Salary : $97,104.59 - $114,245.46 Annually
Location : City Hall - 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Location: Planning & Building - PB Team 02
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Job Summary

NOTE: FIRST REVIEW OF ALL APPLICANTS IS 8/7/26

This role is a Temporary opportunity with an anticipated end date of December, 31 2028. The anticipated end date is subject to departmental and
budgetary considerations.

The Development Review Arborist provides arboricultural development review services for the Planning and Building Department. Reviews development applications for compliance with City tree management and landscape regulations. Works cooperatively with City staff and departments as needed to coordinate vegetation management practices. Applies professional judgment to make recommendations and decisions regarding, tree retention, selection of appropriate vegetation, tree health and safety, and other related development issues. Works with internal and external customers.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This position performs significant work with arboricultural and natural resource management. Provides a prominent level of education, expertise, and direction towards the care, safety, retention, and planting of trees and vegetation around the City and on construction sites. Development Review positions apply professional and educated judgment to make recommendations regarding the management and impact planning and development will have on the surrounding natural resources. The Development Review Arborist evaluates and assesses trees and conducts field inspections, but unlike the Field Arborist, this position does not perform maintenance or pruning.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews development applications for compliance with City's zoning regulations, evaluates trees on development sites, and makes discretionary permitting decisions.
• Reviews tree removal notifications and tree removal permits for compliance with regulations.
• Recommends amendments to relevant tree policies and regulations.
• Leads internal working groups related to implementation of City tree policies and goals through application of the zoning code.
• Presents permit decisions to the Hearing Examiner, which includes writing staff reports and testifying at quasi-judicial hearings.
• Participates as needed in pre-application and pre-construction meetings to convey information about the City's regulations.
• Evaluates/assesses hazard trees.
• Conducts field inspections of landscape projects to determine compliance with designs, plans, specifications, and conditions of approval.
• Provides information to the general public, permit applicants, and public officials (over the telephone, at the counter, through e-mail, and at meetings) regarding the City's tree regulations and policies. Provides advice concerning appropriate tree retention, planting and maintenance practices.
• Provides peer review of arborist reports for compliance with development regulations.
• Plans and conducts training sessions for staff, arborists, applicants and citizens on development regulations and in the care and maintenance of trees and plantings.
• Supports Planning staff with site visits and inspections.
• Supports the Code Enforcement Officer, including code analysis and site visits. Provides subject matter expertise to the Code Enforcement team on code compliance cases, which involves writing reports and testifying in code enforcement hearings.
• Fosters a positive and supportive work environment; promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, contributing to an environment of respectful living and working in a multicultural society.

Peripheral Duties:

• Acts as liaison between the city and utility companies regarding periodic tree trimming and removal.
• Provides technical review of vegetation issues for public construction and repair projects.
• Prepares public information regarding trees.
• May work to resolve disputes and facilitate consensus on issues pertaining to trees and serve as a technical resource to City officials involved in dispute resolution.
• May provide tree valuations and appraisals.
• Promotes public awareness in the value of Kirkland's urban forest.
• Performs functions as assigned in the City's emergency response plan in the event of an emergency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the care and maintenance of trees and plant materials used for landscaping of urban areas. The work requires the ability to identify trees and plant materials and to recognize plant diseases, pests, cultural and nutritional deficiencies, and recommend corrective treatments.
• Knowledge of urban forestry practices, policies, and codes.
• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, regulations, data, and maps.
• Ability to work with other City staff in collaborative problem solving and completion of tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly both in writing and orally, including the ability to make public presentations before hearing bodies and diverse groups.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
• Advanced interpersonal and customer relations skills.
• Ability to negotiate solutions and facilitate consensus on tree issues.
• Ability to operate personal computer programs, including those involving word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and permit tracking.
• Ability to perform site visits is required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: 2-year degree in arboriculture.
• Experience: 2 years of practical experience.
• Or: In place of the above requirements, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to proficiently perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) required at the time of hire.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.

Other

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Job involves deskwork and extensive customer contact at the counter, on the phone, and via email. Reports and correspondence are typically prepared at the computer terminal. Frequent site visits to building sites, or vacant properties may involve rugged and dirty conditions and exposure to inclement weather conditions. This position encounters foot hazards as defined by the WAC, which may include any of the following: falling objects, rolling objects, piercing/cutting injuries, or electrical hazards.
Position requires a resume and cover letter for consideration of application. Please note how you meet minimum qualifications within the cover letter. Applicants who are selected for next steps in the hiring process will be invited by phone or e-mail. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date as screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions will be made through the recruitment period, until such time as the vacancy is filled. Job is open until filled with first review by August 7, 2026.

This position includes a health insurance benefit package with 100% City-paid premiums for 1.0 FTE (medical/dental/vision for employee and dependents). Premium is prorated for less than 1.0 FTE positions with cost shared between City and the employee.

Participation in the Public Employees Retirement System is mandatory for all eligible positions.

Other employment benefits include:

• 401b Municipal Employee Benefits Trust (MEBT) with 6.2% City matching contribution
• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation plan
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) VEBA dollars with City contribution (City contribution depending on employee elected medical plan)
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Account for Healthcare and Childcare
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• City paid Life Insurance
• City paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Paid vacation (starts with 13 days first year may be prorated for part-time positions)
• Annual 12 paid holidays, including one floating holiday
• Paid sick leave accruals (benefit may vary based on applicable bargaining unit)
• Paid Management Leave for select leadership positions

Perks include:

• Alternative work schedules
• Free EV charging at Level 2 and 3 chargers
• Free ORCA card for public transit
• Access to onsite fitness center and secure bike storage at City Hall
• Free employee parking
• Childcare programs with discounted tuition rates
• Wellness and transportation incentives

For further review of City Benefits and Perks please visit