Arborist (Planning and Development) Civil Service

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Job Summary

The Arborist reviews landscape plans for compliance with the City’s landscape and tree conservation ordinance as defined in the Dallas Development Code and effectively communicates proper landscaping and tree conservation techniques to public and private entities. Coordinates and leads public tree plantings and is able to communicate best practices for tree planting and care to public. Manages and maintains an inventory of trees located on City of Dallas property.

Job Description
 

Overview

The Arborist reviews and evaluates landscape plans for compliance with the City’s landscape and tree conservation ordinance as defined in the Dallas Development Code. Communicates with landscape architects, horticulturalists, developers, City departments, contractors, and the public regarding proper landscaping and tree preservation techniques. Coordinates the planting of trees with City departments, private entities, and the public. Leads public tree planting events and communicates proper plantings and tree care practices to participants. Manages the inventorying of trees located on City of Dallas property.  

Essential Functions

1 Reviews and approves landscape, tree removal, and mitigation plans with the City’s tree conservation and landscape regulations.  

2 Assesses accuracy of platted properties and tree surveys, including the health and risk of trees being removed, to determine what mitigation is required.  

3 Coordinates with the supervisor and confers with other associated professionals for the approval of construction documents as they relate to landscape and tree conservation, as well as other impacted sensitive ecological areas, to ensure all codes are being followed. 

4 Assists in the creation of tree protection plans for City projects.

5 Inspects construction projects for proper tree protection throughout the construction process and to ensure landscape plans are implemented correctly and to investigate violations or otherwise ensure tree replacement has been completed.

6 Provides assessments, reports, and remediation plans to City staff and contractors as necessary; may be required to attend court to provide testimony on relevant regulations and the City’s actions regarding particular cases.  

7 Consults with residents, developers, City staff, and other interested parties on landscaping and tree conservation issues. 

8 Presents topics on landscape and tree care to garden clubs, schools, and other organizations.  

9 Coordinates and supervises the planting of trees on public property with City staff, non-profits, and other entities, including educating participants on best tree planting practices. 

10 Assists with managing and maintaining an inventory of trees across the City. 

11 Performs duties such as assessing tree risk, investigating illegal tree removals and rogue plantings, responding to and investigating citizen complaints, and applying for grants. 

12 Performs additional support work, writes letters, and issues citations related to implementing tree conservation regulations and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1 Thorough knowledge of trees and landscaping materials, including proper planting, pruning, and care techniques.

2 Thorough knowledge of soil sciences and infiltration and penetration rates.

3 Thorough knowledge of ordinances and regulations concerning tree preservation, landscaping, escarpment zone, soil erosion, non-point source pollution, and sedimentation.

4 Knowledge of International Society of Arboriculture standards for tree care.

5 Knowledge of the design and layout of plant materials and irrigation techniques.

6 Knowledge of environmental factors related to biology, geography, forestry, hydrology, etc.

7 Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees, developers, contractors, and the public.

8 Ability to enforce regulations with fairness, firmness, and tact.

9 Ability to read and interpret construction plans for compliance with landscape and tree preservation ordinances.

10 Ability to prepare reports and letters and make mathematical calculations.

11 Skill in the use of computers.

12 Skill in the use of Microsoft software products, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint

13 Ability to conduct various forms of public outreach to diverse community groups in formal and informal settings.

14 Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

15 Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Forestry, Horticulture, or Environmental field.

EQUIVALENCIES

• High school or GED plus four (4) years of experience in Forestry, Horticulture, Tree preservation or Landscape planning will meet the education and experience requirements.

• Associate degree in any field plus two (2) years of experience in Forestry, Horticulture, Tree preservation or Landscape planning will meet the education and experience requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in an unspecified field plus two (2) years of experience in Forestry, Horticulture, Tree preservation or Landscape planning will meet the education and experience requirements

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver's license with good driving record. ​

PREFERENCE:

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification

Salary Range

 

$26.65 - $31.28

 

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.