InTucker Magazine

Team Tucker – David Schmid

What do you do as a Land Development Inspection Manager?
My main focus is to review land development plans (LDPs) to ensure compliance with city, state and federal ordinances and then to inspect the sites once they are permitted to verify compliance with the approved plans. Other responsibilities include determining state waters and buffers, reviewing tree permit applications, and reviewing city Land Development and Environmental ordinances to ensure compliance with state regulations.

What kind of education or training do you need to get into this line of work?
I received most of my certifications and credentials after my college education; I majored in English with plans to go to Law School. My certifications include: Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) and Certified Inspector of Erosion Control (CISEC). I have multiple certifications through the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) which include Inspector, Plan Review, and Design, and I am a certified instructor for all three.

Why is working for the City of Tucker like a homecoming for you?
It is a literal homecoming because I grew up in Tucker. I went to Brockett Elementary School and Tucker High School when it was still grades 8-12.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The thing I enjoy most about my job is that I am helping to protect the waters of the state which I spend a lot of my free time enjoying. I also enjoy the fact that a lot of my work time is in the field walking job sites and communicating with the public.

Why is land development inspection important in the grand scheme of things? Inspecting development sites for compliance helps to ensure that our state waters will not be adversely affected by the development. The health of the streams, lakes and rivers in Georgia is vital because it is a limited resource. Not only do we drink the water, but it is important to the health of our forests, our crops, wildlife and recreation.

Off The Wall

Do you have any hobbies?
I love to hike. I spend almost every weekend on a trail, whether it’s as close as Stone Mountain or across the country in Muir Woods, California.

What is one superpower from the Marvel universe you would want for yourself?
Tony Stark’s intelligence. That’s a superpower, right?

What’s your favorite song?
Right now, it is Johnny Cash’s cover of “In My Life” by The Beatles. Cash brings a depth to the song that gives me chills every time I hear it. I also just love the message of always remembering and loving all who pass through your life no matter how much time passes.

What was the happiest day of your life?
Can it be a week? Exploring San Francisco and hiking in Muir Woods with my wife Cosette was definitely the happiest week of my life so far.