The purpose of this position is to provide oversight and advanced technical assistance, training and analysis related to complex City planning initiatives and land development applications related to preservation, site plan development, inspections, and enforcement of all aspects of vegetation. This lead worker role will take on some supervisory functions and play a critical part in providing a proactive approach to balancing urban development with the preservation of green spaces, Collaborating closely with urban planners and developers to integrate trees into new construction projects and create harmonious landscapes that benefit both residents and the environment. This collaborative approach helps maintain healthy tree populations within urban areas while accommodating necessary infrastructure improvements. This position is supervised by the Director of Planning and Development Services.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hiring salary range: $72,571.20 - $92,539.20/Annually, depending on qualifications

Full salary range: $72,571.20 -$112,486.40/Annually

This is a continuous recruitment and open until filled.

• Conducts the review of various planning activities relating, but not limited to, site plans, rezonings, preliminary and final plats, special use permits, annexations, by performing technical reviews of the city code, maps and the comprehensive plan and making presentations to the appropriate board, commission, and/or City Council.
• Serves as staff to Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, and/or City Council meetings, as needed to provide support on vegetation and forestry issues related to development projects.
• Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence related to the City’s vegetation standards and vision, and reviews work product for correctness.
• Writes, or assists in writing, and reviews for correctness, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls, including tree and vegetation related ordinances, policies and procedures.
• Prepare, review and maintain electronic and hard copy case files and data files related to complaints, site plan reviews, and other documentation.
• Duties primarily focused on tree protection, bufferyards, vegetation and screening ordinance along with educational practices with property owners, contractors, and land development professionals.
• Act as staff liaison to the Public Works Department to collaborate with the City Arborist on the provision of proactive education and outreach, development of educational documents, assess tree needs and concerns, and evaluate the City’s tree canopy and goals to improve the same.
• Oversee compliance and enforcement of vegetation, including the implementation by other employees, through the use of site inspections and investigations, before, during and after development to ensure sites meet the designed level of vegetation in perpetuity.
• Attend meetings, as required, including pre-development conference meetings and other meetings, with applicants, engineers, planners, and/or citizens to provide oversight and technical assistance related to trees and vegetation.
• Oversee and conduct research and assessment of technical and industry developments in tree preservation to identify "best management practices" and recommend revisions to standards and details.
• Utilize planning tools, such as GIS, to retrieve parcel data, create presentations, etc.
• Work with other City departments and/or outside agencies to oversee the resolution of conflicts that involve related duties to minimize delays for projects.
• Other duties as necessary or directed.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources sciences, natural resources management, landscape or environmental planning, horticulture or closely related field from an accredited university or college
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible work in forestry or natural resources management; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

OR

• Master’s degree in forestry, natural resources sciences, natural resources management, landscape or environmental planning, horticulture or closely related field from an accredited university or college
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible work in forestry or natural resources management; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of urban planning, including socioeconomic implications of planning, and thorough knowledge of the City's subdivision and development program (specifically with tree protection, bufferyards, vegetation, and screening).
• Historic Design Guideline applications and practices relative to landscaping within historic districts, national or local register properties.
• Land use concepts, population density, and annexation problems/concerns.
• Quantitative methods and research techniques; good understanding of the municipal government framework.
• Landscape plant material, including types, growth habits and rates and planting requirements.
• Current tree preservation practices pertaining to construction activities.
• Recommended standards, specifications and practices of the International Society of Arboriculture.

Skill in:

• Use of computer applications for the preparation of charts, graphs and maps, and to evaluate and exhibit interpreting statistical data.
• Ability to develop and deliver educational materials and classes on vegetation related topics.

Ability to:

• Organize and conduct complex planning and research studies and formulate relevant recommendations.
• Prepare and maintain with technical accuracy comprehensive master city plans and maps, especially as they apply to land use planning for vegetation and trees.
• Direct, supervise, and coordinate several major planning projects concurrently.
• Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports of planning activities to internal and external agencies.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, other City employees and officials, and other departments.
• Review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.

• Valid driver's license (Class C) and acceptable driving record.
• This position requires attendance at one or more monthly evening meetings.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and/or Landscape Architect Professional designation.