Landscape Inspector I/II

City of Palm Desert; Palm Desert (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Palm Desert is seeking an entry to journey‑level Landscape Inspector to conduct field inspections of landscape projects and ensure contractor performance aligns with city standards. You will maintain logs, prepare reports, and coordinate with contractors for quality installations and ongoing maintenance.

Position requires knowledge of irrigation systems, horticulture, and data reporting, with opportunities for advancement to higher‑level inspector roles as experience grows.

Qualifications

• Prerequisites include a high school diploma or equivalent and specialized training in horticulture/ground maintenance.
• Experience with irrigation system design, installation, operation, and troubleshooting is preferred.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and maintain inspection logs.

Responsibilities

• Inspect landscaped areas for quality and adherence to plans and specs.
• Monitor landscape contractors, review work schedules, and enforce safety standards.
• Maintain daily logs and project records; communicate findings to staff and contractors.
• Prepare recommendations and implementation plans for improvements; act as liaison among departments.
• Assist in coordinating with contractors to ensure timely, quality installations and maintenance.

Skills

Irrigation systems

Landscaping knowledge

Data reporting

Communication skills

Education

Twelfth grade

Specialized gardening/horticulture training

Job description

Initial review of applications starts on 9/15/2026

The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say "yes," while not compromising the City’s or our own integrity. Our efforts are guided by our core values:

• Integrity
• Stewardship
• Service
• Community
• Innovation
• Teamwork

Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City’s Council and Executive Team. We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers. We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City. If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment!

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Palm Desert is looking for a qualified candidate with strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. This role focuses on keeping public landscaped areas well-maintained and visually appealing for the community. The ideal candidate should have experience in landscaping and horticulture, as well as hands‑on experience with automatic and central irrigation systems. The ideal candidate should thrive in a fast-paced environment and be skilled in using computer software for tracking and monitoring data. They will need to prepare reports showing the landscaped areas’ conditions and needs. Attention to detail and understanding of data will help with maintenance and improvements. The City of Palm Desert values individuals who want to create a vibrant environment and connect the community through well‑maintained public spaces. We are looking for someone who meets these qualifications and is passionate about enhancing the beauty and functionality of our city’s outdoor areas.

Appointment to this position is expected to fall within the salary range of $75,504 to $91,811 annually; however, the final amount will be carefully determined based on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, qualifications, and an evaluation of internal equity within the organization. Exceptional candidates with highly relevant experience and credentials may be considered for compensation above the anticipated hiring range.

Under general supervision (I) or direction (II), conducts and documents field inspections of landscape contract areas; makes recommendations for improvements and develops implementation plans; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and acts as a liaison with various agencies; and performs related duties as assigned. This includes monitoring compliance with City specifications, ordinances, plans, and contractual obligations. The role involves working closely with landscape installation and maintenance contractors to ensure proper performance, successful installations, and upkeep of landscaped areas. Duties also include maintaining inspection logs and preparing detailed reports on project conditions and contractor performance; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision from the Public Works Superintendent or designee. Does not directly supervise other employees but may provide technical and functional direction and training to staff.

Landscape Inspector I

This is the entry‑level classification in the Landscape Inspector series. Initially under general supervision, incumbents perform more routine tasks with the expectation of developing into more complex duties over time, as experience is gained close supervision and frequent review of work lessens as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform independently. Positions at this level are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods, as compared to the Landscape Inspector II. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Landscape Inspector II

This is the fully qualified journey‑level classification in the Landscape Inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Landscape Inspector I level in that incumbents are fully competent to perform the full range of duties, including overseeing contractor performance, maintaining field records, analyzing data, making recommendations, and preparing detailed reports. Incumbents work independently with minimal supervision and are expected to have prior experience equivalent to the Landscape Inspector I position. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of assigned projects and programs. Assignments are given within general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for quality, appropriateness, and conformity to City standards.

