Senior Planner-Natural Resources

City of Charleston

About The Position

This position is responsible for performing complex specialized zoning work involving the administration of tree protection and natural resource related aspects of the zoning ordinance, review of landscape and site development plans, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the preservation and enhancement of the City’s urban forest and natural assets in compliance with city regulations. Coordinate and execute natural resource zoning work, serving as the subject matter expert on tree protection, landscape buffers, and open space requirements Review site development and landscape plans for compliance with zoning regulations, specifically regarding tree surveys, critical root zone protection, mitigation calculations, and species selection Evaluate tree removal permit applications and determine mitigation requirements based on tree health, size, and species significance Conduct detailed site inspections to verify tree protection barriers are in place prior to construction and ensure landscape installation matches approved plans Investigate potential violations of the tree ordinance (e.g., illegal cutting, encroachment into protection zones) and issue stop-work orders or citations as necessary Perform tree health assessments in the context of development applications to verify claims of hazard or disease Research and prepare amendments to zoning ordinances focused on canopy retention, native plant usage, and environmental best practices Prepare agendas, technical reports, and recommendations for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Design Review Boards regarding natural resource impacts Create and maintain environmental data, including tree inventories, mitigation banking records, and tree canopy map layers Coordinate outreach activities to educate developers and citizens on the value of tree preservation and compliance with environmental zoning codes Additional duties as assigned

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree with 5 - 7 years of experience Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of arboriculture principles, tree physiology, and construction impacts on trees.
Experience interpreting landscape ordinances, reading grading plans, and identifying plant species
Valid state issued driver's license

Nice To Haves

Master degree in Planning, Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Planning, Horticulture or related field preferred
ISA Certified Arborist strongly preferred (or ability to obtain within 18 months)
AICP or Landscape Architect licensure is a plus

Responsibilities

Coordinate and execute natural resource zoning work, serving as the subject matter expert on tree protection, landscape buffers, and open space requirements
Review site development and landscape plans for compliance with zoning regulations, specifically regarding tree surveys, critical root zone protection, mitigation calculations, and species selection
Evaluate tree removal permit applications and determine mitigation requirements based on tree health, size, and species significance
Conduct detailed site inspections to verify tree protection barriers are in place prior to construction and ensure landscape installation matches approved plans
Investigate potential violations of the tree ordinance (e.g., illegal cutting, encroachment into protection zones) and issue stop-work orders or citations as necessary
Perform tree health assessments in the context of development applications to verify claims of hazard or disease
Research and prepare amendments to zoning ordinances focused on canopy retention, native plant usage, and environmental best practices
Prepare agendas, technical reports, and recommendations for the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Design Review Boards regarding natural resource impacts
Create and maintain environmental data, including tree inventories, mitigation banking records, and tree canopy map layers
Coordinate outreach activities to educate developers and citizens on the value of tree preservation and compliance with environmental zoning codes
Additional duties as assigned