ARBORIST - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Claytoncountyga; Georgia; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Claytoncountyga is seeking an Arborist to manage and enforce the County’s Tree Protection Ordinance in Georgia. The role includes reviewing site plans, conducting inspections, and developing educational programs on tree preservation.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field with at least three years of experience in arboriculture. Proficiency in public communication and collaboration with developers is essential. A valid Georgia driver’s license is a must.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience as an Arborist required.
• Must possess a valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Master's degree preferred with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee tree protection ordinance compliance.
• Review and approve tree removal permits.
• Lead educational programs on tree preservation.

Skills

Tree Protection Enforcement

Technical Resource Communication

Site Plan Review

Public Education on Trees

Environmental Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry

Master’s degree in forestry or related field

Job description

Classical Title: Arborist

The purpose of this classification is to oversee, review, implement, and enforce the County’s Tree Protection Ordinance. Responsibilities include investigating suspected violations, evaluating protection plans submitted by architects and engineers, evaluating rezoning requests, inspecting development and construction projects for compliance with approved plans, inspecting removal and relocation of trees, developing educational programs, serving as a technical resource on tree preservation and related issues, and performing other work related to landscaping. The position reports to the Planning & Zoning Administrator.

Essential Functions

• Provides direction, guidance and assistance to land disturbance/erosion control inspectors or other employees; coordinates work activities; organizes and prioritizes workload; makes work assignments; monitors status of work and inspects completed work; assists with complex/problem situations and provides technical expertise.
• Oversees the review, implementation, and enforcement of the County's Tree Protection Ordinance.
• Attends applicable meetings when ordinance violations occur and functions as an expert witness.
• Receives and responds to nuisance tree calls and related citizen inquiries; participates on interview panels.
• Reviews site plans received by the Community Development Department and issues permits for tree removal; requires replacements and protection of existing trees.
• Prepares Code Cases to remove hazardous trees on the property of indigent or absentee owners, threatening any right of way.
• Works with developers, architects, engineers, and contractors on site planning to save trees; responds to telephone calls regarding tree-related matters.
• Addresses civic groups, schools, garden clubs, and responds to questions regarding trees in general and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
• Collaborates with other City departments on trees on public land, placement, and selection of trees.
• Maintains high standards of accuracy in all duties; executes remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur.
• Documents suspected ordinance violations; evaluates circumstances; renders judgment; institutes enforcement procedures including citations and penalties; testifies in court as required.
• Evaluates tree protection plans submitted by architects and engineers; determines if plans are reasonable to save trees and if additional land is needed to protect critical roots.
• Ensures proper review of all tree permit applications and inspects development/construction projects to confirm compliance with approved landscaping, tree protection, and tree replacement plans.
• Coordinates environmental activities and issues with County departments and other state and regional agencies.
• Prepares and maintains a tolerant and desirable tree and plant material list in conjunction with the County’s tree ordinance.
• Instructs and completes landscaping of all County buildings and parks; provides training to County employees on landscaping and tree protection.
• Completes special environmental protection and conservation projects as assigned.
• Develops educational programs to inform individuals and developers on urban natural resource protection.
• Serves as a technical resource on preservation and related issues; provides information to developers, engineers, and the public on various aspects of the County’s tree ordinance.
• Organizes, coordinates, and attends all Tree Bank Commission meetings as required.
• Reviews subdivision plats, grading plans, and single lot divisions for compliance with county codes; inspects subdivision projects and buffers; approves or denies proposed plans as appropriate; prepares monthly reports of subdivision plats reviewed.

Additional Functions

• Follows all safety precautions necessary for safe and efficient operation of equipment.
• Maintains various documents; produces reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Provides the ability to inspect items for proper dimensions and to use job-related equipment in the course of duties.
• Assists front counter customers regarding their right to remove trees; performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Preferred: Master’s degree in forestry, landscape architecture, or related field, with two to three years of experience as an Arborist (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Required: Bachelor's degree in forestry, landscape architecture, or related field, with three (3) years of experience as an Arborist (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience). Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

ADA Compliance

Physical ability: Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching; may involve lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling moderate-weight objects (12–20 pounds). Must be able to operate a variety of job‑related machines and office equipment.

Sensory requirements: Ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of color, sounds, depth, and visual cues or signals. Must be able to communicate orally.

Environmental factors: Exposure to adverse conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, or traffic hazards.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Clayton County, Georgia, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.