Forestry Examiner (Development Services)

Job Overview

Performs duties in reviewing, evaluating and rendering final decisions of natural resources permit applications and site evaluations for the preservation of natural resources.

Salary

Min:  $50,668

Mid:  $69,950

Max: $89,211

Ideal Candidate

This position works for the Development Services Department (Natural Resources Team). The ideal candidate would possess a bachelor's degree in forestry, landscape architecture, or other natural science; and experience reviewing site and permit applications/plans.    The candidate should also have knowledge of tree preservation and landscape design principles. Possession of an ISA Certification is required.  Experience using Accela is preferable. This position is in the field generally one day a week conducting site visits where the reviewer verifies site plan information, looks for listed species, identifies potential wetlands, and assesses tree health. The remainder of the week is spent reviewing the plans submitted, making comments, and assisting the engineers/landscape architects with any questions they may have on the comments.

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment - Proactively seeks to understand the needs of the customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity - Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes 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.

• Reviews and approves permit applications and site plans and conducts site assessments to determine compliance with land alteration and landscaping ordinances relative to the retention and protection of trees and vegetation, soil conservation, environmentally sensitive areas and listed plant and animal species.
• Coordinates with applicant, developer, project engineer or consultant to resolve problem areas in project designs.
• Monitors project for compliance with permit and site plan requirements.
• Reviews natural resources permits and submits to supervisor for approval.
• Reviews, evaluates and renders final decision on tree removal applications for compliance with code criteria.
• Assists zoning enforcement inspectors in monitoring project permit compliance, determining violations and recommending corrective actions.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• 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.
• 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 properly and safely operate a motor vehicle.

Physical Requirements

• This position takes place in an office environment.
• Requires sitting for an extended period.

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.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from an accredited four- year degree granting college or university with a major in a Natural Science; AND
• Two years of experience as a forester or arborist;

OR

• An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a High School diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above; AND
• Possession of an International Society of Arboriculture Arborist (ISA) Certification within 12 months of employment.

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.

Additional Job Requirements

A department, depending on the nature of its mission and operations, may require that employees in all or certain positions in this job classification:

1. Maintain the ability to pass the background checks required for the position. These background checks may include but are not limited to:

• Criminal History Background Check using Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)
• Level 1 and Level 2 Background screening (Ch. 435 Florida Statutes)
• Child Abuse, Abandonment and Neglect Record Check using the State Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS)
• Sex Offender and Sexual Predator record check using the list maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

1. Possess the necessary job- related license(s) or certification(s) that may include possession of a Florida Driver License (Class E) or an applicable Commercial Driver License (CDL)