Urban Forestry Specialist

Performs specialized, technical field and administrative assistance in Urban Forestry work; duties require applied knowledge of municipal code and departmental policies and procedures in the basic review of development plans, initial site evaluations, issuance of public and street tree permits, and assistance with Urban Forestry projects and programs.This list is ILLUSTRATIVE only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by the incumbent of this class. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides administrative and technical support for Urban Forestry projects.
• Assists with public outreach, education, and events.
• Develops contacts and working relationships with property owners, vendors, contractors, engineers, developers, designers, other organizations and agencies on project-related issues.
• Answers inquiries regarding requirements of public and street tree permits, related codes and ordinances.
• Reviews service requests from citizens and other City departments.
• Assists in review and notification of municipal code violation as determined by the Urban Forestry Supervisor.
• Reviews applications, conducts initial site evaluations, and issues permits.
• Reviews plans of proposed residential and commercial projects for compliance with codes, regulations, and ordinances. Attends pre-construction meetings.
• Provides information and guidance to contractors performing public and street tree work.
• Updates tree inventory database as it pertains to public and street tree work using TreeWorks software in an ArcGIS environment.
• Maintains records and databases, and prepares reports as necessary.
• Performs related work as required.

Open Entry Requirements: 

• Education: Two years of high school, trade school, or equivalent. 
• Experience: One year of work experience in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, or a closely related field.
• License and Certification: 
  • Required at the time of application:
    • Valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
    • Certified Arborist credential by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
  • Required within one year of appointment:
    • Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) as administered by ISA.

NOTE:  The above credentials are required to be maintained as a condition of continued employment in the position.

Applicants must first meet the minimum qualifications to be invited to take the examination. Those who pass the examination will then go on the hiring list.

The examination will consist of the following: 

This is an online examination that will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local public library. 

Examination instructions and links will be emailed to qualified applicants on August 26th, 2026. The testing window is August 27th, 2026 - August 31st, 2026.  

Please note: The email will come from City of Spokane ([email protected]).

Multiple Choice

Possible subjects covered in the examination:

Skills Simulation:

The skills simulation exam, an assessment that replicates real job tasks in a virtual environment, will evaluate your ability to use core programs essential to the position. 

Training & Experience Evaluation:

A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a written test where the applicant answers structured questions based on their previous experience and training or education. Please view this video for tips to help you fill out the T&E.

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website. 

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status. As a Fair Chance Employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.