Senior Urban Forestry Consultant

Seattle Tree Care•Seattle, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Seattle Tree Care, a leader in premier tree care services for over 15 years, is seeking a Senior Urban Forestry Consultant. This role is crucial for leading complex consulting tasks, collaborating with the sales and consulting team, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of municipal codes, advanced project leadership skills, and a commitment to upholding ANSI Standards, ISA Best Management Practices, and company safety policies. Seattle Tree Care is expanding and offers a supportive, growth-oriented culture with competitive compensation and advancement opportunities.

Requirements

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
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

Nice To Haves

Formal education in arboriculture, urban forestry, biology, ecology, horticulture, environmental science, or an associated field; a Bachelor's degree or higher is strongly preferred
Climbing experience is not required

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