What are the responsibilities and job description for the LANDSCAPE INSPECTOR I position at City of San Marcos, CA?
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
The City of San Marcos welcomes qualified applications for the position of Landscape Inspector I. Now is a great time to join the Landscape Inspection Section of the Parks Division within Public Works, utilizing your talents to enhance our services in field inspections and ensuring that plan and design standard specifications are being met in various landscape projects throughout the city.
Don't delay -- applications will be accepted through 10/20/2025, 4:00pm
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, performs various duties related to the inspection of landscape maintenance and construction work performed by contractors for the City; performs field inspections of irrigation and landscaping installation by private contractors for City CIP projects, and privately constructed CFD projects, to ensure compliance with approved landscape plans, specifications, City standards, and/or maintenance contract provisions.
With immediate supervision, inspects construction and maintenance of irrigation and landscape improvements performed by private contractors, ensuring compliance with the plans, specifications, City standards, and maintenance agreements; coordinates and provides field direction.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Applications due by: 4:00pm, October 20th, 2025
First Interviews: October 28th, 2025
Second Interviews: November 4th, 2025
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge Of:
Industry landscape construction and maintenance procedures for irrigation and plant material with an emphasis on irrigation system installation, operations, and maintenance; well systems and irrigation designs; tree pruning; pesticides; proper methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in landscape operations; landscape construction grading, irrigation installation, fencing, trail systems, drainage systems, and planting; safe work practices and procedures including proper traffic control procedures; and effective public relations skills.
Ability To:
Read and interpret landscape and irrigation blueprints; working knowledge of irrigation equipment such as backflow devices, irrigation wiring, controllers, valves, flow sensors, drip irrigation, and related appurtenances installed in commercial irrigation systems; identify plants, trees, and shrubs, and inspect for conformance with plans and specifications; ability to identify basic insects, pests, and diseases found in the landscape, and have a good understanding on how to resolve these issues; prepare comprehensive verbal and written reports; use a computer to effectively operate various maintenance and City software programs, such as asset management software and Microsoft Office suite program; perform basic mathematical calculations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; receive training and apply such training as required; use good judgment in the scope of assigned authority; establish and maintain cooperative and effective relations with City employees and contractors; and demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training
High school diploma or equivalent required, supplemented by specialized training in landscape construction and maintenance technology and procedures.
Experience
Candidates must have at least 4 years of experience/education in landscape construction or maintenance, including irrigation and plant material installation and maintenance.
License / Certificate
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
Pesticide Applicators Certificate, Irrigation Auditor Certificate, and/or Certified Arborist License are desirable.
The City of San Marcos welcomes qualified applications for the position of Landscape Inspector I. Now is a great time to join the Landscape Inspection Section of the Parks Division within Public Works, utilizing your talents to enhance our services in field inspections and ensuring that plan and design standard specifications are being met in various landscape projects throughout the city.
Don't delay -- applications will be accepted through 10/20/2025, 4:00pm
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, performs various duties related to the inspection of landscape maintenance and construction work performed by contractors for the City; performs field inspections of irrigation and landscaping installation by private contractors for City CIP projects, and privately constructed CFD projects, to ensure compliance with approved landscape plans, specifications, City standards, and/or maintenance contract provisions.
With immediate supervision, inspects construction and maintenance of irrigation and landscape improvements performed by private contractors, ensuring compliance with the plans, specifications, City standards, and maintenance agreements; coordinates and provides field direction.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
- Professional experience in field inspection responsibilities, including construction, irrigation, landscape and maintenance areas.
- Supplemental training and educational experience in relevant inspection related fields, including certification programs are desirable.
- Desire to serve the community of the City of San Marcos by increasing efficiencies with strong communication skills in working with internal staff member and external community partners.
- Earn a competitive salary
- Our 9/80 work week means you'll have every other Friday off
- Gain generous health benefits (all medical premiums employer paid at 90%)
- Enjoy ample time off (14 paid holidays, 96 hours of sick leave, 80 hours of vacation leave)
- Participate in the CalPERS retirement system (Classic members 2% @ 55, PEPRA members 2% @ 62) and Social Security
- Enhance your career taking advantage of our Tuition Reimbursement Program, up to $1,500 per fiscal year, which can also be used for student loan payments
Applications due by: 4:00pm, October 20th, 2025
First Interviews: October 28th, 2025
Second Interviews: November 4th, 2025
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Performs required utility mark-outs, ability to use wire tracing equipment
- Inspects and documents the construction of irrigation and landscape improvements in accordance with City standards
- Issues correction notices to contractors/developers to correct deficiencies found during inspections. Ensures deficiencies are corrected prior to acceptance of the work;
- Inspects the contract maintenance and safety of landscape areas including, but not limited to, parks, slopes, medians, parkways, playgrounds, public trails, and open spaces.
- Prepares cost estimates and monitors expenditures for materials and services; reviews and recommends approval of proposals and invoices for work performed by contractors; monitors progress of projects to ensure turnover dates are met.
- Assists in the preparation of Request for Proposal documents, reviews bid documents, and reviews site irrigation, and planting plans; conducts pre-bid meetings with contractors. Inspects new plant material prior to planting and approves layout locations according to plan.
- Monitors irrigation systems including: web-based irrigation software irrigation audits, irrigation system scheduling, well systems operation, maintenance and repairs, fertigation tanks, water meter use reports, renovation and rehabilitation, and emergency repairs.
- Provides assistance and technical support to other City Departments, various public agencies and organizations, and the general public.
- Reports graffiti and vandalism issues to the appropriate department; prepares cost recovery documentation for auto accidents or other incidental damages that occur within City maintained areas.
- Performs administrative tasks associated with the administering of private landscape maintenance contracts, as well as privately constructed landscape improvements.
- Reviews, corrects, and ensures completeness of landscape plan submittals and as-built plans.
- Maintains records of inspection work.
- Responds to and resolves citizen complaints and concerns.
- Performs other related work as required.
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
Knowledge Of:
Industry landscape construction and maintenance procedures for irrigation and plant material with an emphasis on irrigation system installation, operations, and maintenance; well systems and irrigation designs; tree pruning; pesticides; proper methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in landscape operations; landscape construction grading, irrigation installation, fencing, trail systems, drainage systems, and planting; safe work practices and procedures including proper traffic control procedures; and effective public relations skills.
Ability To:
Read and interpret landscape and irrigation blueprints; working knowledge of irrigation equipment such as backflow devices, irrigation wiring, controllers, valves, flow sensors, drip irrigation, and related appurtenances installed in commercial irrigation systems; identify plants, trees, and shrubs, and inspect for conformance with plans and specifications; ability to identify basic insects, pests, and diseases found in the landscape, and have a good understanding on how to resolve these issues; prepare comprehensive verbal and written reports; use a computer to effectively operate various maintenance and City software programs, such as asset management software and Microsoft Office suite program; perform basic mathematical calculations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; receive training and apply such training as required; use good judgment in the scope of assigned authority; establish and maintain cooperative and effective relations with City employees and contractors; and demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training
High school diploma or equivalent required, supplemented by specialized training in landscape construction and maintenance technology and procedures.
Experience
Candidates must have at least 4 years of experience/education in landscape construction or maintenance, including irrigation and plant material installation and maintenance.
License / Certificate
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
Pesticide Applicators Certificate, Irrigation Auditor Certificate, and/or Certified Arborist License are desirable.
Salary : $1,500
