Arborist

Nassau County Board of County Commissioners•Nassau County, FL

11d

About The Position

The Arborist monitors construction and development projects for compliance with tree protection and landscape codes and policies, safeguards Nassau County’s tree assets from construction impacts and unpermitted removal, and addresses tree protection, landscape design, and arboriculture matters. The position reviews tree protection plan applications, inspects compliance with the Amelia Island–Nassau County tree protection ordinance, assists County departments with related inspections, and reviews tree-canopy health requests in unincorporated areas of Amelia Island. The role involves considerable public contact and requires patience, sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy. It is primarily field-based outdoors, with occasional availability outside normal operating hours to respond to tree emergencies and assist during emergency storm events. The Arborist reviews plans and assessments, conducts field inspections, monitors tree-related activities, provides technical guidance, investigates potential violations and maintenance requests, and supports tree planting programs. The position also performs administrative and public-service duties, maintains records and plans, prepares reports and presentations, coordinates with County staff and the public, and may lead project teams or serve on the Nassau County Amelia Island Tree Commission. Employees may be required to work in their current role or another role before, during, or after an emergency. The position requires a high school diploma or GED and graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, Landscape Architecture, or a related subject, supplemented by two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. International Society of Arboriculture Arborist certification and a valid State Driver’s License are required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, Landscape Architecture, or a related subject area, supplemented by two years of experience in urban forestry, horticulture, or landscape architecture; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may qualify.
Arborist certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.
Valid State Driver’s License.
Knowledge of Department and County methods, policies, and procedures; applicable laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations; County organization and related agencies; modern office practices and technology; and professional terminology relevant to the Department.
Ability to interpret and apply regulations and procedures; perform mathematical calculations; type accurately; operate and maintain office equipment; prepare reports and correspondence with attention to detail; and read and interpret relevant materials.
Ability to work independently using initiative and judgment, plan and prioritize assignments, learn and apply new information, and maintain effective relationships with County personnel, professionals, and the public.
Ability to perform duties courteously and with integrity, work under stressful conditions, and respond calmly and quickly in emergencies.
Ability to perform extended periods at a keyboard or workstation; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, reach, stand, walk, and climb; and lift and carry up to 25 pounds and push and pull.
Ability to work effectively indoors and outdoors despite occasional temperature extremes, wetness or humidity, rain, uneven terrain, dirt, dust, pollen, and odors; knowledge of occupational hazards and industry safety precautions.
Applicants are subject to a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

Review residential and existing non-residential tree removal, preservation, and protection plans for compliance with County codes and standards.
Evaluate and verify tree mitigation plans, arborist assessments, and mitigation calculations.
Conduct field inspections of Tree Protection Zone compliance and identify conflicts or discrepancies with proposed construction or disturbance limits.
Monitor tree removal activities and conduct final inspections of newly planted trees.
Provide technical guidance and recommendations regarding tree preservation, protection, and mitigation requirements.
Monitor and inspect planting, pruning, removal, and other tree-related activities in rights of way, tree conservation areas, and protected buffers.
Work with volunteers, provide training and oversight, coordinate schedules, and collaborate on special programs.
Track tree-planting success by gathering statistics and generating reports.
Inspect tree and landscape requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial development projects countywide.
Receive, investigate, and issue potential violations of County codes and statutes concerning trees in protection areas, protected buffers, and rights of way.
Investigate and respond to internal and external requests for tree maintenance and respond to citizen concerns, inquiries, and complaints.
Identify planting sites through field surveys and inventories; select or assist in selecting street trees; coordinate tree procurement, delivery, and planting; and oversee planting as needed, including contract planting.
Prepare, process, file, copy, and transmit documents, including correspondence, reports, notices, agendas, meeting minutes, budget documents, maintenance requests, charts, spreadsheets, manuals, work orders, forms, and logs.
Perform administrative support duties, including answering and forwarding calls, providing information, taking messages, scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars and files, compiling data, maintaining databases, issuing invoices, and processing payments.
Maintain records, plans, and specifications in accordance with County policy and planning principles.
Attend meetings and prepare and present oral presentations and staff reports to the Board of County Commissioners, Planning & Zoning Board, and related committees as needed.
May serve on the Nassau County Amelia Island Tree Commission and may lead, plan, and coordinate a project team.
Advise management of actions and potential risks; attend administrative and staff meetings as required.
Operate office equipment and interact professionally with County staff, departments, agencies, vendors, and the public.
Attend work regularly, follow attendance and leave-notice policies, and perform other related duties as assigned or required.
Respond to tree emergencies and assist during emergency storm events; employees may be assigned to work in any role as necessary during emergencies.