Forester​/Landscaping Inspector

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, arboriculture, or plant sciences such as botany or horticulture or a related field, and two years’ experience in tree protection and management, or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
• Must possess International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification, or must obtain within one year of hire date.
• A valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7;
  Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24‑month period, the applicant’s Motor Vehicle Record has more than three moving traffic infractions or three or more at‑fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and/or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
• Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre‑hire and ongoing are required.

This is highly responsible professional and technical work in the implementation and maintenance of the tree protection and landscaping ordinances for Alachua County. An employee assigned to this classification plans, organizes, manages, and directs the functions associated with the protection of trees and implementation of good forestry and landscaping practices. Responsible for proper implementation of and compliance with the tree protection ordinance and landscaping ordinance of Alachua County.

Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observations of results obtained.

• Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work.
• Exudes a positive customer service focus.
• Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.
• Ensures proper implementation of the tree protection ordinance for the protection of trees and the landscaping ordinance for implementation of good forestry and landscaping practices through the development plan review process.
• Investigates public complaints and advises general public on care and maintenance of trees.
• Reviews and comments on development plans for compliance with County policy for adequate tree protection and tree canopy preservation. In addition, reviews include landscape plan analysis for compliance with County Comprehensive Plan and Unified Land Development Code.
• Conducts field investigations and interviews and provides assistance to the public relating to implementation of the tree protection and landscaping ordinances for land development.
• Inspects construction work in progress to ensure compliance with landscape specifications, to approve quality of materials and work, and to advise client and construction personnel on landscape features.
• Advises general public, developers, and contractors on requirements of appropriate County ordinances; reviews County development projects and provides recommendations on tree related items; inspects encroachment permits affecting trees.
• Develops and implements amendments or changes to the tree protection and landscaping ordinances, as required.
• Prepares preliminary and final reports based on research, interviews, and/or field investigations.
• Drives a County vehicle and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties.
• Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.
• NOTE:
  
  These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Extensive knowledge of current Urban Forestry and landscape design principles and practices. Thorough knowledge of arboricultural principles…