What are the responsibilities and job description for the Urban Forester position at City of Coconut Creek?
Description
When you come to work for the City of Coconut Creek, although you’re assigned an employee number, you’re not treated like one. With an average of 10 years of service (some as many as 30-plus!), our employees know they can transform their careers in Coconut Creek, the “Butterfly Capital of the World.”
The City of Coconut Creek has been spotlighted as one of the “Best Cities to Live in America” by Money Magazine and a Top Ten Place to Live in Florida by Movoto and NerdWallet. Our City is home to the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Butterfly World, and the Coconut Creek Promenade. Every one of our business owners and 61,000 residents rely on our awesome 400 employees. As the City’s Urban Forester, you’ll play a visible, lasting role in shaping Coconut Creek’s identity, protecting and growing the community’s tree canopy and shaded streets for generations to come. Are you ready to be one of us?
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others and serving the public; if you are innovative, progressive, dedicated, and looking for a workplace where you belong, consider applying to join our Coconut Creek family.
Performs senior and/or lead-level technical or specialized work in the Resilient Design and Development department. Performs and coordinates landscape and zoning inspections, development plan review (including site plans and related documents), permitting, code enforcement, and other duties related to landscaping to ensure compliance with the City's Land Development Code. Work is performed under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position relies on experience and exercises independent judgment to determine the best approach by using and interpreting policies and procedures.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
High school diploma or GED; supplemented by three (3) or more years’ experience in landscape installation, construction supervision, and project management.
Must have a state of Florida driver’s license and have Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida (LIAF) certification and Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) certification level I. Must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort usually involving some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Usually involves some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking or standing. Tasks may involve extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
Environmental Requirements
Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.
Sensory Requirements
Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors.
CITY OF COCONUT CREEK
Benefit Summary For Civil Service (non-exempt) Personnel
HOLIDAYS - 10 paid full-day holidays and 2 paid half-day (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) holidays per year.
PERSONAL LEAVE - 16 hours/year (prorated the first year of employment based on hire date); does not roll over.
VACATION LEAVE - Employees earn vacation leave from the date of hire based on the following schedule:
< 4 years of service: .0385 hours per each regular paid hour (80 hrs./yr.)4 years of service: .0577 hours per each regular paid hour (120 hrs./yr.) 7 years of service: .0770 hours per each regular paid hour (160 hrs./yr.) 10 years of service: .0962 hours per each regular paid hour (200 hrs./yr.)
Maximum accumulation is 200 hours as of the last day of the pay period including November 1 each year for employees with fewer than 10 years of service. Maximum accumulation is 240 hours as of the last day of the pay period including November 1 each year, with up to 80 excess hours payable per year, for employees with at least 10 years of service.
SICK LEAVE - Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave for each hour of regular paid service. Accumulations in excess of 520 hours are paid out annually at a 50%, 75%, or 100% conversion rate depending on years of service.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAM
For each employee, the City pays the premiums for $20,000 Basic Life insurance, $20,000 AD&D, and Long and Short-Term Disability, and contributes towards the total premium for medical insurance. For employees selecting the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), employee-only medical insurance coverage is paid 100% by the City’s contribution. Most employees who enroll in the City’s HDHP are eligible to participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA). For those selecting a medical plan with higher premiums, dependent coverage, and/or optional benefits, employee contributions are made through bi-weekly payroll deduction. Eligibility for coverage is the first of the month following thirty (30) days of full time employment.
Proof of medical coverage is required for full-time City employees. However, employees may opt-out of the City’s group medical insurance and receive a pre-determined dollar amount paid bi-weekly through payroll. The City’s insurance program includes a Section 125 Program, which allows eligible employees to pay for medical and dental insurance, dependent health coverage, HSA Contributions (if eligible), additional life insurance, some AFLAC policies, etc., and any other eligible insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars, and/or set aside pre-tax dollars for unreimbursed medical, dependent or elder care. Certain optional benefits, such as Legal Shield, Identity Shield, certain amounts of life insurance and some AFLAC plans, must be paid on a post-tax basis. All payments are made bi-weekly by payroll deduction. Changes to selections may only be made during qualifying periods.
