Landscape Plans Examiner

Job Description

Job Description

C.A.P. Government, Inc. is looking for the immediate hire of a Landscape Plans Examiner . The candidate’s job will provides technical guidance and direction to field inspectors in the enforcement and interpretation of landscaping codes and regulations. This includes reviewing development plans for compliance with the landscape ordinance and for the inspection of new construction and renovation projects to assure conformance with the landscape codes.  The Plans Examiner is responsible for enforcing the licensing of all landscape contractors within the municipal limits, and for applying knowledge of Florida plant materials, inspect landscape material and trees and to determine type, size, age, and quality and issue permits for removal and replacement.  Duties also include planning, organizing and supervising the work of inspectors and will involve field visits.

Candidate must be solutions-oriented; communicate effectively to a variety of audiences; and to be able to build strong, positive working relationships.  Individual must be a self-starter who can demonstrate initiative and work independently with limited supervision.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Qualifications

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of current arboricultural and horticultural practices, South Florida trees and other plant species; their morphological and cultural aspects, urban forestry and general horticultural principles (e.g. soil, fertilization, maintenance, etc.) and knowledge of the landscape industry and its procedures.
• Reviews construction plans for compliance with the landscape and tree preservation ordinance.
• Inspects sites for conformance with tree preservation and landscaping codes and ordinances and enforces the maintenance of said codes and ordinances.
• Investigates complaints regarding the Landscaping Code and other applicable ordinances; coordinates the prosecution of violators, when necessary.
• Furnishes information on landscaping regulations to architects, contractors, attorneys, realtors, government officials and the general public; discusses landscaping problems with contractors and/or property owners who have been denied permits or are not conforming to landscaping regulations; and receives, evaluates and takes appropriate action relative to landscaping complaints and appeals.
• Verifies that tree service contractors who are required to renew their license every year are properly licensed based upon complaints from the public or when inspecting a site.
• Checks landscape ordinance compliance for all zoning districts.
• Inspects different species of trees to determine size, type, age and quality to determine compliance to code and equivalent replacement requirements when application for tree removal permits are made.
• May issues notices of correction and notices to appear to violators for failure to correct landscape deficiencies, and appears in court or before the Code Enforcement Board to testify when there is non-compliance.
• Coordinates with other Departments regarding projects involving the installation of trees in the public right-of-way or parks.  May prepares reports to the Mayor, City Manager and City Commission regarding Landscape Ordinance issues.
• Participates in administrative staff meetings; assists in the administration of office routine and filing systems and the determination of recording forms and investigative techniques to be used.
• Establishes policies, practices and procedures of the assigned activity and ensures that they are implemented to the approval of the Municipal Department Director.
• Documents plan examination results in computer to track compliance.  Generates a written compliance checklist from the computer for the contractor to follow.
• Performs research on properties using computer data system, case files, and microfilm to obtain historical data for code compliance purposes in order to resolve complaints, violations, and handle permit requests, etc.
• Conducts field inspections when code interpretation, enforcement or public relations problems arise and issues notices of violation.  Writes up Code Enforcement Board violations and formally presents violations to the Board.
• Prepares reports, records and documents; interprets rules, regulations, codes and ordinances; assists the City Attorney's Office in matters relating to Landscape Ordinance interpretation or compliance.
• Reviews the spacing and layout of irrigation systems in order to ensure adequate irrigation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

Bachelor degree in urban forestry or a related field from an accredited college, supplemented by three (3) years’ practical experience in urban forestry, horticulture, and/or arboriculture. Preferred experience including street tree inventories, tree canopy analysis, and street tree programs and diagnosis of horticultural problems. Must be a Certified Arborist. Must possess Landscape Inspector’s license/certificate issued by Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida (or other recognized professional association) and tree trimming license with either Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County. Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities and skills may be considered.  Experience in plan review, and familiarity with development plans.  Preferably an ISA certified arborist.

We offer competitive compensation packages; medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance; 401(k); employee referral; educational reimbursement; and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Drug Free Workplace / Veterans