Landscape Inspector II

City of Virginia Beach; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Wellness Programs

Paid Leave

Job summary

The City of Virginia Beach’s Parks & Recreation department is seeking a Landscape Inspector II – Arboriculture to support the City Arborist with the arboriculture program. You will oversee planting, removal, maintenance and ensure compliance with standards, while providing reports and expert input on tree-related matters.

Ideal candidates have ISA Arborist certification, strong communication skills, and experience with landscape projects, contract oversight, and urban forestry.

Qualifications

• Requires ISA Arborist Certification or ability to obtain.
• Experience in arboriculture, horticulture, or landscape inspections.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to use GIS and mapping software.

Responsibilities

• Assist City Arborist in administering arboriculture program.
• Conduct landscape and maintenance inspections including tree risk assessments.
• Prepare reports and bid solicitations.
• Provide expert input to public and officials on tree matters.

Skills

ISA Certified Arborist

Public speaking

Contract oversight

Tools

GIS Mapping Software

Job description

Job Posting End Date:November 12, 2026Department:PARKS AND RECREATIONCompensation Grade:G23Compensation Range & Starting Salary:Pay Range: $51,979.20 - $80,995.20Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range.Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):NoAbout Us:At Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, our success is because of our dedicated employees. We are intentional about creating an employee experience where you are empowered to reach your full potential, are supported through strength-based initiatives, and are confident in your abilities. We champion a workplace culture built on our cultural foundations: Professionalism, Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and Citizenship. These guiding principles of behavior cultivate a positive and high performing work environment. Success is recognized and celebrated, and legendary experiences are the core of who we are.Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:Our CommitmentWork with the best – work for Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation! Join our team and contribute to our 60+ year track record of providing legendary experiences! We are dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our environment. We ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social, and economic circumstances – can access our programs. By providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences, we strive to enhance the quality of life for our community by improving the physical and mental well-being of our residents.Landscape Inspector II – ArboricultureIndividual assists the City Arborist in administering the City-wide arboriculture program.Establishes priorities and work schedules in support of tasks received from higher supervision.Ensures that tree planting, tree removal, tree maintenance, landscape planting, and landscape maintenance contracts are in compliance with standards and specifications.Prepares and maintains written records and reports to support review comments of field inspections.Conducts landscape and maintenance assessments and inspections, including tree risk assessments.Prescribes arboricultural treatments and prepares arboricultural and landscape installation bid solicitations.Provides expert court testimony and assistance to the public on tree related matters.Coordinates landscape installation work and tree removal/maintenance work to ensure compliance with controlling regulations and ordinances.Assists City Arborist and other departments as needed.This is an Alpha I position, which requires reporting to work during periods of emergency or inclement weather to perform vital services as determined by higher authority to ensure the safety and welfare of the general public.Does related work as required.Utilize GIS and /or mapping software in the field and in the office.Input data and creates reports.Diplomatically communicates with the development community and city staff to obtain compliance with codes and regulations whenever possible.Coordinates activity of all inspections functions as related to landscaping and hazard trees with other city departments.Writes concisely and speaks in an articulate manner to City staff, contractors, the development community and the public; responds on time to required reports, assigned projects and activities.Preferences:In addition to the minimum requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will have experience listed in the preferences below. Candidates with the preferred experience should ensure the information is provided in the application.*ISA Certified Arborist or Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist*Urban forestry services contract administration experience*Contractual Tree Planting oversight experience*Excellent written communication skills*Landscape design, installation, and maintenance experience*Public speaking skills*Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite)*Ability to establish and maintain collaborations with developers, civic organizations, citizens and other City personnel*Skill in use of mapping and urban forest inventory management softwareAdditional requirements:• DMV Transcript: Yes• CDL: No• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No• CPS Check: No• Physical: Yes/No• Respirator: No• Psychological Screening: No• Polygraph: No• At Will: NoThe PerksEmployees who are new to the Virginia Retirement System are eligible for:Annual Leave and Sick LeaveMedical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription CoverageLegal and Identity Theft ProtectionVirginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Retirement Plan & Basic Life InsuranceCommonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (COV457)Basic Life InsuranceOptional Life InsuranceWellness ProgramsEmployee Assistance Program / Work-Life ServicesPaid Maternity/Paternity/Parental Care LeaveMinimum Requirements:Minimum Qualifications: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to five (5) years in fields such as arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or inspections that utilize the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have a current and valid driver’s license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. This position may require the incumbent to possess ISA Arborist Certification. This position may require the incumbent to possess a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Categories 3A, 3B, and 6). This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status.Skills:Working Conditions:Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P12313.pdfOfficial Job Descriptions:To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=EVRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.