Arborist (Planning and Development) Civil Service

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About the role

The Arborist reviews landscape plans for compliance with the City’s landscape and tree conservation ordinance as defined in the Dallas Development Code. They communicate proper landscaping and tree conservation techniques to public and private entities, coordinate and lead public tree plantings, and manage an inventory of trees located on City of Dallas property.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and approves landscape, tree removal, and mitigation plans for compliance with the City’s tree conservation and landscape regulations.
• Assesses accuracy of platted properties and tree surveys, including the health and risk of trees being removed, to determine required mitigation.
• Coordinates with supervisors and other professionals to approve construction documents related to landscape and tree conservation, ensuring code compliance.
• Assists in creating tree protection plans for City projects.
• Inspects construction projects for proper tree protection and landscape plan implementation; investigates violations and ensures tree replacement.
• Provides assessments, reports, and remediation plans to City staff and contractors; may attend court to provide testimony on regulations.
• Consults with residents, developers, City staff, and other parties on landscaping and tree conservation issues.
• Presents topics on landscape and tree care to garden clubs, schools, and other organizations.
• Coordinates and supervises tree plantings on public property, educating participants on best practices.
• Manages and maintains an inventory of trees across the City.
• Assesses tree risk, investigates illegal tree removals and rogue plantings, responds to citizen complaints, and applies for grants.
• Performs additional support work, writes letters, issues citations, and handles other tasks related to tree conservation regulations.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of trees and landscaping materials, including proper planting, pruning, and care techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of soil sciences and infiltration/penetration rates.
• Thorough knowledge of ordinances and regulations concerning tree preservation, landscaping, escarpment zones, soil erosion, non-point source pollution, and sedimentation.
• Knowledge of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards for tree care.
• Knowledge of plant material design/layout and irrigation techniques.
• Knowledge of environmental factors related to biology, geography, forestry, and hydrology.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, developers, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to enforce regulations fairly, firmly, and tactfully.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans for compliance with landscape and tree preservation ordinances.
• Ability to prepare reports, letters, and perform mathematical calculations.
• Skill in using computers and Microsoft software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to conduct public outreach to diverse community groups in formal and informal settings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Forestry, Horticulture, or an Environmental field.
• Equivalencies:
  • High school diploma or GED plus four (4) years of experience in Forestry, Horticulture, Tree Preservation, or Landscape Planning.
  • Associate degree in any field plus two (2) years of experience in Forestry, Horticulture, Tree Preservation, or Landscape Planning.
  • Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in an unspecified field plus two (2) years of experience in Forestry, Horticulture, Tree Preservation, or Landscape Planning.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification (preferred).

Pay

Starting salary range: $26.65 - $31.28 per hour, depending on qualifications.