ARBORIST

Job Description

General Description

This position is responsible for the monitoring of construction and development projects for compliance with applicable tree protection and landscape codes and policies, as well as safeguarding Nassau County's tree assets from potential construction impacts and unpermitted removal of trees. Work includes reviewing tree protection plan applications, inspecting for compliance with the Amelia Island-Nassau County tree protection ordinance, assisting other County Departments with inspection items related to the ordinance, ongoing review of tree canopy health requests within unincorporated areas of Amelia Island and other issues pertaining to tree protection, landscape design and arboriculture. Work involves considerable public contact, often of a delicate nature, and requires the exercise of patience, sound judgment, tact and diplomacy. This position is primarily field based in an outdoor environment and requires availability (occasionally outside of normal operating hours) to respond to tree emergencies and assist in emergency storm events.

Essential Functions

• Reviews residential and existing non-residential tree removal, preservation, and protection plans to ensure compliance with County codes and standards.
• Evaluates and verifies the accuracy of tree mitigation plans, arborist assessments, and mitigation calculations.
• Conducts field inspections to review Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) compliance and identifies conflicts or discrepancies with proposed limits of construction or disturbance.
• Monitors tree removal activities for compliance and performs final inspections of newly planted trees. Frequently provides technical guidance and recommendations regarding tree preservation, protection, and mitigation requirements.
• Monitors and inspects planting, pruning, removal and any other tree related activities in the right of way, within tree conservation areas and protected buffers to ensure compliance with County codes and standards.
• Works with volunteers; provides training and oversight, coordinates work schedules, collaborates with volunteers to execute special programs.
• Monitors the success of tree planting by gathering statistics and generating reports.
• Inspects tree and landscape requirements for residential, commercial and industrial development projects countywide.
• Receives, investigates and issues potential violations to County code and statutes as they pertain to trees in tree protection areas, within protected buffers and the right of way.
• May serve as a member of the Nassau County Amelia Island Tree Commission.
• Composes, types, prepares, processes, files, copies and/or transmits a variety of documents, which may include correspondence, reports, notices, agendas, meeting minutes, budget documents, maintenance requests, charts, spreadsheets, manuals, work orders, various forms, logs, etc.
• Performs a variety of moderately to complex administrative duties in support of Department activities, which include but are not limited to answering phones, providing information as requested and/or forwarding calls to appropriate staff person, taking messages, scheduling appointments, maintaining calendars, compiling data for reports and/or meetings, establishing and maintaining files, maintaining databases, issuing invoices, processing payments, etc.
• Investigates and responds to internal and external requests for tree maintenance.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance and/or complaints from County employees, outside agencies and the public.
• Completes special projects as assigned.
• Identifies planting sites in the field through surveys and inventories.
• Select or assist in the selection of trees for street tree planting; coordinates tree procurement, delivery, and planting.
• Provides oversight of planting as needed; assists with oversight of contract planting.
• Responds to citizen complaints, concerns, and inquiries.
• Records documents and maintains records as required.
• Attends meetings, prepares and presents oral presentations and staff reports to Board of County Commissioners, Planning & Zoning Board and related committees when needed.
• Maintains plans and specifications in compliance with County policy and planning principles.
• May lead, plan, and coordinate the work of a project team.
• Advises management of actions and potential risks.
• Attends and participates in administrative meetings as required.
• Greets and assists office visitors and staff in a professional manner.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, other County personnel, vendors and the general public.
• Participates in staff meetings and attends other meetings as required.
• Operates a variety of equipment, which includes computer, fax machine, copier, telephone, calculator, etc.
• Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
• In accordance with Policy 8.10, All employees of Nassau County may be required to work in your current role or any role as necessary before, during or after an Emergency.
• Performs related duties as required.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Minimum Education & Experience

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent, graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, Landscape Architecture or a related subject area required supplemented by two (2) years of experience in urban forestry, horticulture or landscape architecture or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides needed required knowledge, skills and abilities. Certification as an Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture required. Must possess valid State Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Department and County pertaining to the performance of duties of the Arborist.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of the organization of the County and of related departments and agencies.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Ability to perform required mathematical calculations. Ability to type accurately at a rate sufficient for the successful performance of assigned duties.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of office equipment as necessary in the performance of daily activities.
• Skilled in applying a responsible attention to detail as necessary in preparing reports and correspondence.
• Ability to read and interpret various materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to use independent judgment in performing routine and non-routine tasks.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the Department.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other Departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.
• Ability to perform duties in a courteous manner and with the utmost integrity in the best interest of the public.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions as required.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Tasks require extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Stooping
• Kneeling
• Bending
• Crouching
• Reaching
• Standing
• Walking
• Climbing
• Lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs.
• Pushing and pulling

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works inside in an office environment and outdoors with the ability to perform work effectively despite occasional exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including temperature extremes, wetness/humidity, rain, uneven terrain, dirt, dust, pollen, odors, etc.
• Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the listed closing date or the position is filled, whichever is earliest. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.

Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. Nassau County reserves the right to edit or re-write this job description at any time.

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.

BOCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical & Prescription Drugs Benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions with a Qualified Plan
• Florida Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental
• Vision
• Life & AD&D
• Supplemental & Dependent Life & AD&D Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Benefits Offered By Aflac and/or Colonial
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
• Roth IRA

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. Employees are required to contribute 3% of their salary per Florida Statute.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The County may provide tuition assistance to cover the cost of tuition and books to County employees requesting tuition reimbursement for courses at an accredited college or university which are applicable to the employee's field of work and/or are of such nature to directly prepare employees for positions of greater responsibility within the County. Contact the Human Resources Office for additional details.

HOLIDAYS The following, as well as any other days the BOCC may declare, are designated as official holidays for County Employees:

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
The Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day

PTO LEAVE All full-time employees shall accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) Leave in accordance with the following formula:

Years of Employment Hours Per Year
0 through the end of the 4th year 180
5 years through the end of the 10th year 200
11 years through the end of the 15th year 220
16 years and over 240

For additional information please view Nassau County's Policies & Procedures .