Landscape Inspector

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

21h • $25 - $30 • 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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Arboriculture, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Design, or Landscape Construction, or a related field, and four (4) years related experience, including experience with GPS or GIS; or any combination of equivalent experience and education.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

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

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.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, contractors, property owners, and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Work is performed with limited supervision
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• 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 City of Chattanooga and contract crews.
• Assists with scheduling of work orders by City of Chattanooga and contract crews.
• Creates, mails, and tracks code enforcement actions.
• Reports to the Municipal Forester, and communicates directly with the Forestry Supervisor and Tree Canopy Coordinator 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 restoring of Water Quality buffers and any required trees or vegetated elements.
• Inspects and ensures compliance for installation and maintenance of Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) as related to vegetation when appropriate.
• Creating and implementing new specifications and standards for City departments where native plants are used.
• Reviews 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.

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: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees