Location: Tampa,FL, USA
Salary:
Min: $40,476.40
Mid: $56,804.80
Max: $72,862.00
Job Overview
This position is working within the Development Services Department and the Natural Resources Section. The ideal candidate will possess a strong knowledge of standard Customer Service best practices, be a certified arborist or on the path to becoming one, code enforcement experience or knowledge, understand how to read construction plans, and possess an overall understanding of the protection of natural resources.
Experience in de-escalating situations and the ability to handle many code cases at one and prioritize work priorities is critical. Must be able to make quick and critical decisions within a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision. This position will require the individual to correspond/interact with various managers/leaders from other sections and departments and occasionally with commissioner aides so the ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing is a must.
* Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or a Natural Science
* Education and/or experience in stormwater/hydrology
* Florida Association of Code Enforcement Level I Certification
* Certified Arborist
Core Competencies
* Customer Commitment: Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provides the highest standards of service.
* Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity: Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional, and ethical behaviors that establish trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
* Organizational Excellence: Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
* Success through Teamwork: Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.
Duties and Responsibilities
Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.
Single Family Residential Land Alterations/Landscaping (LAL) Permits:
Inspections:
* Conduct Single Family inspections for tree impacts, identify grand oaks, wetland setback encroachment, listed species, prescribe protective measures (barricades, root pruning), and determine replacement requirements (plantings and/or restoration fund contributions) based on the submitted site plan.
* Conduct Commercial Landscaping Inspections to confirm that all minimally required landscaping (trees, hedges, buffers, vines, screening, etc.) has been installed in accordance with approved site plans, including ensuring existing tree preservation and pruning efforts comply with ANSI 300 A standards for tree care.
* Performs other related duties.
* Receive and review tree removal applications, conduct in-person Level 2 tree assessments on residential, multi-family, commercial, institutional, right of way, and other site locations to determine the condition of the tree(s) and determine if the tree is authorized to be removed or denied.
* Meet with HOA's/CDD to assist with neighborhood tree conservation programs.
* Liaison with citizens to deliver correct information for the County's Tree Program.
Code Enforcement Cases:
* Respond to citizens' complaints to investigate violations of upland environmental county code violations including unpermitted tree work/removal, land alterations, wetland setback violations, and land alterations that alter flow of storm water.
* Conduct site investigations that involve understanding of land alterations, wetland setbacks, and tree removal. Make independent determinations if a site is in violation with the land development code.
* Preparation of investigation reports; send or post Notice of Violation, warning letters, and stop work orders.
* Actively work with violators (homeowners, businesses, tree companies) in efforts to obtain voluntary compliance.
* Monitor cases to ensure notices are sent to all violators and property owners; bring cases to Special Magistrate hearing if the case is not actively being resolved.
* Provide testimony at the special magistrate hearing.
* Perform other related duties as assigned.
Nature of Work/Work Category
* Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg control requires exertion of forces greater than that of sedentary work and if the worker sits most of the time, the job is considered light work.
* Work outside in a sub-tropical climate under adverse weather conditions. Work non-standard hours. Work under stressful conditions.
* Walking, sitting for extended periods of time while driving.
Minimum Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Natural Science, Natural Resources, Environmental or Landscape Architecture; OR
* An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-specific competencies; AND
* Possession of current FL Driver's License.
Job-Specific Competencies
* Knowledge of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Listed Species Guidelines.
* Knowledge of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Listed Species Guidelines.
* Knowledge of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Silvicultural Management Practices.
* Knowledge of tree entomology and pathology principles and guidelines.
* Knowledge of Urban Forestry and Arboriculture principles and guidelines.
* Knowledge of the Natural Resources and Landscaping Section of the Land Development Code.
* Knowledge of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services listed plant species.
* Knowledge of trees/plants species for identification purposes.
* Knowledgeable of investigation procedures to include county, state, and federal laws.
* Knowledgeable of computer programs; to include Word, excel, PowerPoint, and outlook.
* Knowledgeable of County programs; Optix, Property Appraiser, Clerk of Courts and Accela.
* Knowledgeable of FEMA and County Flood zones.
* Ability to evaluate project designs for the preservation of natural resources.
* Ability to evaluate tree removal applications for compliance with code criteria.
* Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.
* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
* Ability to maintain work related records.
* Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
* Ability to work effectively with others.
* Ability to use a computer and related software.
* Ability to operate a motor vehicle properly and safely.
Emergency Management Responsibilities
In the event of an emergency or disaster, an employee may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by the employee's department, the County's Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration. Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.