PENSION/RETIREMENT PLAN
The City participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), which offers a choice of either a Pension Plan (defined benefit) or an Investment Plan (defined contribution). The City contributes an amount to the selected plan that is determined by the State Legislature. In addition, employees contribute 3% through a pre-tax payroll deduction. The Pension Plan benefit is determined by multiplying the Regular Class rate of 1.6 times the years of FRS service times the average of the employee's highest paid eight (8) years of salary. The Investment Plan benefit is based on the performance of selected funds over time. Employees in the Pension Plan are vested after eight (8) years of service; vesting is after one (1) year of service for the Investment Plan. Normal Retirement for the Pension Plan is age 65 with 8 years of Regular Class service, or 33 years of Regular Class service regardless of age. Early Retirement is any age after eight (8) years, but less than 33 years of service (There is a penalty of 5% per year under age 65.) There is no age or service requirement that must be met to receive a benefit under the Investment Plan, provided the one (1) year vesting requirement has been met.
LONGEVITY PAY - Employees are eligible for an annual lump sum longevity payment as follows:
Employees who have completed their one (1) year probationary period are eligible to participate in the Tuition Reimbursement Program. With approval of the course(s) and subject to availability of funds, employees may be eligible for reimbursement of 100% for a grade of A, 75% for a grade of B, and 50% for a grade of C. The maximum tuition reimbursement available to any employee shall be the equivalent of (18) credit hours per fiscal year at either the State of Florida community college level or the State of Florida university level.
PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE
Employees are eligible for up to 5% in pay-for-performance compensation, based upon their annual evaluation, provided said compensation is approved and funded in the city’s adopted budget.
DISCOUNT PROGRAMS
The City offers a variety of discount programs. The following are some areas for available discounts: Healthy Meals, Health Services, Banking / Financial; Cellular / Data and Computer Services, Entertainment, Retail and Travel.
WELLNESS PROGRAMS
The City of Coconut Creek offers a wide variety of wellness initiatives and programs. Some of these initiatives and programs are: Weight Watcher’s at Work, Walking Challenges, Wellness Warrior Reimbursement Program, Annual Wellness Fair, several wellness preventive screenings, flu shots, and mammogram wellness screenings. The City is always looking for new ways to improve the overall health and wellness of its employees.
Please note, the benefits listed above are subject to change. Full descriptions of each benefit listed may be found in the City’s Code of Ordinances, Administrative Orders, applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, on the employee portal or by contacting Human Resources and Risk Management at 954-973-6715 or hr@coconutcreek.net.
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
Do you currently possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent?
Do you possess a Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving record?
Computer Skills: I am proficient in the following software: (Check all that apply)
How many years of verifiable work experience do you have in landscape installation, construction supervision, and project management?
Please explain where/when experience was obtained. (Must be supported by employment history as detailed on employment application; subject to verification.)
07
Do you possess a Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida (LIAF) certification? (You must upload it with your application)
Do you possess a Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) certification level I? (You must upload it with your application)
Are you a current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist? (You must upload it with your application)
I understand and meet all the requirements of the position (including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical requirements), and I am able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
When you come to work for the City of Coconut Creek, although you’re assigned an employee number, you’re not treated like one. With an average of 10 years of service (some as many as 30-plus!), our employees know they can transform their careers in Coconut Creek, the “Butterfly Capital of the World.”
The City of Coconut Creek has been spotlighted as one of the “Best Cities to Live in America” by Money Magazine and a Top Ten Place to Live in Florida by Movoto and NerdWallet. Our City is home to the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Butterfly World, and the Coconut Creek Promenade. Every one of our business owners and 61,000 residents rely on our awesome 400 employees. As the City’s Urban Forester, you’ll play a visible, lasting role in shaping Coconut Creek’s identity, protecting and growing the community’s tree canopy and shaded streets for generations to come. Are you ready to be one of us?
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of others and serving the public; if you are innovative, progressive, dedicated, and looking for a workplace where you belong, consider applying to join our Coconut Creek family.
