Job Detail

City Arborist

Location: Smyrna, GA
Salary: $47,109 - $60,064

JOB SUMMARY

The primary purpose of this job is to enforce the City’s tree ordinance and to assist citizens with tree-related problems and questions. Duties include, but are not limited to: evaluating tree health per City Code; issuing removal permits when trees are dead, dying, or hazardous; inspecting construction sites to determine compliance with approved construction plans; inspecting construction sites for compliance and issuance of final certificates of occupancy; posting public notice of potential tree removal; issuing fines and fees for failure to meet tree preservation requirements of City Code; entering details of inspections and status updates in database. The incumbent must ensure that best-in-class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and embrace, support, and promote the City’s core values, beliefs, and culture.

MAJOR DUTIES

Field Duties:

1. Evaluate tree health and risk to determine whether trees are dead, dying, or hazardous per the City code.
2. Issue tree removal permits.
3. Review site plans during site inspections to ensure conditions in the field are accurately depicted.
4. Participate in pre-construction meetings prior to the development of the site.
5. Administer pre-landscaping meetings with contractors prior to installing plantings.
6. Inspect active construction sites for compliance with approved and stamped tree protection plans.
7. Conduct final inspection of construction sites for compliance and issuance of final certificates of occupancy; and
8. Issue fines and fees for failure to meet tree preservation requirements of the City Code.

Administrative Duties:

1. Issue permits and inspection reports to customers in a timely manner, and respond to customer inquiries via letter, email, and telephone.
2. Follow proper protocol when nuisance trees are identified.
3. Maintain detailed work logs and status updates in the City computer database.
4. Able to calculate and explain to customer’s method for assessing critical root zone impact.
5. Accurately assess fines and fees as needed; and
6. Attend Municipal Court with City Solicitor and serve as an expert witness when ordinance has been violated.

 Communication:

1. Work with developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners to comply with the Tree Protection ordinance.
2. Collaborate with Arborist Division staff members and other City Divisions to ensure high-quality customer service.
3. Address civic groups, schools, garden clubs, and neighborhood groups regarding the rights and responsibilities of citizens and tree care.
4. Exhibit excellent customer service and human relations skills. Performs related duties as required.

 KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1.  Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of the City and various department operations and functions.
2. Knowledge of arboricultural practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
3. Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to tree-related issues and other responsibilities in serving as a City Arborist. 
4. Knowledge of changes in policy, methods, operations, and standards of practice, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations. 
5. Skill in communicating and interacting with management, employees, and members of the public.
6. Skill in assembling information, writing reports, and compiling documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
7. Skill in using independent judgment and discretion in handling emergency situations. 
8. Skill in math is necessary to make required calculations. 
9. Skill in reading, understanding, and interpreting development plans, architectural plans, reports, and related materials.
10. Skill in developing and implementing of long-term goals for the Department to promote effectiveness and efficiency. 
11. Skill in interpreting and applying rules, policies, and procedures.
12. Skill in customer service.
13. Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Director of Community Development assigns work in terms of division goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of division activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Horticulture, or related field; and
• Three (3) or more years of related experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job
• Possession of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification. 
• Possession of a valid Georgia driver’s license.
• • Must successfully pass criminal background and motor vehicle checks.
  • Must successfully pass post-offer drug screening and physical.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings and plans.
• Experience or certification in hazard tree evaluation; and
• Experience working as part of a team or in direct contact with the public.

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