Watershed Ecologist​/Environmental Analyst, Sr

The City of Seattle seeks a Watershed Forest Ecologist (Environmental Analyst, Sr.) to protect forests ensuring clean drinking water for over 1.6 million people. The role involves ecological monitoring, fieldwork, and adaptive management in the Cedar River and South Fork Tolt watersheds. Responsibilities include assessing forest health, implementing reforestation strategies, and conducting long-term ecological monitoring. This position emphasizes collaboration and aims to promote forest resilience amid climate change.
Position: Watershed Forest Ecologist (Environmental Analyst, Sr.)

Position Description

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 Website
• Strategic Business Plan

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

Job Responsibilities

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.
Qualifications

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…