City of Tampa

This is a principal planning and technical position involving natural resources and tree, landscape and site clearing regulations and ordinances.

An employee in this class is responsible for acting in a group lead capacity; the implementation and enforcement of the municipal tree, site clearing and landscape ordinance for all private development projects; review of planned development applications for greenways and trail master plan applicability; implementation and enforcement of natural resources related regulations. Work is of considerable difficulty and includes coordinating the provision of specialized advice and assistance to city personnel; reviews landscape plans; performs field inspectional services in enforcement of the ordinance. The employee is responsible for coordinating and implementing natural resource projects through the department and civic groups. Under direction, considerable initiative and independent judgment are required in directing the efficient operation of activities. Tact and courtesy are required in contacts with the general public. Employee provides public relations and communication on behalf of the department. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted and results obtained.

Serves as the liaison in permitting and inspection matters that require elevated review and technical specialization.

Acts in a group lead capacity and coordinates review of public improvement and private development projects for natural resources related regulations; serves as primary natural resources regulatory authority, administering the City’s natural resources regulations; provides specialized advice and technical assistance to departmental and other city personnel on matters relating to the selection, care and maintenance of trees and natural areas; perform evaluation and inspection of sites and grand trees to resolve conflicts, determine compliance with appropriate ordinances, as well as evaluation and calibration of staff determinations to assure consistency in application. Oversees and coordinates the ongoing implementation of the Urban Forest Sustainability and Ecological Analysis (i.e. “Canopy Study”) as required in Chapter 27 of City Code.

Oversees ongoing efforts and leads associated implementation of the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan, including requirements for studies, meetings, and interagency working groups as adopted by City Council.

Provides review oversight for projects related to Upland/Wetland Habitat and Wildlife Habitat Preservation.

Participates in studies for land development regulations for natural resources, as required by amendments to the city comprehensive plan or other code changes.

Acts as department representative in dealings with other city departments, public agencies as well as private groups in regard to plan review and permit responsibilities; conducts review of Development of Regional Impact, development agreements, rezoning plans, subdivision, special use and other plans for comment and reports to be provided for City Council, Variance Review Board, Architectural Review Commission, and Barrio Latino Commission; reviews public improvement projects for compliance and protection of trees and natural areas; interprets applicable ordinances and advises developers and others on the requirements; consults on City Code revisions relating to landscaping, natural areas and directs investigations of complaints regarding ordinance and permit violations through the Code Enforcement Board.

Responds to public inquiries and or complaints in order to provide information and resolve or refer to proper area for resolution. Coordinates with Risk Management providing expert tree condition evaluations on public properties and rights-of-way related to claims.

Coordinates and participates in the Sustainable Communities program assuring compliance with interlocal agreement with Hillsborough County and State Department of Community Affairs. Coordinates and participates in ELAPP committee meetings with Hillsborough County.

Serves as liaison with City and County Planning Commissions for comprehensive plan issues with emphasis on  coastal management, environmentally sensitive lands, and recreation/open space; confers with Legal Department representatives to coordinate ordinances, resolutions and development agreements; ensures that all reviewing agencies provide proper and complete responses, comply with regulatory provisions applicable to reviews, and respond within allocated time periods; participates in special projects; meets with citizens and development community petitioners to resolve problems related to the development process.

Performs related work as required.

 

Considerable knowledge of: principles and techniques of arboriculture, horticulture, effective landscaping improvement, tree maintenance, and natural areas planning.  

Working knowledge of: trees and plants indigenous to Florida; Florida ecosystems; ordinance interpretation and permit processes.  

Ability to: enforce regulations and ordinances with impartiality and tact; read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications; maintain necessary records and prepare periodic reports both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the general public; collect and analyze data and reach sound conclusions; implement projects; operate a light motor vehicle.

Sitting, standing, walking; combination of indoors and outdoors. Requires some use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or a related field and three (3) years experience in landscaping, forestry, nursery operations or related work as well as one (1) year experience in tree and landscape inspections. Or an equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license; and certification as an Arborist required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.