Tree Trimmer, Lead

Position Description

About Seattle Parks and Recreation:

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity & Inclusion

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs and facilities.

Under the Department of Natural Resources Unit in the Citywide Services Division, the Urban Forestry program oversees the stewardship of tree preservation, protection and enhancement of tree canopy development in nature and developed parks’ property. The bodies of work in Urban Forestry unit comprise of tree maintenance operations with priorities for public safety and accountability, tree inspection program, permit and capital project development works, inter-agency work relating to trees, tree planting, tree watering and young tree care establishment maintenance. SPR Urban Forestry works and collaborates closely with city-wide agencies to maintain, develop and grow the city’s urban forest to provide the benefits of greenery equitably to communities and mitigate climate change.

SPR Urban Forestry is seeking well-qualified candidates to fill one full-time Tree Trimmer, Lead position. SPR manages a 6,414-acre park system of over 485 developed parks and natural areas. The Tree Trimmer, Lead plays a key role in leading field crews in arboriculture operations that supports urban forest preservation, enhancement and equitable management of parks’ properties in the City of Seattle.

To be successful in this position, experienced candidates must have leadership experience on a tree crew and technical knowledge and experience in arboriculture work operations. The candidates must also have excellent customer service skills, value diversity, have a passion for preserving and caring for trees, knowledge of tree risk assessment techniques, have experience working with storm damaged trees and hazard tree felling, experience supervising and leading crews, have a desire to learn and support their team.

Knowledge of the methods and equipment used in pruning and removing trees is required. Knowledge of and adherence to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards and applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for tree care is required.

If you are interested in the Tree Trimmer position, please submit an application to 2026-01309.

Job Responsibilities

• Leads, directs, supports and participates in the work of a tree crew. Prioritizes work assignments and caries out tasks in the most efficient and effective manner.
• Prunes, and removes green belt, arterial, park, and street trees to enhance public safety and maintains healthy trees.
• Coaches and trains new hires employees or seasonal ground support on arboriculture safe work practices, equipment use, and ANSI standards.
• Arranges for equipment maintenance and vehicle inspections.
• Responsible for crew adherence to safety policies and procedures.
• Climbs trees of varying heights using rope, saddles, spurs, ladders, or aerial hydraulic lifts to safely prune or remove trees.
• Fells trees and salvages fallen timber.
• Responds to emergency calls to remove damaged sections or entire trees.
• Maintains, inspects, and operates a variety of equipment such as hydraulic aerial lift trucks, hand and power saws, compressors, woodchippers, winches, blowers, stump cutters and other field equipment.
• Sprays or injects trees with pesticides.
• Assesses tree health and risk with the goal of protecting property and public safety.
• Records conditions of trees and make recommendations for future actions.
• Uses ArcGIS Applications and work order systems for tree inventory data collection, accurately updates work performed and work records, including time entry.
• Prepares required reports and time sheets as directed by supervisor.
• Performs all the duties of the journey level, and other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years' experience in urban forestry, landscape maintenance, tree farming, or tree trimming which involves the use of safety harnesses, climbing equipment, aerial hydraulic lift trucks, rigging, and chain saws and includes the application of arboricultural practices, proper pruning methods, and related safety practices. One year of experience directing and leading the work of others. (Combinations of education, training, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• Required Qualifications (or to be obtained within 6 months of hire):

  • Current Washington State Driver's License,
  • Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake restriction removed and valid medical certificate,
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification
  • Washington State Flagging/Traffic Control certification

Additional Information

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• ISA Certified Arborist.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualified.
• WSDA Certified Public Operator
• Additional training and Washington Pesticide Operator’s License
• Familiarity with State, Federal and industry standards and regulations on arboriculture work operations

Special Working Conditions:

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Required to stand, walk, climb trees, or bend for extended periods. Frequently required to lift objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds. May require handling or working with toxic/hazardous substances. Required to be on-call at all times in case of emergencies. Required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Required to work at varying heights and within legal/safe distances to electrical hazards and with the possible dangers of falling. Required to operate machinery and equipment with extreme caution, including hydraulic aerial lift trucks, wood chippers, stump cutters, winches, chainsaws, and handsaws.

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 $43.05to $46.42 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation 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. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, 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

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR’s Core Competencies are:

Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision-making and promoting high quality standards.

Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity.

Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.

Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.

Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.

We recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, automated response generators, or language models, can be helpful during the job search process. If you choose to use them, please carefully review all materials before submission to ensure accuracy, as you will be required to affirm that your responses are true and correct during the application process. Submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. Please also note that relying on AI to complete text-based supplemental questions or during interviews may not accurately represent your skills and experiences, which are critical to applicant success. In some cases, you may be instructed not to use AI tools during the selection process. Learn more about the City of Seattle AI Policy here.

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.