverse uneven or rugged terrain for extended periods (job sites, wooded areas, slopes, construction sites)


• Ability to navigate obstacles including brush, mud, inclines, and variable ground conditions


• Ability to visually assess tree structure and site conditions, including sustained upward viewing into canopy


• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch to inspect root zones, soil conditions, and tree bases


• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs occasionally (field gear, diagnostic tools, soil probes, increment borers, etc.)


• Ability to operate basic field equipment (measuring tools, GPS devices, tablets, cameras)


• Ability to drive regularly between job sites, often multiple locations per day


• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (rain, heat, cold, wind)


• Ability to maintain situational awareness around active job sites, traffic, and environmental hazards


• Ability to perform site inspections safely without direct supervision


• Ability to respond quickly to sounds and dangerous situations


• Ability to use a keyboard and work in indoor office environments as required


• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time