Forester Examiner

An employee in this class is responsible for acting in a lead capacity and participating in technical inspections to enforce municipal tree, landscape and site clearing regulations and ordinances. Work is of more than average difficulty and involves the inspection of trees for which removal permits have been sought, the examination of landscaping and site clearing plans, and the inspection of landscaping and site clearing work to ensure conformance with approved plans and/or municipal ordinances. Tasks include fieldwork, public contact, and training of technical inspections personnel. Under general supervision, the employee is required to exercise reasonable initiative and independent judgment in making tree removal decisions, approving/disapproving plans and permits, and maintaining good public relations. Work is  performed through meetings, reports submitted, and field verification.

Acts in a lead capacity and participates in the inspection of trees for which removal permits have been sought as well as inspections to diagnose fungal, bacterial, viral, insectile and other pathological conditions, and inspections of wind, lightning, fire, and other forms of physical damage to trees; issues or denies tree removal permits based on inspections and/or diagnoses made; explains decision-making rationale and interprets ordinance requirements to the public and other concerned parties; confers with legal staff to secure opinions for use in legal proceedings; reviews architectural drawings to identify conflicts with actual field conditions; contacts project developer to obtain required documentation.

Inspects submitted landscaping, tree removal, and site clearing plans to assure conformance with municipal codes and ordinances; coordinates with lower level inspectors regarding site inspections to ascertain correctness of information contained in submitted plans; reviews factors and grants or denies applications; notifies applicants in writing of reasons in event of denial; assigns and participates in inspections of site clearing activities to assure work is performed in accordance with approved plans; reads and interprets blueprints, technical drawings, diagrams, plans and specifications, etc. to facilitate proper construction.

Assigns and participates in inspections of tree and landscaping installation required by municipal ordinance; ensures that quality, quantity and type of plant materials used are acceptable; ensures that proper procedures for protection of existing and installation of new plants are followed; ensures that provisions for maintenance and care of plant materials are provided.

Coordinates with utility engineers and representatives in order to locate lines; operates a light motor vehicle.

Instructs inspectional personnel in care, elementary disease diagnosis and maintenance of trees and other plant materials; participates in developing procedures, policies, and ordinance amendment proposals related to tree removal, landscaping, and site clearing; attends meetings and provides requested information to members of City Council, Variance Review Board and other variance approving boards; prepares and presents reports as required; keeps informed of ordinances, laws, statutes, etc. that affect the operation.

Consults with other site plan review staff (stormwater, zoning, transportation) to ensure the code requirements for other disciplines can be met without conflicts to the tree and landscape code.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of: the principles and practices of ornamental horticulture; fungal, bacterial, viral, insectile, and other pathological conditions affecting trees; field and laboratory procedures employed in diagnosing diseased and physically damaged trees; landscaping procedures and practices; the effects that site clearing and tree removal have on drainage, topography, and natural resources; training techniques.

Ability to: conduct inspections and make diagnoses of pathological plant conditions; ascertain reparability of diseased and physically damaged trees; review landscaping plans and draw sound conclusions regarding their acceptance or rejection; enforce codes, ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully, and impartially; perform work out-of-doors requiring a degree of physical endurance; train personnel in tree and landscaping inspections; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and the general public; operate a light motor vehicle.

Ability to lift 40-60 lbs., mostly standing and a combination of working 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 six (6) months experience in landscaping, forestry, nursery operations or related work; 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.

Six (6) months experience in tree and landscape inspections is preferred. 

Possession of:

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

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. 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.

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