Forest Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $51,239.52 - $80,283.60 Annually
Location : City of Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 688-2026
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
CLASS SUMMARY
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.
EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS
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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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.
EXAMINATION DETAILS
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:

• Multiple Choice 43%
• Skills Simulation 7%
• Training and Experience Evaluation 50%

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 (info@governmentjobs.com).
Multiple Choice
Possible subjects covered in the examination:

• Urban Forestry & Arboriculture
• Plan Review
• Municipal Code
• Computer Skills
• Interpersonal Skills

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 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.
BENEFIT COMPENSATION VALUE
In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $24,902 - $34,218.
INSURANCE BENEFITS
Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.
Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.
Medical
Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.
Vision
Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.
Dental
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The City pays the monthly premium in full for employee and eligible dependents.
Life Insurance - Employee Only
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s)
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $5,000 for spouse/domestic partner and $2,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Flexible Spending Account
The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.
AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.
LegalShield/ID Shield
Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.
Pet Insurance
Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.
Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.
Continued Medical/Dental Insurance
Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Spokane Employees' Retirement System
The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.
Deferred Compensation
Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $120/month.
PAID TIME OFF
Official Holidays
The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Local 270 Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.
Floating (Personal) Holidays
Up to 48 hours administered throughout the year. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.
Vacation Leave
Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue vacation leave. The amount of vacation earned depends on the employee's length of service - from 12 days per year for a new employee to 27 days per year after 20 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year.
Sick Leave
Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. There is no maximum accumulation and unused sick leave hours carry over each year.
Other Leaves
The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.
Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program
The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). The program provides a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.
Revised March 15, 2022
01
Do you possess a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential?

• Yes
• No

03
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, provide your ISA certification number.
04
How many years of high school, trade school or equivalent have you completed?

• Less than two years
• At least two years
• Two years or more

05
How many years of work experience do you have in arboriculture, horticulture, urban forestry, or a closely related field?NOTE: You must show where you gained this experience in your Work Experience details of this application in order to be accepted. An attached resume or other documents cannot be accepted in lieu of completing the online application form.

• Less than one year
• At least one year, but less than two years
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