The City of Renton is seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Inspecting Arborist to support the care and long-term sustainability of our urban forest. This position is responsible for conducting tree inspections, assessing tree health and risk, and providing expert recommendations for maintenance and preservation. A successful candidate brings strong technical skills, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service. Work in this role directly supports community safety, environmental quality, and Renton’s urban forestry goals. If you are passionate about trees and dedicated to helping communities thrive, we invite you to apply.

• Deferred compensation with the City contributing 3% of the employee's salary.
• VEBA Plan with the City contributing 1% of the employee's salary.
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance at affordable rates
• Paid leave for vacation, sick, eleven holidays and two "personal" holidays a year
• State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Public Employee Retirement Systems (PERS) plan enrollment

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 2 years of certified arborist experience or combination of closely related work, including project management experience.
• Or minimum 6 years of relevant education and experience.
• ISA Certified Arborist designation required.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) required within 6 months of date of hire.
• First aid and CPR certificates within 6 months of employment.
• Valid drivers’ license.
• Successful passing of a required driving record check.

• Maintain and manage digital GIS database for tree inventory.
• Support code enforcement of tree regulations and site investigations.
• Assist the Community Economic Development Department with the review of tree permits for tree removals and site inspections for tree protection requirements on development parcels.
• Assist the Urban Forestry and Natural Resource Manager with inquiries and inspections arising from Renton Responds.
• Assist the Urban Forestry and Natural Resource Manager with education and outreach efforts.
• Coordinate work with City departments including Community and Economic Development, Executive Services (GIS), Parks and Recreation, Public Works (Street Maintenance and Transportation divisions).
• Lay out new projects, assist in site management, create worklists of trees requiring maintenance, and locate assets using GIS database as directed.
• Respond to inquiries via the website, emails, online portal, walk-ins, and personal customer interaction in the field.
• Prepare worklists and spreadsheets.
• Assist with bidding and contracting as directed.
• Assist with contractor supervision for new projects, perform site management duties, and identify maintenance locations, as directed.
• Manage work orders
• Document tree inspections or evaluations, assess tree health, risk and maintenance needs.

• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals.
• Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.

• Drive to offsite locations to perform essential functions.
• Move throughout City facilities and buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate with City employees and residents.
• Lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds on occasion.
• Climb and work from ladders, climb stairs.
• Bending, stretching, and standing for extended periods.

Selection Procedure

Please consider visiting the City of Renton's Career Center for more information about our hiring process, benefits and other useful information. The City of Renton embraces a diverse and inclusive workforce and prides itself on promoting collaboration and teamwork in a positive environment while providing high-quality services to the community. For more information about the City of Renton, please visit the following website: Why Renton

The City has adopted an anonymous application process that prevents hiring managers from seeing personal identifiers, including candidates’ names, addresses, and other similar information. This eliminates the possibility of unintentional or implicit bias during the screening of applications. For that reason, you will not have the ability to attach any documents to your application, including a cover letter or resume. Please make sure to submit a complete, detailed, and updated job application.

Accommodation: Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process may contact sjacobs@rentonwa.gov at least 2 business days prior to the need.

Communication from the City of Renton:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from rentonwa.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders. We also communicate via text and encourage you to sign up for text alerts when completing your job application.

Recruitment Process:
The screening process will include a review of minimum qualifications and applicants selected for an interview will be invited via email to self-schedule a time through the Government Jobs account. At minimum, this position will be subject to a standard criminal background check and professional reference check. This position requires driving and is also subject to a driving record check from the WA State Dept of Licensing (or other state equivalent). Driving records will be evaluated based on a points system depending on the infraction and severity.

This position is represented by AFSCME, Local 2170, and the applicable benefits are as follows:

• Employees are offered a choice of medical/vision coverage through either Kaiser Permanente or the City's self-insured plan. Preferred Provider Option is available through the self-insured plan. Rates for both plans are available on the Benefit webpage. Please click on the link at the bottom of the page for details.
• The dental insurance plan covers services such as regular checkups, x-rays, fillings and crowns. Orthodontia coverage is also provided.

• The City contributes 3% of the employee's base wage rate into a deferred compensation retirement plan.
• Employees may also set aside a percentage of their earnings on a tax-deferred basis.

• Employees are enrolled in either the State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Plan (PERS) or the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS).
• The following position is required to be enrolled in PSERS*
  • Probation Officer

• If an employee was in PERS prior to 2006, the employee had the choice to remain in the PERS plan.

• Both the employee and employer contribute to the plan.

• A group term life insurance policy is provided to each employee at a value equivalent to the annual salary, up to $50,000.
• Each eligible dependent is also provided with a $1,000 policy. There is no cost to the employee.
• Optional supplemental insurance is available for employees and their dependents at group rates.

• Many employees are provided with a long term disability policy up to the equivalent of 60% of their salary.

• The City offers employees the opportunity to open two separate tax-free accounts through salary reduction. One account is to pay for expenses not covered by health insurance and the other account is for child care costs.

• Employees accrue vacation beginning with the first day of employment as follows: 12 days per year (0-5 years); 18 days per year (6-10 years); 21 days per year (11-15 years); 24 days per year (16-20 years); and 27 days per year (21+ years).
• Employees may access their vacation immediately.

• Upon employment, the employee receives a sick leave bank of 24 hours, with an additional 24 hours awarded after three months.
• Thereafter, sick leave accrues at the rate of four hours each pay period.

• A confidential counseling assessment and referral service is available without cost to employees and family members for help with personal, family or job-related problems.

• The City of Renton pays employees on the tenth and the twenty-fifth of each month (24 pay periods each year).

• The City recognizes eleven holidays and offers two "personal" holidays each calendar year for most employees, unless otherwise specified in a labor contract.

• Flexible work schedules are available in many departments.

• Unlimited free rides on various bus systems as well as various carpool and rideshare options are available for City employees.