Senior Landscape Planner

City-of-Greenacres; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Greenacres is seeking a professional to perform landscape architecture, arboricultural, and development compliance work with independence. You will review plans, conduct inspections, and provide reports to boards and City Council.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, Florida driver’s license, and post-offer medicals; Master’s degree preferred and ISA/Landscape Inspector certification desirable.

Qualifications

• Must have graduated from an accredited high school or have a State of Florida G.E.D. certificate or equivalent.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida driver's license.
• Must be of good moral character.
• Must submit to a post-offer physical examination.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and analyzes development, landscape, tree disposition, vegetation removal, and related plans for compliance with City Code and related standards.
• Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable standards, including landscaping, tree protection, irrigation, and signage.
• Provides technical guidance to applicants, design professionals, and the public regarding landscaping, tree protection, irrigation, and signage requirements.
• Prepares and presents determinations, technical reports, and recommendations to City Council and boards.
• Coordinates with the Code Compliance Division on development compliance matters and enforcement.
• Performs professional assessments involving tree health, canopy management, and related landscape compliance issues.
• Leads community outreach and develops guidelines related to landscaping and water conservation.
• Leads planning and implementation of beautification projects and maintains Tree City USA designation.
• Uses GIS and other mapping programs for project research and review.
• Assists in updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan and related regulations.

Skills

Landscape architecture

Arboriculture

GIS

Report writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture / Horticulture / Arboriculture / Urban Forestry / Environmental Design / Planning

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

GIS

Job description

*The City of Greenacres' Compensation Plan allows for hiring at a maximum rate of up to 15% above the minimum range for the position based on education, experience and valid proof of certification(s) that are obtained through extensive program of study and training over and above the minimum requirements.

Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Greenacres. You must be able to meet the minimum following requirements:

• Must have graduated from an accredited high school or have obtained a State of Florida G.E.D. certificate or equivalent.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida driver's license.
• Must be of good moral character.
• Must submit to a post-offer physical examination. The offer of employment will be contingent on the results of testing and/or examinations.

Position Summary

Professional landscape architecture, arboricultural, and development compliance work performed with considerable independence. Provides technical guidance and professional determinations, focusing on landscaping, tree preservation, irrigation, and signage. Performs activities associated with development applications, including reviewing development plans for compliance with applicable codes; conducts inspections; prepares professional reports and recommendations to boards and City Council; and collects and analyzes data for use in various media and the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

(The duties listed are intended to serve as an example of the typical functions performed. They are not exclusive or all inclusive and will vary with assignments.)

• Reviews and analyzes development, landscape, tree disposition, vegetation removal, and related plans for compliance with City Code and related standards.
• Conducts field inspections to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable standards, including but not limited to landscaping, tree protection, irrigation, proper planting techniques, and signage.
• Provides technical guidance to applicants, design professionals, and the public, regarding related compliance requirements including landscaping, tree protection, irrigation, and signage.
• Prepares and presents written determinations, technical reports, and recommendations on landscaping and development compliance matters to the City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, Development Review Committee, and other City boards.
• Coordinates with the Code Compliance Division on development compliance matters, violations, enforcement cases, and participation with Special Magistrate as needed.
• Performs professional assessments involving tree health, species appropriateness, canopy management, and related landscape compliance issues.
• Leads community outreach, prepares handouts and guidelines related to landscaping, irrigation, tree care, and water conservation.
• Leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of City beautification and landscape enhancement projects, ensuring consistency with City aesthetic and environmental goals; maintains Tree City USA designation.
• Utilizes GIS and other mapping programs for project research and review.
• Collects and analyzes data for development related reports and studies conducted by the Development and Neighborhood Services Department.
• Assists in the periodic review and update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and other landscaping-related regulations and recommends changes to the regulations as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Landscape architecture and arboriculture principles, practices, and standards, including Florida-friendly landscaping, irrigation, tree preservation, and canopy management.
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, regulations, codes, and policies pertaining to landscaping, tree protection, environmental review, and development compliance.
• Methods for drafting reports, regulations, policies, and ordinance texts.
• Computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drafting, and graphic presentation techniques, etc.

Ability to

• Communicateeffectively in written, oral, and graphic form, including presenting findings to boards, City Council, and other groups.
• Interpret and apply complex regulations, construction drawings, site plans, signage plans, landscape/tree preservation plans, and convey City ordinances and regulations to design professionals as well as the general public.
• Provide professional opinions and technical evaluations on landscape and arboricultural issues consistent with industry standards.
• Plan, prioritize, manage, track and meet deadlines for multiple projects with varying completion dates and varying complexity.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Work independently on complex assignments.
• Coordinate and provide oversight for tasks assigned to administrative and planning staff as directed by the Department Director or designee.
• Maintain courteous demeanor with high standards for professional and ethical conduct.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public agencies, vendors and the general public.
• Work nights to attend City Council or other agencies and group meetings.
• Follow safety rules and regulations of the Department and the City.
• Support the Department’s and City’s Mission, Values and Goals

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course workin Landscape Architecture, Horticulture/Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Environmental Design, Planning, or closely related field.

• Master's degree or completion of advanced level coursework in Landscape Architecture or Horticulture/Arboriculture or related field is preferred.
• Three (3) years progressively responsible professional experience in landscape architecture, horticulture/arboriculture, planning/development review, or any equivalent combination of training, education and experience to meet the minimum requirements.
• Must possess and maintain certification as a Landscape Inspector, ISA Certified Arborist, or licensure as a Landscape Architect in Florida, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment and maintain active status.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.