Landscape Inspector I/II

City of Palm Desert•Palm Desert, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Palm Desert is seeking a qualified candidate for the Landscape Inspector I/II position. This role is crucial for maintaining the aesthetic appeal and health of public landscaped areas within the community. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a background in landscaping and horticulture. Hands-on experience with automatic and central irrigation systems is highly desirable. The position requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, proficiency in computer software for data tracking and reporting, and the capability to prepare detailed reports on landscape conditions and needs. The City values individuals committed to creating a vibrant environment and enhancing the beauty and functionality of the city's outdoor spaces. This is a flexibly staffed position, with potential for advancement from I to II based on performance and acquisition of necessary skills and experience.

Requirements

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license by the time of appointment.
Two (2) years of progressive experience in landscaping and irrigation maintenance preferred (Landscape Inspector I).
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience equivalent to that of a Landscape Inspector I in the City of Palm Desert, including contractor oversight and operational reporting (Landscape Inspector II).
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of materials, methods, principles, and practices used in landscape construction and maintenance.
Knowledge of principles and practices of landscape construction inspection.
Knowledge of basic practices of construction contract administration in a public agency setting.
Knowledge of technical principles and practices of landscape design, specification, and cost estimate preparation.
Knowledge of defects and faults in construction.
Knowledge of basic mathematics related to landscaping and construction.
Knowledge of irrigation system design, installation, operation and troubleshooting.
Knowledge of industry pruning practices and safety standards.
Knowledge of standard specifications and work area Traffic Control Handbook (Watch Manual).
Knowledge of local plant species and desert-adapted materials, including growth habits.
Knowledge of soil, climate, and water conservation principles.
Knowledge of application and calibration of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
Knowledge of horticultural planning and seasonal maintenance strategies.
Ability to interpret and apply codes, plans, specifications, and safety standards.
Ability to identify deficiencies and direct corrective action relating to problems about landscape installation and maintenance issues.
Ability to identify landscape planting using personal knowledge and available resources.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, codes, ordinances and policies governing the maintenance and construction of landscape projects.
Ability to understand and interpret landscape plans and specifications.
Ability to apply knowledge and proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard practices.
Ability to enforce necessary regulations and contracts with firmness and tact.
Ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time and prioritize work independently.
Ability to understand and execute oral and written directions.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff and contractors.
Ability to adhere to work schedule.
Ability to follow verbal and written directions from supervisors.
Ability to interact effectively and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to understand and follow work rules.
Ability to accept constructive criticism.
Ability to work in stressful situations and conditions.
Ability to make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
Ability to effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with vendors and other organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
Ability to establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
Ability to organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Ability to effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Understanding of intermediate computer skills and programs (Landscape Inspector II).
Has advanced horticultural knowledge (Landscape Inspector II).

Nice To Haves

Specialized training in horticulture and ground maintenance is desirable.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) within one year of appointment.
Overseeding Certification.
Certified Arborist.

Responsibilities

Conducts and documents field inspections of landscape contract areas.
Makes recommendations for improvements and develops implementation plans.
Fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and acts as a liaison with various agencies.
Monitors compliance with City specifications, ordinances, plans, and contractual obligations.
Works closely with landscape installation and maintenance contractors to ensure proper performance, successful installations, and upkeep of landscaped areas.
Maintains inspection logs and prepares detailed reports on project conditions and contractor performance.
Inspects landscaped areas for quality and quantity of materials used in a variety of landscape projects during various stages of construction, installation, and eventual maintenance.
Monitors contractual obligations of landscape contractors including contract specifications, work schedules and safety standards.
Prepares and maintains daily logs on construction, installation and/or maintenance performed.
Documents work progress, deficiencies and corrective action required with consistent follow through to ensure work is completed satisfactorily and maintained properly.
Observes work during progress and completion; confers with contractors, superintendents, inspectors; ensures that safety procedures are followed; advises contractors of deficiencies; and issues stop work orders when appropriate authority obtained.
Participates in the development of new parks and landscaped areas as assigned.
Interprets plans and specifications on existing landscape projects to ensure compliance with code ordinances and regulations.
Recommends corrective action as needed for compliance.
Understands and analyzes landscaping data such as irrigation and fertilization quantities, and makes recommendations related to landscape maintenance.
Maintains phone records, project files, correspondence and logs on all landscape projects inspected.
Understands and interprets laws, regulations and methods about the application of chemical herbicides and pesticides.
Communicates effectively with colleagues and vendors regarding planting techniques, irrigation adjustments, overseeding procedures, and appropriate fertilizer application rates.
Provides guidance on best practices for planting, irrigation, fertilizing, and overseeding.
Acts as liaison between the City, contractors, other divisions and agencies, and businesses and residents affected by projects; maintains communication among the parties and researches and responds to questions and provides information to contractors, City staff, and the public; investigates complaints; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues; interprets operating policies and procedures to staff and the public.
Participates in landscape projects and facility repair work as needed.
Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Plans, organizes, and carries out assignments from management staff with minimal direction (Landscape Inspector II).
Assists in development and implementation of assigned programs, projects, and activities in an independent and cooperative manner, evaluates alternatives, makes sound recommendations, and prepares effective technical and administrative reports (Landscape Inspector II).
Assists in the development of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards (Landscape Inspector II).