Positions in the Landscape Inspector I/II class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Landscape Inspector II level may be filled by advancement from the Landscape Inspector I level; progression to the Landscape Inspector II level is subject to management approval and is dependent on the incumbent (i) performing the full range of duties assigned to the II level, and (ii) acquiring the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to meet the minimum qualifications for the II level of the series. Landscape Inspector II positions are distinguished from Senior Landscape Inspector in that the latter serves as a technical expert in multiple disciplinary and programmatic areas and/or manages the most complex, politically sensitive, and/or City‑wide projects, programs, and initiatives that require advanced expertise to support management and City Council priorities and directives. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Positions at the Landscape Inspector I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Inspect landscaped areas for quality and quantity of materials used in a variety of landscape projects during various stages of construction, installation, and eventual maintenance.
• Monitor contractual obligations of landscape contractors including contract specifications, work schedules and safety standards.
• Prepare and maintain daily logs on construction, installation and/or maintenance performed. Ability to document work progress, deficiencies and corrective action required with consistent follow through to ensure work is completed satisfactorily and maintained properly. Documentation may include, but not be limited to written text, charts, drawing, and/or sketches to prove activities.
• Observe work during progress and completion; confer with contractors, superintendents, inspectors; ensure that safety procedures are followed; advise contractors of deficiencies; and issue stop work orders when appropriate authority obtained.
• Participate in the development of new parks and landscaped areas as assigned.
• Interpret plans and specifications on existing landscape projects to ensure compliance with code ordinances and regulations. Recommend corrective action as needed for compliance.
• Understand and analyze landscaping data such as irrigation and fertilization quantities, and make recommendations related to landscape maintenance.
• Maintain phone records, project files, correspondence and logs on all landscape projects inspected.
• Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.
• Understand and interpret laws, regulations and methods about the application of chemical herbicides and pesticides.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and vendors regarding planting techniques, irrigation adjustments, overseeding procedures, and appropriate fertilizer application rates.
• Provide guidance on best practices for planting, irrigation, fertilizing, and overseeding.
• Act as liaison between the City, contractors, other divisions and agencies, and businesses and residents affected by projects; maintains communication among the parties and researches and responds to questions and provides information to contractors, City staff, and the public; investigates complaints; recommend corrective actions to resolve issues; interpret operating policies and procedures to staff and the public.
• Participate in landscape projects and facility repair work as needed.
• Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Some of the knowledge and ability statements below may apply to a Landscape Inspector I in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Materials, methods, principles, and practices used in landscape construction and maintenance.
• Principles and practices of landscape construction inspection.
• Basic practices of construction contract administration in a public agency setting.
• Technical principles and practices of landscape design, specification, and cost estimate preparation.
• Defects and faults in construction.
• Basic mathematics related to landscaping and construction.
• Irrigation system design, installation, operation and troubleshooting
• Industry pruning practices and safety standards
• Standard specifications and work area Traffic Control Handbook (Watch Manual)
• Local plant species and desert-adapted materials, including growth habits
• Soil, climate, and water conservation principles
• Application and calibration of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides
• Horticultural planning and seasonal maintenance strategies Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Basic principles and practices of employee leadership, including work planning, assignment, and monitoring, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with vendors and other organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Interpret and apply codes, plans, specifications, and safety standards
• Identify deficiencies and direct corrective action relating to problems about landscape installation and maintenance issues.
• Identify landscape planting using personal knowledge and available resources.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, codes, ordinances and policies governing the maintenance and construction of landscape projects.
• Understand and interpret landscape plans and specifications.
• Apply knowledge and proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard practices.
• Enforce necessary regulations and contracts with firmness and tact.
• Handle multiple tasks at the same time and prioritize work independently.
• Understand and execute oral and written directions. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff and contractors.
• Adhere to work schedule.
• Follow verbal and written directions from supervisors.
• Interact effectively and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.
• Understand and follow work rules.
• Accept constructive criticism.
• Work in stressful situations and conditions.
• Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with vendors and other organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Landscape II

• Plan, organize, and carry out assignments from management staff with minimal direction.
• Assist in development and implementation of assigned programs, projects, and activities in an independent and cooperative manner, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical and administrative reports.
• Assist in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and work standards.
• Understand intermediate computer skill and programs
• Has advanced horticultural knowledge.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Landscape Inspector I/II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and specialized training in horticulture and ground maintenance is desirable.

Landscape Inspector I: Two (2) years of progressive experience in landscaping and irrigation maintenance preferred.

Landscape Inspector II: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience equivalent to that of a Landscape Inspector I in the City of Palm Desert, including contractor oversight and operational reporting.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license by the time of appointment. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) within one year of appointment.
• Overseeding Certification –Preferred
• Certified Arborist – Preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When in the field, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

May be required to be on-call and work various shifts including emergency situations, evenings, weekends, and or holidays.