Natural Resources Coordinator

This is a responsible supervisory and administrative position involving natural resource activities.

The employee in this class is responsible for coordinating and supervising activities involving: supervision, implementation and enforcement of the municipal tree, site clearing and landscape ordinance for all private development projects; review of planned development applications for greenways and trail master plan applicability; supervision, implementation and enforcement of natural resources related regulations in City Code Chapter 27, (i.e. upland habitat, wetlands, tree and landscape codes, and Significant Wildlife Habitat); and, review of all public improvement projects on public property and rights of way for protection of trees and natural areas. Work is of considerable difficulty and includes directing and supervising a team of professional city arborists, and coordinating the provision of specialized advice and assistance to city personnel on matters relating to selection, planting, care and maintenance of trees; removal of trees; review of landscape plans, performance of field inspectional services in enforcement of the ordinance. The employee is responsible for coordinating and implementing natural resource projects through the department and civic groups. Personnel management and training, operational planning, budget development and monitoring are important aspects of this job. Under direction, considerable initiative and independent judgment are required in directing the efficient operation of activities. Tact and courtesy are required in contacts with the general public. Employee provides public relations and communication on behalf of the department. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted and results obtained.

Supervises and coordinates review of public improvement and private development projects for natural resources related regulations; serves as primary natural resources regulatory authority, administering the City’s natural resources regulations and supervising work of professional staff arborists; provides specialized advice and technical assistance to departmental and other city personnel on matters relating to the selection, care and maintenance of trees and natural areas; perform evaluation and inspection of sites and grand trees to resolve conflicts, determine compliance with appropriate ordinances, as well as evaluation and calibration of staff determinations to assure consistency in application.  

Supervises the presentation of natural resources findings and reports related land development agenda items to the City Council, including vacations, encroachments, fence agreements, special uses, code appeals, special projects, code changes, etc.; conducts and/or participates in public hearings for variance reviews, special uses, design guidelines, etc.  

Participates in studies for land development regulations for natural resources, as required by amendments to the city comprehensive plan or other code changes.  

Acts as department representative in dealings with other city departments, public agencies as well as private groups in regard to plan review and permit responsibilities; conducts review of Development of Regional Impact, development agreements, rezoning plans, subdivision, special use and other plans for comment and reports to be provided for City Council, Variance Review Board, Architectural Review Commission, and Barrio Latino Commission; reviews public improvement projects for compliance and protection of trees and natural areas; interprets applicable ordinances and advises developers and others on the requirements; consults on City Code revisions relating to landscaping, natural areas and directs investigations of complaints regarding ordinance and permit violations through the Code Enforcement Board.  

Responds to public inquiries and or complaints in order to provide information and resolve or refer to proper area for resolution. Coordinates with Risk Management providing expert tree condition evaluations on public properties and rights-of-way related to claims.  

Project manager for the ongoing Urban Forest Sustainability and Ecological Analysis (i.e. “Canopy Study”) as required in Chapter 27 of City Code; supervises and coordinates departmental responsibilities required in the City’s long range Urban Forest Management Plan.  

Ensures that natural resources (i.e. tree preservation and plantings, open space, wetlands, wildlife habitat and corridors) needed to support land development are available concurrent with the impacts of such development; directs work of staff engaged in assimilation, compilation and presentation of data relative to the impact of development plans related to resource utilization, tree and landscape preservation and design for street and highway construction, parks, recreation and cultural facilities, and water and wastewater improvement projects, etc.  

Develops and administers natural resource and environmental education programs for professional city staff, other City Departments, natural resources industry professionals, and development industry professionals.  

Coordinates and participates in the Sustainable Communities program assuring compliance with interlocal agreement with Hillsborough County and State Department of Community Affairs. Coordinates and participates in ELAPP committee meetings with Hillsborough County.  

Serves as liaison with City and County Planning Commissions for comprehensive plan issues with emphasis on  coastal management, environmentally sensitive lands, and recreation/open space; confers with Legal Department representatives to coordinate ordinances, resolutions and development agreements; ensures that all reviewing agencies provide proper and complete responses, comply with regulatory provisions applicable to reviews, and respond within allocated time periods; participates in special projects; meets with citizens and development community petitioners to resolve problems related to the development process.  

Prepares reports and correspondence; assigns, develops, and evaluates employees; manages unit work processes.  

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: principles and techniques of arboriculture, horticulture, effective landscaping improvement, tree maintenance, and natural areas planning.  

Working knowledge of: trees and plants indigenous to Florida; Florida ecosystems; ordinance interpretation and permit processes; effective supervisory techniques.  

Ability to: enforce regulations and ordinances with impartiality and tact; read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications; maintain necessary records and prepare periodic reports both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, supervisor and others; plan, supervise, assign, and review the work of others; collect and analyze data and reach sound conclusions; implement projects.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in urban forestry, arboriculture, ornamental horticulture, natural resources or a related field and one (1) year of experience in the administration/enforcement of tree, site clearing and landscape ordinances; graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban forestry, arboriculture, ornamental horticulture, natural resources or a related field and three (3) years of experience in the administration/enforcement of tree, site clearing and landscape ordinances; or an associate's degree in urban forestry, arboriculture, ornamental horticulture, natural resources or a related field and five (5) years of experience in the administration/enforcement of tree, site clearing, and landscape ordinances; with three (3) to five (5) years in supervisory, project management, and/or construction management experience.  

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification is required. ISA Municipal Arborist certification preferred.   Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.  

Evaluation of education and experience.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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