What does it take to protect the forests that safeguard drinking water for over 1.6 million people?
At Seattle Public Utilities, we’re looking for a skilled and driven Watershed Forest Ecologist (Environmental Analyst, Sr.) to help answer that question—through science, field work, and adaptive management.
You’ll play a key role in stewarding the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt municipal watersheds, applying ecological monitoring and research to maintain forest health in the face of increasing disturbances and a changing climate. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you’ll lead efforts to assess forest conditions, implement adaptive strategies, and track the effectiveness of ecological management projects that span decades.
This position is field-forward, science-based, and rooted in long-term planning. It’s also mission-critical: the forests you manage help ensure clean, reliable drinking water for the entire region.
Help us ensure these forests thrive for generations to come—your impact starts here.
About Seattle Public Utilities:Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU),checkout the:
SPU commits toOur City Values andRace and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work.We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:
Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
Generous benefits package
Free Orca Pass
City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
Growth potential and advancement opportunities
Key Responsibilities include:
- Monitor forest health and climate resilience. Use aerial surveys, field studies, and other tools to detect forest disturbances (e.g., pathogens, wildfire, drought) and develop strategies to promote long-term forest resilience.
- Support reforestation and resilience trials. Implement experimental planting efforts aimed at improving forest adaptation to climate change; coordinate with SPU colleagues, research institutions, and agencies to apply emerging science.
- Implement long-term ecological monitoring. Re-measure permanent forest plots in the Cedar and Tolt Watersheds, analyze trends, and maintain high-quality data systems in support of the Habitat Conservation and Forest Management Plans.
- Evaluate forest management outcomes. Develop and apply monitoring protocols to assess the effectiveness of ecological thinning and planting projects; analyze data and use results to inform adaptive management through 2050 and beyond.
- Collaborate across disciplines and agencies. Work closely with internal natural resource teams, researchers, and external partners to align forest management with ecological and public utility goals.
*Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree in natural or physical sciences, environmental sciences, planning (with emphasis on environmental issues), public administration/policy (with emphasis on natural resources), or related field and a minimum of five years experience in environmental research, environmental law, impact analysis, environmental compliance, toxic substance management, or a related field (Other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).You will be most successful in this role if you possessone or more of the following:
- Ability to be organized, self-directed, and a good team player
- Strong data management and data analysis skills
- Strong knowledge of forest ecology concepts, ideally with a focus on Pacific Northwest ecosystems
- Understanding of adaptive management and the ability to make management recommendations for landscape-scale climate resilience
- Experience assessing forest disturbance and knowledge of biotic and abiotic disturbances that influence forest health in the Pacific Northwest
- Experience with forest monitoring protocol development, implementation, and data management
- Comfort and experience navigating to and conducting field work in remote locations and rough terrain
- Pacific Northwest plant identification skills
- Experience with ArcGIS and ESRI mobile mapping applications
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Work may be performed in the field including remote wilderness locations, on rivers and reservoirs, and/or in a normal City office/work environment
- Physical requirements: Ability to work outside in uneven terrain and in adverse weather conditions, carry up to 50 lbs.
License, Certification and Other Requirements:
- Current State of Washington driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility
- Hazardous materials/toxics work may require specialized health & safety training and certification
This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Effective January 2025, City employees will have the option to work remotely two days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
Who may apply:The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The full salary range for this position is:$56.19 - $65.48 Hourly
Submit complete City of Seattle online application
Resume or cover letter is not required and will not be used
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans