Planting Program Supervisor I (Exempt)

We are seeking a forward-thinking supervisor to lead and enhance our tree planting, establishment, and young tree pruning programs. We aim to increase the number of urban trees planted and established up to 10,000 trees annually, prioritizing large, native, and evergreen species. Significant investments have been made to promote tree canopy equity throughout Portland, including the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. This supervisor role will be vital to the successful development and implementation of this transformative initiative. As a supervisor, you will guide and mentor your team to expand tree canopy coverage and mitigate heat in communities that need it most, particularly in low‑income and low‑canopy areas of Portland. Our Tree Planting and Establishment Program, part of the Urban Forestry division of Portland Parks & Recreation, is responsible for planting and establishing thousands of trees each year in residential yards, parks, and along city streets. Our programs encompass various property types, including private residences and public rights‑of‑way. Key initiatives include the Free Street Tree Program, Park Tree Planting Program, Yard Tree Giveaway Program, Learning Landscapes Program, Private Property Tree Program, young tree pruning, and collaborative efforts with other City of Portland bureaus. This supervisor position leads the team managing our Free Street Tree Program, Park Tree Planting Program, young tree pruning program, and our partnership with Friends of Trees. As the supervisor, your team manages the planting, establishment, and pruning of thousands of young trees annually in the public right‑of‑way, City‑owned properties, and private properties. You will supervise nine full‑time tree planting specialists to plan, implement, and evaluate programs. You will hire, train, coach, and supervise your team to be proactive problem solvers and to implement the best practices of equity, public service, urban forestry, project management, GIS/database management, and contract management. You will coach and provide constructive feedback to enhance employee performance and support career development. You will also serve as a strategic thinker who leads your team through program development, expansion, and refinement. What You’ll Get to Do Champion Equity and Environmental Justice Advance equitable access to trees by reducing barriers, promoting workforce diversity, and engaging communities with compassion and cultural responsiveness. Apply City of Portland Core Values to create equitable outcomes. Lead and Develop Your Team Hire, train, coach, supervise, and assign work to the street tree planting and young tree pruning team. Build a resilient, change‑adaptable workforce and support staff development in urban forestry, contractor management, project management, GIS/database tools, community engagement, and effective customer service. Manage Tree Planting and Establishment Oversee tree planting and establishment programs in the right‑of‑way and on private and City‑owned properties. Manage contractor activities, including tree procurement, planting, watering, mulching, staking, and young tree structural pruning. Guide Site Surveys and Field Operations Lead site surveys to identify suitable planting locations in alignment with procedures and stakeholder input. Ensure fieldwork, inspections, and data collection align with program goals and industry standards. Oversee Technical and Contract Operations Provide direction on fieldwork quality, data management, and contract compliance. Train staff in contractor oversight, specification adherence, invoice review, and problem‑solving. Ensure accurate data and records using ArcGIS, TreePlotter, Excel, and Smartsheet. Lead Project Management Coach staff through project planning, implementation, and evaluation. Guide the expansion of planting programs in collaboration with internal teams and community partners. Use feedback, seasonal debriefs, and tree monitoring data to assess outcomes, refine processes, and improve service quality and program effectiveness. Ensure Quality and Best Practices Ensure that planting, establishment, and pruning follow best management practices and meet high standards for safety, quality, and documentation. Establish Clear Procedures Create and maintain documented practices for site surveys, planting, establishment, pruning, inspections, contractor management, and public communication. Provide training and meaningful feedback to reinforce quality and consistency. Engage Communities and Partners Manage communication and outreach with property owners, contractors, community groups, and City bureaus to expand equitable planting opportunities. Cultivate Knowledge and Skills Support staff training in technical skills, customer communication, and contractor management to strengthen program delivery. About Urban Forestry and Portland’s Forest Urban Forestry’s mission is to manage and ensure Portland’s urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Portland’s urban forest is valued at over $9.2 billion and comprised of over 1.2 million park trees, 333,000 street trees and 2.9 million private property trees. The Urban Forestry team is responsible for the overall management, stewardship, and improvement of this essential infrastructure system. Urban Forestry’s work includes delivery of sustainable and equitable forest services to all Portlanders; establishing and enacting best management practices, plans, policies, and technical standards for tree care and protection and urban forest expansion; implementing, enforcing, and proposing improvements to the City’s tree regulations; providing tree maintenance services including 24/7 response to tree emergencies on City properties and public streets; tree planting and expansion of urban forest services; measurement and assessment of urban forest coverage, health, and services; offering community education and stewardship programs; and oversight and support of the City’s volunteer advisory tree board. Portland is a Tree City USA for 49 years; a Tree City of the World and the Urban Forestry program is accredited by the Urban and Community Forestry Society (formerly the Society of Municipal Arborists). About the Bureau Portland Parks & Recreation is committed to the overall Citywide vision that race will have no detrimental effect on people of color, refugee, and immigrant communities in accessing our parks and natural areas, or from the benefit of our services. We recognize, understand, and encourage celebration of the differences that surround us. Diversity and equity are vital to PP&R’s ideals and values. The City of Portland, Oregon is a growing and diverse city of 650,000 residents, nearly 20% of whom speak languages other than English at home. PP&R values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. PP&R encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, abilities, and socio‑economic backgrounds. Although not required, PP&R encourages candidates who can fluently speak another language to include that information in their application materials. Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Minimum Qualifications The following minimum qualifications are required for this position: Experience managing right‑of‑way and private property tree planting and young tree care, including tree procurement, establishment, pruning, contractor management, industry best practices, quality control, and monitoring. Experience supervising and/or leading an urban forestry team, such as hiring, training, motivating, assigning work, and managing performance. Experience developing and implementing new programs, including creating project scopes, developing work plans, tracking progress, and evaluating outcomes. Experience working to improve equitable outcomes. Applicant Must Also Possess A valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record. ISA Certified Arborist certification within the first 9 months of employment. Equal Employment Opportunity City of Portland Core Values Recruitment Process - Work Status Equal Employment Opportunity Veteran Preference ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations An Equal Opportunity / Affinnece Action Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Portland,-Oregon