Boards & Commissions

Current openings

Hydrologist or similar professional sought for Seattle Urban Forestry Commission

The Seattle Urban Forestry Commission is looking for a new member to fill Position # 4 (hydrologist or similar professional). A hydrologist or similar professional, preferably with expertise in the study of natural drainage, climate or air quality, or a combination thereof is preferred. The term would start upon confirmation by City Council and would extend through December 1, 2019. This position is appointed by the Mayor, and confirmed by City Council, for a renewable, three-year term.

The ten-member UFC consists of a wildlife biologist; an urban ecologist; a representative of a local, state, or federal natural resource agency or an accredited university; a hydrologist; a certified arborist; a representative of a non-profit or non-governmental organization; a representative of the development community or a representative from a non-city utility; a landscape architect, an economist, financial analyst, or Washington State license real estate broker; and a Get Engaged young adult.

The City of Seattle set the bold goal of achieving 30 percent tree canopy cover by 2037 to increase the environmental, social, and economic benefits trees bring to Seattle residents. The Seattle Urban Forest Stewardship Plan (UFSP) is a comprehensive strategy for increasing Seattle’s tree canopy cover to meet the 30 percent target. The UFSP lays out goals and a broad range of actions to be implemented over time to preserve, maintain, and plant trees as well as restore the public forested areas remaining in the city. More information about Seattle's urban forest program can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/trees/management.htm

The Urban Forestry Commission was established in 2009 by Ordinance 123052 to advise the Mayor and City Council concerning the establishment of policy and regulations governing the protection, management, and conservation of trees and vegetation in the City of Seattle. Commission meetings are held twice a month on the first and second Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commission members generally must commit approximately 10 hours per month to Commission business and serve without compensation. Additional information about the Urban Forestry Commission can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/trees/UFcommission.htm

Applications are due February 15, 2017.

To be considered, please send a letter of interest and resume to Sandra Pinto de Bader (Sandrant.Pio_de_Bader@seattle.gov). To send a paper submittal, address it to: Sandra Pinto de Bader, Urban Forestry Commission Liaison, Urban Forestry Commission, Office of Sustainability and Environment, City of Seattle, 700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1868. PO Box 94729, Seattle, WA 98124-4729.

For more information, please contact Sandra Pinto de Bader, Urban Forestry Commission Liaison, at (206) 684-3194 or via email at Sandra.Pinto_de_Bader@seattle.gov

Seattle Mayor Seeking Board Members for Seattle Fire Code Advisory Board

The Mayor of Seattle is seeking board members for the Seattle Fire Code Advisory Board to represent the services industry (including nightclubs, entertainment, and retail), or the insurance industry.  Board members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed the City Council.  They advise the City on updates and revisions to the code and have played a crucial role in shaping the City's fire code to ensure it works for those who live, visit and conduct business in Seattle. This is a rewarding professional role and we look forward to hearing from you.

To apply: contact Karen.grove@seattle.gov or visit http://www.seattle.gov/fire/FMO/firecode/fcab.htm for the simple application form.  We encourage people with multicultural backgrounds or experience serving diverse populations to apply.  Applications requested by 2/24/2017. Positions open until filled.

Mayor Edward Murray and Seattle City Council are seeking community members to serve on the City's new Community Involvement Commission (CIC). The 16-member commission was created by an executive order issued by Mayor Murray to advise the City on priorities, policies, and strategies related to equitable civic engagement and public participation in City decision-making processes. It will also provide feedback on the development of City departments' community involvement plans. The Board will be composed of 16 members – seven appointed by City Council (by Council District) and seven appointed by the Mayor with one of his appointments reserved for a young adult through the Get Engaged program. The final two members will be selected by the Commission once established. All the appointments are subject to City Council confirmation.

Initially, the Commission will meet monthly at Seattle City Hall. Commissioners will serve without compensation and must commit approximately 3-6 hours per month to Commission business.

If you are interested in being considered, complete the online application by Wednesday, March 1 by 5 p.m. If you cannot submit the application online, contact Seattle Department of Neighborhoods at 206-684-0464 and an application will be mailed to you or you can pick one up at its office (Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, 4th floor) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If mailing the application, it must be postmarked by March 1. Mail it to: Tom Van Bronkhorst, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, PO Box 94649, Seattle, WA 98124-4649. Translated online and paper versions of the application in Korean, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese are available.  

For more information or for questions, contact Tom Van Bronkhorst at (206) 233-3954 or email NewDON@seattle.gov. You can also learn more about the Community Involvement Commission on our website.

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the city's boards and commissions. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.

The City is committed to promoting diversity in the City's boards and commissions. Persons of color, women, persons with disabilities, and sexual minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Commissioners must reside in Seattle and serve without compensation.