Project Lead Arborist

Title: Project Lead Arborist (TPS3)

Location - King County - Shoreline, WA

Job Type - Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment - Flexible/Hybrid

Department - Dept. of Transportation

Division - Northwest Region

Salary - $75,045.00 - $100,951.00 Annually

Job Description:

About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world's widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a Project Lead Arborist (Transportation Planning Specialist 3) to provide expert guidance on environmental restoration and the mitigation of construction impacts in alignment with agency policies and permit requirements. In this role, you will serve as a primary project lead and technical resource, applying landscape architectural best practices to integrate transportation facilities into both natural and built environments. Working collaboratively with the Arborist Services and Plant Establishment team, you will help ensure that restoration efforts are effective, sustainable, and consistent statewide. Your work will directly support WSDOT's strategic plan by enhancing roadside assets, delivering right-sized solutions, advancing multimodal transportation goals, and improving environmental conditions for the communities we serve.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Lead Arborist will:

• Represent the landscape architecture office on multi-disciplinary teams and develop solutions for highly complex projects.
• Prepare landscape architecture analyses, contract plans, specifications, estimates, and design-build RFP materials using MicroStation and related software.
• Evaluate work by consultants, contractors, and partner organizations for adherence to WSDOT policies, contracts, and standards.
• Provide construction and plant establishment support through field inspections, written recommendations, adaptive management strategies, and documentation.
• Conduct arborist assessments, prepare arborist reports, and communicate findings to internal and external partners.
• Lead a team of landscape designers and arborists by scheduling work, facilitating meetings, tracking deadlines, and implementing training.
• Develop and deliver training, best practices, and lessons learned to improve team performance and statewide consistency.
• Supervise lower-level staff through mentoring, performance management, and individualized development planning.

Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:

• Contract Development & Technical Proficiency: Skills in developing and reviewing contract plans, specifications, and estimates using AutoCAD and Microsoft Suite programs. 
• Landscape Architecture QA/QC Review: Knowledge and ability to perform QA/QC reviews for landscape architectural design, with emphasis on adaptive management and maintenance, including access, safety, cost estimating, and scheduling.
• Leadership & Staff Collaboration: Effective leadership skills for working collaboratively with and supervising staff, including setting priorities to meet deadlines. 
• Mathematical & Analytical Application: Demonstrated ability to apply mathematical concepts and techniques to calculate areas of irregular shapes, determine volumes and quantities of materials, estimate labor requirements and associated costs, and monitor project budgets.
• Technical Review & Project Evaluation: Ability to review work produced by others and guide project development in alignment with professional landscape architectural standards.
• Mitigation & Environmental Design Knowledge: Knowledge of environmental design requirements, including mitigation, restoration, and construction processes.
• Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
• Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the above, the following are also required: 

• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.  
• Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain. 
• Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist certification or the ability to obtain an arborist certification within 1 year of hiring. 
• Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Public Pesticide Operator License or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hiring.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:

• Landscape Architecture Education & Experience: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Landscape Architecture or a closely related field and professional landscape architecture experience.
• Construction Contract Administration: Experience performing construction contract administration activities.
• Native Plant & Restoration Expertise: Experience working with native plant materials and environmental restoration techniques.

In addition to: 

• Washington State Landscape Architecture License
• Certification in site erosion and sediment control 

Important Notes 

• This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
• This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
• The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
• In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. 
• WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov. 

Why WSDOT 

• Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. 
• Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.  
• Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information. 

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible. 

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

• An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
• An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
• Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment. 

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Contact Us For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NWR-11168 in the subject line.