Performs senior and/or lead-level technical or specialized work in the Resilient Design and Development department. Performs and coordinates landscape and zoning inspections, development plan review (including site plans and related documents), permitting, code enforcement, and other duties related to landscaping to ensure compliance with the City's Land Development Code. Work is performed under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position relies on experience and exercises independent judgment to determine the best approach by using and interpreting policies and procedures.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the classification. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.
- Represents the department regarding development review for tree and landscape-related matters; reviews development applications (including site plans, plats, and rezoning) for compliance with tree preservation, landscape, and zoning requirements; prepares written comments and recommended conditions of approval, and participates in City meetings to present and discuss findings
- Coordinates special projects and activities including Arbor Day and Tree City USA
- Creates educational brochures, flyers, presentations, and articles
- Handles citizen inquiries and facilitates problem-solving with residents, developers, property managers, and homeowner’s associations (HOA’s)
- Performs plan review for planning, building, and engineering permitting
- Performs landscape and zoning inspections on new construction projects
- Performs field inspections; processes and issues tree removal permits
- Serves as the lead technical resource for ensuring conformity and consistency among field team members regarding City rules, regulations, and ordinances, and in particular, landscape, zoning, and tree preservation codes and regulations
- May supervise and coordinate the activities of landscape inspectors, including determining procedures and work schedules, issuing instructions, and assigning duties
- May advise homeowners and developers on matters of a horticultural nature concerning the condition of landscaping
- Performs other duties as assigned and/or required
High school diploma or GED; supplemented by three (3) or more years’ experience in landscape installation, construction supervision, and project management.
Must have a state of Florida driver’s license and have Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida (LIAF) certification and Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) certification level I. Must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.
- The City reserves the right to consider alternate combinations of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of local trees, palms, plants, turf, and proper horticultural and arboricultural care and practice.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel)
- Skilled in providing good customer service
- Ability to read, review, and interpret landscaping plans and specifications against code required elements
- Ability to multi-task while working with tight deadlines and shifting priorities
- Ability to quickly and independently learn new software
- Ability to organize work for timely completion
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to use critical thinking skills to arrive at solutions and suggest improvements to processes
- Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
- Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
- Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule
Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort usually involving some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Usually involves some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking or standing. Tasks may involve extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
Environmental Requirements
Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils and other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.
Sensory Requirements
Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors.
CITY OF COCONUT CREEK
Benefit Summary For Civil Service (non-exempt) Personnel
HOLIDAYS - 10 paid full-day holidays and 2 paid half-day (Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) holidays per year.
PERSONAL LEAVE - 16 hours/year (prorated the first year of employment based on hire date); does not roll over.
VACATION LEAVE - Employees earn vacation leave from the date of hire based on the following schedule:
< 4 years of service: .0385 hours per each regular paid hour (80 hrs./yr.)
SICK LEAVE - Employees earn 0.0462 hours of sick leave for each hour of regular paid service. Accumulations in excess of 520 hours are paid out annually at a 50%, 75%, or 100% conversion rate depending on years of service.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAM
For each employee, the City pays the premiums for $20,000 Basic Life insurance, $20,000 AD&D, and Long and Short-Term Disability, and contributes towards the total premium for medical insurance. For employees selecting the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), employee-only medical insurance coverage is paid 100% by the City’s contribution. Most employees who enroll in the City’s HDHP are eligible to participate in a Health Savings Account (HSA). For those selecting a medical plan with higher premiums, dependent coverage, and/or optional benefits, employee contributions are made through bi-weekly payroll deduction. Eligibility for coverage is the first of the month following thirty (30) days of full time employment.
Proof of medical coverage is required for full-time City employees. However, employees may opt-out of the City’s group medical insurance and receive a pre-determined dollar amount paid bi-weekly through payroll. The City’s insurance program includes a Section 125 Program, which allows eligible employees to pay for medical and dental insurance, dependent health coverage, HSA Contributions (if eligible), additional life insurance, some AFLAC policies, etc., and any other eligible insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars, and/or set aside pre-tax dollars for unreimbursed medical, dependent or elder care. Certain optional benefits, such as Legal Shield, Identity Shield, certain amounts of life insurance and some AFLAC plans, must be paid on a post-tax basis. All payments are made bi-weekly by payroll deduction. Changes to selections may only be made during qualifying periods.
