What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Planner/Urban Forester position at City of Olympia, WA?
The Olympia Community Planning & Economic Development Department seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of Associate Planner/Urban Forester. This position is responsible for implementing the City’s urban forestry program. The selected individual will assist with administration of a broad range of local land use and development codes and support city planning and policy development with technical expertise in urban forestry. As a member of the Community Planning and Economic Development Department, this position will work directly with other staff on the development review process and on citywide tree, soil and vegetation issues.
To Apply
Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Tim Smith, Deputy Director of Community Planning & Economic Development at 360.570.3915 or via email at tsmith@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Ideal Candidate Profile
For general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.
To Apply
- Submit a cover letter and resume by attaching them to your electronic application. The cover letter must be no more than two pages long and must include specific examples of how you meet the Typical Qualifications (listed below) for this position.
- Open Continuous. Apply before midnight on May 16, 2025, to be considered in the first review of applications.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the position and/or requirements, please contact Tim Smith, Deputy Director of Community Planning & Economic Development at 360.570.3915 or via email at tsmith@ci.olympia.wa.us.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Understand and administer tree, soil and native vegetation protection and replacement standards to land development applications such as site plans, land use review, civil engineering and building permit applications.
- Manage the City’s street tree maintenance and hazard tree prevention program.
- Prepare updates to the City’s urban forestry website, Street Tree Maintenance Manual, Urban Forestry Manual and development standards.
- Serve as staff liaison to the City’s urban forestry policy and technical teams.
- Understand, explain and administer land use regulations and similar documents.
- Prepare staff reports and other documents that clearly and accurately convey complex information to the public, city advisory commissions and city council.
- Respond to and resolve potentially confrontational situations.
- Build strong working relationships with other agencies and city staff.
- Work independently in successfully managing long-term projects.
- Manage time and prioritize responsibilities to perform the duties of the position with the resources available.
- Act in a responsible and respectful manner toward all members of the community.
Essential Functions
The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
1. Responsible for completing a variety of activities relating to the City's planning functions and urban forestry program.
2. Coordinate the preparation or administration of plans, land use and urban forestry regulations, information systems, or planning programs.
3. Conduct complex studies related to land use, community and environment.
4. Conduct site inspections and have the ability to identify, analyze and determine tree, soil and native vegetation species and health.
5. Provide assistance to property owners and homeowners associations on street tree and sidewalk related issues.
6. Manage or conduct investigations, analysis, and preparation of documents and reports on planning and urban forestry issues, policies, and their application.
7. Provide staff support to appointed committees on planning and zoning issues or special studies.
8. Prepare and present reports to hearings bodies, committees, community groups, and private organizations to explain the impact of projects and developments.
9. Provide technical and administrative assistance for City Council and appointed Boards and Commissions.
10. Respond to public inquiries with information on urban forestry and planning projects, processes and policies.
11. Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.
Typical Qualifications
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
1. Knowledge of planning principles, practices, regulations, and techniques as related to urban forestry, land use, environmental impact, etc.
2. Knowledge of local government and political decision-making processes related to urban forestry and planning issues.
3. Skill in working with various stakeholders to achieve a solution to a project or proposal.
4. Skill in formulating and presenting appropriate planning options to various audiences.
5. Skill in preparing support documentation which clearly, precisely, and concisely presents planning recommendations.
6. Skill in working in a team discipline.
7. Ability to develop and write plans based on an analysis of data and on-going citizen and staff input.
8. Ability to organize and manage varied work programs, including monitoring the budget, work schedules, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
9. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial planning policies or regulations.
10. Ability to direct or coordinate the work of planning and agency staff members.
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with elected and appointed officials, staff of other departments and agencies, Planning staff, and the community.
12. Demonstrated punctual, regular and reliable attendance is required.
13. Ability to learn electronic permit software.
Education/Experience:
1. Four-year degree in Urban Forestry, Planning or closely related field and three years related experience required.
2. Additional related experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.
3. Education or training in Geographic Information Systems desired.
Special Requirements:
1. Valid Washington State Driver's License required.
1. Valid Washington State Driver's License required.
2. Arborist Certification or ability to obtain within one year after being hired.
Union:
Independents
Compensation (minimum-maximum):
$96,534.00 - $117,338.00
Exempt:
YesFor general application or position questions please contact the hiring supervisor or Human Resources at humanresources@ci.olympia.wa.us.
The City of Olympia complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Manny Bosser, Director of Human Resources, at (360)753-8309 or mbosser@ci.olympia.wa.us. This contact is for ADA accommodations only. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the manager noted in the Contact section near the top of this recruitment.
Join the City of Olympia team!
Olympia is a vibrant, healthy and beautiful Capital City and a great place to work, live and play.
The City of Olympia provides competitive pay, great benefits, and supports work-life balance. We are an equal opportunity employer strongly committed to honoring diversity, equity and belonging within our workforce and community. Please consider bringing your talents to the City of Olympia, where we value compassion, integrity and effectiveness in our work to make a difference every day.
Salary : $96,534 - $117,338