Landscape Architect, Senior

Cobb County Government; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cobb County Government is seeking a Landscape/Environmental Compliance specialist to review development plans, inspect projects, and advise officials and residents on environmental protection. The role includes field inspections, plan reviews, and coordinating mitigation with other departments.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in a landscape-related field and five years of relevant experience, with a valid driver’s license. ISA Arborist certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in landscape-related field required.
• Five years of experience in landscape architecture, forestry, or horticulture management or related field.

Responsibilities

• Review development plans, plats and other documents for compliance with landscape, forestry and environmental regulations.
• Conduct field inspections including pre-development analysis, construction monitoring and post-development inspections.
• Provide information and technical assistance on landscape, forestry and environmental code requirements.
• Maintain records of plan reviews, permits and inspection reports.
• Produce landscape architectural construction plans for Cobb County facilities.
• Train staff on tree inventory and planting techniques.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, or related field

Job description

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to review development plans, plats and other documents and to inspect completed projects to ensure compliance with landscape, forestry, and environmental rules and regulations and to advise County officials and residents regarding environmental protection.

Essential Functions

Serves as a lead specialist over a program or process to provide team guidance and support;

Receives, reviews and analyzes building site and construction plans and architectural drawings to determine compliance with landscape, forestry, and environmental rules, regulations, codes and ordinances: reviews and analyzes code compliance of floodplain areas, detention ponds, easements, wetlands, buffers, erosion controls, grading, storm drainage plans, sanitary sewer plans and hydrology studies; approves or rejects plans as appropriate; and forwards permits and approved plans to contractors.

Conducts field inspections, including pre-development site analysis, construction monitoring, final inspections, post-development tree maintenance inspections, landscape and stream buffer violation inspections, and hazardous tree inspections; prepares and files field notes and notifications of violations; reviews and files tree maintenance surety instruments; and ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal codes, ordinances, and standards; takes photographs of sites; and maintains photo logs and files regarding inspection activities.

Provides information and technical assistance concerning landscape, forestry, and environmental code requirements: discusses problem areas with property owners and contractors; makes suggestions and recommends solutions to problems; responds to questions or complaints concerning related codes or code violations.

Interprets, administers and enforces the provisions of applicable local, state, and federal landscape, forestry and environmental rules and regulations: researches code-related issues in code books as needed; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.

Maintains records of all plans review activities: prepares, submits, and files inspection reports, permits, building plans, and other relevant documents.

Performs data entry and cashiering associated with plan intake and permitting. Performs electronic plan review coordinator functions, including plan intake, disbursement of plans, collection of all departmental feedback and delivery to applicant, and final permitting.

Produce landscape architectural construction plans for Cobb County facilities as necessary.

Investigates landscape and stream buffer violations, coordinates mitigation procedures with other departments and agencies, and administers corrective action requirements with property owners.

Serves as back-up trainer for new staff.

Trains staff on tree inventory methods, tree preservation, and planting techniques.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, or related field required; supplemented by five years of experience in landscape architecture, forestry or horticulture management or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

ISA Certified Arborist preferred.

Physical Abilities

Tasks require the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12-20 pounds).

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

EEO Statement

Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Visit Cobb County's Employee Benefits page to learn more.