Salary : $105,401.09 - $123,995.25 Annually
Location : City Hall - 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Location: Planning & Building - PB Team 02
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME

Job Summary

Note: 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 Senior Development Review Arborist provides advanced arboricultural development review services for the Planning and Building Department. Reviews complex development applications for compliance with City tree management and landscape regulations, coordinates vegetation management practices, assists in creating policies and regulations related to trees, and applies professional judgment to make recommendations and decisions regarding tree retention, selection of appropriate vegetation, tree health and safety, and other related development issues.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This position is distinguished from the Development Review Arborist by the complexity, controversial nature, and/or high visibility of the type of assignments. The Senior Development Review Arborist provides technical support for policy development, but the Environmental Programs Coordinator spearheads the implementation of urban forestry initiatives. 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:

• Acts as a subject matter expert and resource to staff for complex issues relating to arboriculture.
• Reviews complex development applications and public projects (such as capital improvement and construction projects) for compliance with City's zoning regulations; evaluates trees on development sites, reviews landscape plans, and makes discretionary permitting decisions. This includes peer review of arborist reports submitted with development applications.
• Recommends adjustments to complex development project designs.
• Identifies, tracks, and develops zoning code amendments related to trees and vegetation.
• Provides technical assistance in the preparation of policies, codes, guidelines, and standards pertaining to the care, protection, and maintenance of trees, especially with the City's Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan.
• Reviews tree removal notifications and tree removal permits for compliance with regulations, especially in more complex cases that may include peer reviews of Level 3 tree risk assessments, such as evaluations of reports that incorporate resistance drilling, sonic tomography, and/or tree pulling tests.
• Leads internal working groups related to implementation of City tree policies and goals through application of the zoning code, as well as development of inter-departmental tree related permitting procedures.
• 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.
• Conducts field inspections of landscape projects to determine compliance with designs, plans, specifications, and conditions of approval.
• Provides information to the 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.
• Plans and conducts training sessions for staff, arborists, applicants and community members on development regulations and in the care and maintenance of trees and plantings.
• Supports the Environmental Program Coordinator and Senior Planners with outreach efforts, particularly related to the Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan and code amendments related to trees.
• 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.
• 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 manage consulting arborists and other related professionals contracted by the City, including contract administration and facilitation.
• 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.
• Ability to identify trees and plant materials and to recognize plant diseases, pests, cultural and nutritional deficiencies, and recommend corrective treatments.
• Advanced knowledge of urban forestry practices, policies, and codes.
• Ability to analyze and interpret policies, regulations, data, and maps.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with other City staff in collaborative problem solving and completion of tasks.
• Ability to communicate complex issues and ideas 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: 3-5 years of experience in the field of arboriculture, including the implementation of environmental regulations and application of municipal codes.
• 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. May involve occasional weekend and/or after-hours responsibilities to attend public meetings and events.
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 15th day of original posting date.

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