Senior Landscape Planner

Job Title

Professional landscape architecture, arboricultural, and development compliance work performed with considerable independence.

Provides technical guidance and professional determinations, focusing on landscaping, tree preservation, irrigation, and signage. Performs activities associated with development applications, including reviewing development plans for compliance with applicable codes; conducts inspections; prepares professional reports and recommendations to boards and City Council; and collects and analyzes data for use in various media and the City's Comprehensive Plan.

Reviews and analyzes development, landscape, tree disposition, vegetation removal, and related plans for compliance with City Code and related standards. Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable standards, including but not limited to landscaping, tree protection, irrigation, proper planting techniques, and signage. Provides technical guidance to applicants, design professionals, and the public, regarding related compliance requirements including landscaping, tree protection, irrigation, and signage.

Prepares and presents written determinations, technical reports, and recommendations on landscaping and development compliance matters to the City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, Development Review Committee, and other City boards. Coordinates with the Code Compliance Division on development compliance matters, violations, enforcement cases, and participation with Special Magistrate as needed. Performs professional assessments involving tree health, species appropriateness, canopy management, and related landscape compliance issues.

Leads community outreach, prepares handouts and guidelines related to landscaping, irrigation, tree care, and water conservation. Leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of City beautification and landscape enhancement projects, ensuring consistency with City aesthetic and environmental goals; maintains Tree City USA designation. Utilizes GIS and other mapping programs for project research and review. Collects and analyzes data for development related reports and studies conducted by the Development and Neighborhood Services Department.

Assists in the periodic review and update of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and other landscaping-related regulations and recommends changes to the regulations as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of landscape architecture and arboriculture principles, practices, and standards, including Florida-friendly landscaping, irrigation, tree preservation, and canopy management. Applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, regulations, codes, and policies pertaining to landscaping, tree protection, environmental review, and development compliance. Methods for drafting reports, regulations, policies, and ordinance texts. Computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drafting, and graphic presentation techniques, etc.

Ability to communicate effectively in written, oral, and graphic form, including presenting findings to boards, City Council, and other groups. Interpret and apply complex regulations, construction drawings, site plans, signage plans, landscape/tree preservation plans, and convey City ordinances and regulations to design professionals as well as the general public. Provide professional opinions and technical evaluations on landscape and arboricultural issues consistent with industry standards.

Plan, prioritize, manage, track and meet deadlines for multiple projects with varying completion dates and varying complexity. Develop and implement policies and procedures. Work independently on complex assignments. Coordinate and provide oversight for tasks assigned to administrative and planning staff as directed by the Department Director or designee. Maintain courteous demeanor with high standards for professional and ethical conduct. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public…