Landscape Inspector - Arborist

Facility Contract Services is a Florida based contract services company, responsible for the employment and management of personnel for municipal clients. Facility Contract Services is currently seeking dynamic and goal-driven employees for the City of Pembroke Pines Planning and Economic Development Department. Employees that are motivated to take on today’s greatest challenges and rewards in the field of local public service and who are passionate about making a difference in local government.

This exciting opportunity in the City of Pembroke Pines operates 4 days a week (Monday through Thursday 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.) and offers excellent compensation and benefits including health insurance and 401(k) with a Company match.

NATURE OF WORK

This is a technical position involving landscape plan review; processing, issuing, and reviewing tree removal permit and landscape permits; and enforcing the City code as it relates to landscaping. Work is performed within the Planning and Economic Development Department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Inspects job sites to insure compliance with the approved landscape plan prior to a certification of occupancy being issued by the Building Department.

• Performs general and courtesy landscape inspections on existing properties within the City to ensure landscape compliance with the approved landscape plan.

• Reviews and processes Tree Removal Permits.

• Assists with tree appraisals to determine proper mitigation on properties.

• Performs overall tree and landscape assessments as needed to determine the overall health of all landscape and provide recommendations as to rehabilitation or removal.

• Investigates complaints regarding violations of ordinances, follows-up on complaints, and recommends measures for correcting violations.

• Records daily landscape related permit activities via City database and or building permitting system.

• Coordinates with Code Compliance division to assist in assessing landscape violations.

• Develops, prepares, and presents code cases at Special Magistrate hearing for both residential and commercial properties.

• Assist public residents with concerns as it relates to landscaping. Responds to residents in person and via phone and mail on a daily basis. Strong customer service skills are a must.

• Participate in Citywide educational events related to landscaping.

• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape and arboriculture techniques.

• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications to determine compliance with established standards, especially landscape and irrigation plans

• Ability to effectively multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting priorities

• Ability to quickly and independently learn new software

• Ability to organize work for timely completion

• Comprehensive knowledge of native, non-native, invasive and nuisance trees, shrubs, and plants; including soil composition, irrigation, fertilization, growth patterns, and maintenance.

• Knowledge of diseases and parasites detrimental to trees and appropriate treatments.

• Ability to interpret ordinances.

• Ability to obtain knowledge of municipal ordinances relating to landscaping and beautification.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public.

• Ability to work independently on a daily basis.

• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of an Associate’s degree in landscaping, horticulture, or other appropriate field is required. Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years experience in municipal landscaping and/or landscape inspections is preferred. Must possess ISA Arborist Certification. Must possess LIAF Landscape Inspector’s Certification. Possession of a valid, appropriate driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid, appropriate driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of conversational English and spelling. Spanish speaker is a plus.
• Knowledge of laws, codes and regulations related to Landscape Installation and Maintenance.
• General knowledge of the building permit process.
• Ability to read, interpret and explain City, State, and Federal laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to the work.
• Ability to read and interpret building and landscape plans.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment.
• Ability to operate a City vehicle.
• Ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations and tabulations accurately and efficiently.
• Ability to read, update and maintain various records and files.

BENEFITS:

One of the many advantages of working with the Vesta Property Services family of companies are the great benefits that we offer to you and your eligible dependents. We offer benefits that foster the health and well-being of you and your family such as medical, dental and vision coverage along with programs to enhance your financial security such as disability, life insurance and a 401 (k) retirement plan just to name a few. Benefits are offered to full-time employees (30+ hours per week).

AAP/EEO Statement

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Facility Contract Services has a longstanding commitment to provide a safe, quality-oriented and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which the company operates. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of Facility Contract Services employees and to the security of the company's equipment and facilities. For these reasons, Facility Contract Services is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.

OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED

The above statements reflect the general information considered necessary to descript the principle functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the position. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.