Landscape Inspector

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

2d • $25 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for inspecting and directing the management of trees and vegetation on public and private property to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, a high level of public safety, and research-backed vegetation management practices. Duties include conducting inspections and risk assessments of landscape installations on construction sites, and for trees citywide by citizen and City Forester request, and creating work orders to address maintenance needs. Work requires regular communication with City officials, regulatory agencies, developers, and citizens. Work is performed with limited supervision.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree—or relevant coursework—in Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, Landscape Construction, combined with five (5) years of professional field experience, including experience with GSP or GIS, or any combination of equivalent experience and education.
• Valid Driver’s License
• ISA Arborist Certification is required within six (6) months of hire.
• ISA TRAQ Certification is required within one (1) year of hire.
• State of Tennessee Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control Certificate Level 1 within six (6) months of hire.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; site development; forestry, landscape, and horticulture principles and practices.
• Skill in plant identification.
• Skill in interpreting, applying, and communicating applicable laws, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; selecting, caring for, and maintaining trees; identifying tree species; and communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand construction documents, including plans, details, and specifications.

Nice To Haves

• Certificate in Native Plants within six (6) months of hire is preferred.
• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Professional Accreditation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Confirms ownership and location of trees and plant material using site plans, surveys, GIS, and other tools.
• Inspects trees and plant material for correct species, proper planting, health, and structure.
• Conducts risk assessments of City- and privately-owned trees.
• Inspects construction sites for compliance with City tree planting, tree protection, and tree provisioning standards.
• Communicates with Developers, Contractors, Homeowners, and Regulatory Agencies.
• As needed, attends pre-submittal meetings to inform architects, owners, and contractors of City landscape ordinance and design issues.
• Assists in the selection, care, and maintenance of City trees in local parks and in other public areas.
• Performs various manual tasks associated with tree protection activities, which may include: planting trees; measuring trees; taking samples from trees; spraying pesticides; cutting tree limbs; removing trees/branches from roadways; dragging brush; and performing other related activities.
• Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include a utility truck, hand saw, drill, spray pump, increment borer, hypsometer, measuring devices, shovel, hand tools, or mechanic tools.
• Prepares, reviews, completes, and stores various forms, reports, correspondence, permits, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, site plans, grading plans, specifications, ordinances, textbooks, technical journals, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate.
• Reviews and inspects 311 requests relating to maintenance of City-owned trees.
• Writes detailed ANSI A300-compliant urban forestry work orders to be completed by the City of Chattanooga and contract crews.
• Assists with scheduling of work orders by the City of Chattanooga and contract crews.
• Creates, mails, and tracks code enforcement actions.
• May communicate directly with the Forestry division staff regarding upcoming maintenance work.
• Ensure that local construction sites comply with Federal, State, and City Landscape and Stormwater (Vegetated Green Infrastructure/Water Quality Buffer Vegetation) permits, requirements, laws, and regulations via inspections.
• Reads, interprets, and reviews land-disturbing and building permits for compliance and/or restoration of Water Quality buffers and any required trees or vegetated elements.
• May inspect and ensure compliance with the installation and maintenance of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) as related to vegetation when appropriate.
• May create and implement new specifications and standards for City departments where native plants are used.
• May review development plans to ensure plans are in compliance with applicable landscape and urban tree ordinances; conducts related site inspections to monitor compliance of work activities with approved site plans, traffic plans, and grading plans.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level