PENSION/RETIREMENT PLAN
The City participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS), which offers a choice of either a Pension Plan (defined benefit) or an Investment Plan (defined contribution). The City contributes an amount to the selected plan that is determined by the State Legislature. In addition, employees contribute 3% through a pre-tax payroll deduction. The Pension Plan benefit is determined by multiplying the Regular Class rate of 1.6 times the years of FRS service times the average of the employee's highest paid eight (8) years of salary. The Investment Plan benefit is based on the performance of selected funds over time. Employees in the Pension Plan are vested after eight (8) years of service; vesting is after one (1) year of service for the Investment Plan. Normal Retirement for the Pension Plan is age 65 with 8 years of Regular Class service, or 33 years of Regular Class service regardless of age. Early Retirement is any age after eight (8) years, but less than 33 years of service (There is a penalty of 5% per year under age 65.) There is no age or service requirement that must be met to receive a benefit under the Investment Plan, provided the one (1) year vesting requirement has been met.
- Please Note: If you have recently retired from FRS, please check the FRS website at http://frs.myflorida.com to review the provision pertaining to re-employment restrictions.
- Age and years of service for vesting, highest average compensation, normal retirement, and early retirement requirements are lower for those enrolled in FRS prior to July 1, 2011. Please refer to the FRS Pension Plan Member Handbook for additional information.
LONGEVITY PAY - Employees are eligible for an annual lump sum longevity payment as follows:
- Upon completion of five (5) through nine (9) years of service: $500
- Upon completion of ten (10) through fourteen (14) years of service: $1,000
- Upon completion of fifteen (15) through nineteen (19) years of service: $1,500
- Upon completion of twenty (20) years of service: $2,000
Employees who have completed their one (1) year probationary period are eligible to participate in the Tuition Reimbursement Program. With approval of the course(s) and subject to availability of funds, employees may be eligible for reimbursement of 100% for a grade of A, 75% for a grade of B, and 50% for a grade of C. The maximum tuition reimbursement available to any employee shall be the equivalent of (18) credit hours per fiscal year at either the State of Florida community college level or the State of Florida university level.
PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE
Employees are eligible for up to 5% in pay-for-performance compensation, based upon their annual evaluation, provided said compensation is approved and funded in the city’s adopted budget.
DISCOUNT PROGRAMS
The City offers a variety of discount programs. The following are some areas for available discounts: Healthy Meals, Health Services, Banking / Financial; Cellular / Data and Computer Services, Entertainment, Retail and Travel.
WELLNESS PROGRAMS
The City of Coconut Creek offers a wide variety of wellness initiatives and programs. Some of these initiatives and programs are: Weight Watcher’s at Work, Walking Challenges, Wellness Warrior Reimbursement Program, Annual Wellness Fair, several wellness preventive screenings, flu shots, and mammogram wellness screenings. The City is always looking for new ways to improve the overall health and wellness of its employees.
Please note, the benefits listed above are subject to change. Full descriptions of each benefit listed may be found in the City’s Code of Ordinances, Administrative Orders, applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, on the employee portal or by contacting Human Resources and Risk Management at 954-973-6715 or hr@coconutcreek.net.
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
- Yes
- No
Do you currently possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent?
- Yes
- No
Do you possess a Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving record?
- Yes
- No
Computer Skills: I am proficient in the following software: (Check all that apply)
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Granicus/Legistar
- LaserFiche
- None of the Above
How many years of verifiable work experience do you have in landscape installation, construction supervision, and project management?
- None
- At least 3 years, but less than 5 years
- At least 5 years, but less than 7 years
- At least 7 years, but less than 10 years
- 10 or more years
Please explain where/when experience was obtained. (Must be supported by employment history as detailed on employment application; subject to verification.)
07
Do you possess a Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida (LIAF) certification? (You must upload it with your application)
- Yes
- No
Do you possess a Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) certification level I? (You must upload it with your application)
- Yes
- No
Are you a current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist? (You must upload it with your application)
- Yes
- No
I understand and meet all the requirements of the position (including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical requirements), and I am able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $500 - $20,000