Natural Resources Manager (Urban Forestry)

The City of Renton's Parks and Recreation department is recruiting for an experienced Natural Resources Manager to lead and manage a comprehensive urban forestry and natural resources program that delivers measurable results across the City. As the U rban Forestry and Natural Resources Manager , you will be responsible for planning, prioritizing, and implementing citywide initiative, ranging from capital projects and maintenance programs to long-range strategic plans and performance tracking. This role works closely with multiple City departments to coordinate projects, align priorities, and ensure urban forestry considerations are integrated into broader infrastructure and development efforts. You will oversee budgets, contracts, and schedules while ensuring compliance with standards, policies, and regulatory requirements. In addition to managing day-to-day operations, you will guide program improvements, monitor outcomes, and support data-driven decision-making. This is an opportunity for a strong manager to lead a critical program area with clear expectations, cross-functional coordination, and visible community impact.

This position will focus on:

Program & Project Management Technical Urban Forestry Expertise Data-Driven Decision Making & Operational Oversight Cross-Departmental Collaboration Leadership & Staff Development Minimum Qualifications:

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Urban Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Forest Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field. Minimum 5 years of experience in urban forestry, natural resource management, park management and maintenance, park administration or related areas with increasing levels of responsibility. Or minimum 9 years of relevant education and experience. 2 years' supervisory experience. ISA Certified Arborist required. ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional (ISA or ASCA) or ability to obtain within the first 12 months of employment. Experience implementing ANSI A300 and Z133 standards in an operational environment. Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) or ability to obtain within the first 12 months of employment. First aid and CPR certificates within 6 months of employment. Valid driver's license. Successful passing of a required background check & driving record check. Working for the City of Renton comes with an excellent benefits package, including: Deferred compensation with the City contributing 4% 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

Telework Program:

The City of Renton supports workers performing in a hybrid capacity (partial telework/in-office) where job responsibilities can be performed remotely. This position may be eligible for a telework arrangement, working certain days/times remotely, based on the operational needs of the City and specific Department. Regardless of job title or telework arrangement, City of Renton employees must reside in Washington State and within a reasonable distance to their worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

NOTE:

We have adopted an anonymous application process that prevents hiring managers from seeing personal identifiers, such as candidates' names, contact information, etc. For that reason, you will not have the ability to attach any documents to your application, including a cover letter or resume. You must thoroughly complete the applications education and work experience section in chronological order. You must also provide a thorough response to each of the Supplemental Questions. Please make sure to submit a complete, detailed, and updated job application as described above without any personal identifiers included. Failure to do so may result in elimination from further consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plan, organize and manage the Urban Forestry and Natural Resources operations for the City. Including, but not limited to the city's Urban Forest Management Plan. Develop, track progress, evaluate, update, implement and manage short-and-long range urban forestry and natural resources plans. Develop and implement a comprehensive Urban Forestry Operations Plan, including pruning cycles, planting schedules, risk inspection programs, canopy coverage goals, and emergency preparedness. Implement and operate computer applications for forestry inventory and maintenance management systems, automated irrigation, and other programs applicable to City operations. Oversee implementation and maintenance of tree inventory software; ensure data quality, staff training, and system compliance. Monitor and report on citywide canopy metrics, tree equity mapping, and environmental performance indicators. Implement and operate computer applications in forestry inventory and maintenance management systems, automated irrigation, other programs applicable to City operations. Oversee the coordination, prioritization, and scheduling of City tree maintenance, removals, and emergency response. Conduct regular field audits of arborist teamwork, quality, safety performance, and adherence to City arboricultural standards. Provide technical direction for complex tree-risk evaluations, removals requiring advanced rigging, or work near utilities or public safety zones. Plan schedules for new planting and routine tree care; develop recommendations for new technologies and methods. Review and approve landscape, tree protection, and irrigation plans; recommend design modifications as necessary. Review and comment on roadway improvement plans. Coordinate with Parks Maintenance and Operations Manager and Park Maintenance Supervisors to inspect and evaluate trees within city parks, natural areas, rights-of-way, trails and landscaped areas. Direct and train personnel and/or contractors in the care of City landscaped areas; coordinate design and make recommendations for areas to be landscaped including the selection of trees, ground cover, and other vegetation. Develop specifications, best management practices, and oversee construction and maintenance activities performed by contractors, City crews, and partner agencies. Prepare and manage bids, contracts, amendments, and change orders; ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes and standards. For work to be performed, negotiate and process consultant, maintenance and construction contract agreements, amendments and change orders through City Council or City administrative staff and Risk Management; inspect work in progress and upon completion to verify adherence to plans, specifications, and City requirements. Research vendors and procure equipment, supplies, and materials, test and requisition forestry equipment and machinery. Coordinate with the Fleet Manager on maintenance, testing, procurement, and replacement for vehicles and equipment. Develop and implement a preventative maintenance program for small equipment and inventory control system. Meet with the public, local and regional agencies, City staff and volunteers to resolve issues and coordinate initiatives. Develop, organize and implement public education programs, volunteer activities and staff training. Inspect and evaluate City parks and City trees to determine work project requirements, mitigate tree risk and address related safety issues. Prepare, write, and administer grants, policies and procedures in coordination with other city personnel specializing in grant management. Prepare and maintain records, program documentation, purchase receipts, safety documents, cost estimates, and project priorities. Prepare and provide written scopes of work and permits for street tree planting, removal, and maintenance activities. Respond to emergency and off-hour situations as required, especially storm damage to trees. Provide opportunities for professional development to staff. Evaluate employee performance; conduct consistent staff and 1:1 check in meetings with direct reports. Delegate, review and ensure timely completion of duties of assigned staff. Assist in the development and implementation of department goals that support the City's Mission and Business Plan. Train staff; set specific and measurable standards and goals. Evaluate Urban Forestry operations to improve service, productivity, and efficiency, and resolve work-related complaints and issues that cannot be addressed by staff. Ensure assigned staff regularly evaluate and recognize staff. Initiate hiring process and coordinate the onboarding and training of new employees. Prepare budgets, monitor, and approve expenditures and capital purchases, (submit periodic budget updates and monitor assigned performance measures). Assist in the development and updating of City policies, ensure proper interpretation and administration of policies by staff. Create an environment of teamwork and respect. Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by welcoming and meeting the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals. Use progressive discipline when appropriate with guidance from a Director/Administrator. Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field. Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Perform other duties as assigned. May be assigned to support City priorities during emergencies. For a complete job description click here

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors in all weather conditions. Exposure to high voltage wires, hazardous materials, heights and noise from environment occasionally. Noise level in the office is moderately quiet and in the field is moderately loud. Work evening and/or weekend hours as needed. Night meetings may be required. Approved reasonable accommodation requests will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 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.