WCC Individual Placement: City of Tacoma Urban Forestry Specialist

About Tacoma

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma’s geographic area.

About the City of Tacoma’s Urban Forestry Program

Tacoma’s Urban Forestry Program works to sustain a healthy, vibrant urban forest that benefits everyone. Tacoma’s trees are essential to clean air, cool neighborhoods, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve public health outcomes. Our goal is to increase canopy cover from approximately 20% to 30% by 2030 while ensuring equitable distribution of trees across all neighborhoods.

Our team works behind the scenes to support the City’s urban forestry efforts, managing internal operations related to urban forestry policies and practices, as well as engaging with partners and community members to create more opportunity and access to tree planting and urban forest education.

Position description

The Urban Forestry Specialist is a seasonal Individual Placement (IP) with the City of Tacoma’s Urban Forestry Program. The position will play a critical support role in the implementation of a range of urban forestry initiatives, with a special focus on tree incentive programs, community tree planting programs, and implementation of Tacoma’s Urban Forest Management Plan. This position will serve as a project assistant supporting program implementation, field operations, community outreach, and, as assigned, serve as a project assistant and support crews in the field during urban forestry field days

The IP will assist with tree planting programs, community outreach, field operations, data management, and environmental education while gaining hands-on experience in municipal urban forestry and local government operations.

Physical requirements

Day-to-day service includes a combination of office and field responsibilities in a variety of weather conditions. Regular duties may include:

  • Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Loading, unloading, and distributing trees and planting supplies.
  • Using basic landscaping and tree planting tools.
  • Working outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

Position responsibilities

Program support: Urban Tree Planting Programs and Plant Holding Facility

  • Assist with the implementation of community incentive programs such as Tree Coupons, Grit City Trees, Green Blocks, SafeTREE Routes to School, and other urban forestry planting initiatives.
  • Support community-based tree planting activities focused on increasing canopy in priority neighborhoods. Examples of tasks include community outreach, site assessments for tree planting, delivery of planting materials, review of tree planting applications, and coordination with program participants and partners.
  • Assist with maintenance of the City’s Plant Holding Facility, specifically maintaining irrigation and temporary storage of street trees. Over time, this position will direct maintenance activities for the City’s two WCC crews as it relates to the plant holding facility.

Community outreach and engagement

  • Conduct outreach in priority planting areas to increase participation in tree incentive programs.
  • Assist in coordination with partner organizations to promote events and tree planting opportunities.
  • Supporting public-facing events such as Green Tacoma Day and other community tree distribution, planting, outreach, and education events.
  • Responding to customer questions regarding the tree incentive programs the IP member is supporting.

Monitoring, data collection, and reporting

  • Assist with mapping, reporting, and performance tracking for urban forestry programs.
  • Support program evaluation through data analysis, report writing, and documentation.

Capstone project

The IP will complete a capstone project focused on an urban forestry topic of interest. This project may include coordinating a tree planting event, related public engagement initiative designed to build community connection through trees, creating a social media campaign to promote urban forestry programs and stewardship, or researching and advancing an urban wood reuse initiative that supports sustainable management of tree resources. The capstone will provide experience in project planning, implementation, and evaluation. The IP and an urban forestry staff member who specializes in the desired topic of interest will collaborate to develop the capstone project’s scope.

Training

Participate in technical and professional training both through WCC and the City of Tacoma. WCC- provided training courses are offered in the spring (one week in March and one week in June). City provided training may cover urban forestry topics, street tree identification, community engagement, safety, and municipal operations.

Eligibility and qualifications

  • Must be 18-25 years old, with exceptions for those with military service or mental or sensory disabilities.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful U.S. Permanent Resident.
  • Preference is given to Washington state residents

Required skills

  • Interest in urban forestry, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
  • Experience leading and facilitating in a team setting.
  • Experience working outdoors, in physically demanding environments meeting the physical requirements noted above.
  • Commitment to providing excellent customer service and working respectfully with diverse communities.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between City facilities, community events, and field sites. Transportation may be provided through City vehicles or require use of a personal vehicle, depending on program needs and City policies.

Desired skills

  • Coursework or experience in urban forestry, forestry, arboriculture, environmental science, ecology, landscape architecture, or a related field.
  • Works well independently and is self-motivated.
  • Experience with community outreach, volunteer coordination, or public engagement.
  • Professional written and verbal communication; specifically, comfort in public speaking.
  • Experience planning or supporting community events.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office products.
  • Experience collecting field data or managing and organizing data.
  • Knowledge of tree planting, tree care, or urban forestry best management practices.
  • Comfort driving large trucks and willingness to learn towing a trailer.

Pay and benefits

  • Living allowance of $1,476, twice a month ($2,952 per month, before taxes).
  • AmeriCorps benefits include:
  • AmeriCorps Education Award (scholarship) of $7,395 upon successful completion of the term (1,700 service hours).
  • Loan forbearance for qualified loans during service.
  • Childcare assistance through the AmeriCorps Childcare Program.
  • Health insurance starting on the first day of service. WCC pays the monthly insurance premium.
  • Mental health services through the Member Assistance Program (MAP).
  • Members may be eligible for food benefits through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
  • Two weeks of professional training.
  • Access to professional discounts on outdoor gear.
  • Up to 120 hours of personal time off in addition to observed state holidays and a winter break at the end of December.

Schedule: Members generally serve 40 hours over four or five days each week. This position follows a typical Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. schedule (1/2-hour lunch does not count towards service hours) and some evenings and weekends are required. The position is expected to serve primarily in the office (Center for Urban Waters) and in the field. As the IP gains experience and demonstrates reliability, independence, and successful performance, a hybrid schedule of up to two teleservice days per week may be considered based on operational needs.

Term length: Oct. 5, 2026, to Sept. 15, 2027

Application

Submit an online application (select this IP position on the application). In addition, please send your resume and cover letter to Lisa Kenny at lkenny@tacoma.gov by August 21, 2026, for priority consideration.

About WCC

Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) creates future leaders through community involvement and mentorship. The program supports more than 300 members and experienced staff statewide who restore critical habitat, build trails, lead volunteers, educate youth, and respond to disasters.