Office of the City Forester Plans Review Specialist I
About The Position
Denver Parks & Recreation’s Office of the City Forester is hiring a Plans Review Specialist to perform routine professional plans review work and support timely permitting with an emphasis on customer service. The role reviews and approves residential and commercial zoning and building permit requests for their effects on the urban forest, working directly with developers, contractors, property owners, and internal reviewing agencies. The specialist assesses plans for compliance with Denver forestry, zoning, and building codes and regulations; evaluates tree health and condition; coordinates with stakeholders and technical experts; monitors projects for compliance; and prepares project, permit, and revenue reports. The position may also request additional testing or studies as required by permitting guidelines. Work priorities include affordable housing applications alongside other forestry reviews and duties. The role follows Denver’s hybrid workplace model. Employees may report to a city site or work in the field, with an option to telecommute from a designated workplace within Colorado, depending on the work schedule. The position is listed as unlimited.
Requirements
- High school graduation or a GED, HiSET, or TASC certificate.
- Three years of experience applying codes and regulations to zoning and/or construction projects through design, plan review, construction, and/or inspections.
- A valid driver’s license at the time of application; licenses and certifications must remain current as a condition of employment.
- Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.
- Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to make decisions quickly using critical assessment and logical problem-solving skills.
Nice To Haves
- ISA Certified Arborist certification, Municipal Specialist credential, and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification.
- In-depth knowledge and experience evaluating tree health and condition in the Denver Front Range area.
- Experience with tree appraisal methodology.
- Technical knowledge of zoning and construction methods, codes, and regulations.
- Experience with code compliance and conflict resolution.
- Experience with the TreeKeeper inventory program and high proficiency with Microsoft suite software.
- Plans review experience.
Responsibilities
- Review and approve permit applications and development construction plans at various design and submission stages for compliance with Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 57, forestry rules and regulations, industry best management practices, and applicable arboricultural standards and construction methods.
- Review full building and construction plan sets for impacts to existing or proposed tree planting areas and tree canopy, including impacts resulting from changes required by other reviewing agencies.
- Research historical maps and documents and assess land dedication and easement plans, property setbacks, land-use designations, and mixed-use properties.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to advise on major construction projects and plans.
- Work directly with developers, contractors, architects, and property owners to review construction plans for adherence to forestry, zoning, and building codes and regulations for City permit issuance.
- Consult with engineers and other technical experts on complex permitting requests, unusual designs, and conformity or compliance issues; coordinate reviews as part of comprehensive construction committee project reviews.
- Evaluate the condition and health of protected trees before and after project and construction activities.
- Issue notices, corrective orders, administrative citations, and appraisal mitigation fees for noncompliance and tree damage.
- Monitor projects throughout their duration to ensure field and administrative requirements are completed as approved, required forestry permits are issued, and pending permits are approved timely.
- Request additional project testing and studies when required by permitting guidelines, including soil samples, tree health evaluations, pneumatic soil excavation, and review of storm, sanitary, erosion-control, and traffic-engineering studies and reports.
- Prepare management reports detailing projects, permits, and permit revenues, and maintain project files and reports.
- Adapt daily tasks and priorities to balance affordable housing applications with other forestry reviews and assigned duties.
Benefits
- A guaranteed lifelong monthly pension after vesting with five years of service.
- 457B Retirement Plan.
- 140 hours of PTO earned within the first year.
- 12 paid holidays, one personal holiday, one Wellness Day, and one volunteer day per year.
- Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within one month of the start date.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
