Urban Forester

City of Milwaukie•Johnson Creek Building - Public Works, OR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Milwaukie is seeking a passionate, collaborative, and solutions-oriented Urban Forester to help steward and grow one of the community’s most valuable public assets — its urban forest. As Milwaukie’s Urban Forester, you will continue building and advancing a regionally recognized urban forestry program through both effective program implementation and community-centered education that builds long-term stewardship capacity. This work plays an essential role in supporting climate resilience, healthy neighborhoods, stormwater management, biodiversity, and community livability. Working within the Climate and Natural Resources Division of the Public Works Department, the Urban Forester serves a central role in protecting, managing, and expanding Milwaukie’s tree canopy through implementation of the City’s tree code, Urban Forest Management Plan, and broader climate and natural resource goals. The City is currently updating its Urban Forest Management Plan, and this position will help shape and implement the next generation of urban forestry strategies, policies, programs, and education initiatives that guide Milwaukie’s long-term canopy and climate resilience goals. This position works closely with residents, developers, consultants, contractors, and City staff to guide development projects and tree preservation efforts in a way that balances growth, infrastructure, and long-term canopy health. A significant focus of the role includes implementing the City’s residential development and non-development tree code programs and helping applicants successfully navigate the permitting and development process. The Urban Forester also serves as a key liaison to the City’s Tree Board, supporting community engagement, urban forestry education, and long-range policy discussions related to canopy preservation and expansion. The ideal candidate brings a genuine passion for urban forestry, technical expertise, and an interest in public education. They are comfortable working collaboratively with the development community, coaching applicants through complex tree preservation and permitting requirements, and helping identify practical solutions that support both responsible development and long-term urban forest preservation. This role requires strong communication skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism, consistency, and a customer-service mindset. Milwaukie views trees as critical green infrastructure and an essential part of the community’s climate future. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the City’s urban forestry program and make a lasting impact on the community for generations to come.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or a natural resources-related field.
Possession of, or the ability to obtain by time of hire, a valid Oregon driver’s license with a clean record.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist certification (at time of hire).
ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) (at time of hire).
3 years of professional experience in urban forestry program management, natural resource policy, environmental planning, or related work involving policy, community engagement, or regulatory implementation.
Ability to perform tree risk assessments consistent with ISA best management practices.
Knowledge of common tree species, Pacific Northwest plants, and common plants used in water quality facilities and landscaping.
Understanding urban forestry, natural resource issues, and storm system components and functions.
Knowledge of urban forest policy frameworks and regulatory best practices.
Strong communication and collaboration skills—you’ll be working across departments and with the community daily.
Interest in community outreach and education to support tree stewardship and maintenance.
A commitment to reflecting the City's values of accountability, accessibility, efficiency, collaboration, and equity in all work activities, and contributing to the City's climate action and sustainability goals.

Responsibilities

Oversee and implement the City’s urban forestry programs, including public tree management, private and public tree permits, and tree planting efforts.
Review tree plans for public and private development projects and ensure compliance with City tree code.
Help applicants successfully navigate the permitting and development process.
Serve as the City’s technical expert on tree health, risk assessment, species selection, and best practices for planting and care.
Engage with residents, developers, and community groups to promote tree education, awareness, and canopy equity.
Maintain tree inventories and contribute to climate action planning and reporting.
Lead engagement and education efforts to foster a culture of tree stewardship throughout the community.