City Horticulturist / Urban Forester

JOB SUMMARY

This position directs the operations of the Horticulture Department in the maintenance and management of the city's green infrastructure.

MAJOR DUTIES

· Coordinates all greenhouse, gardening, and landscaping activities for the city.

· Coordinates the propagation, growing, planting, watering, fertilizing, trimming, and general maintenance of plans and trees on city property.

· Manages insect and pest control activities.

· Assists with plant management and special horticulture projects.

· Trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.

· Orders gardening and landscaping supplies.

· Develops department budget requests and manages approved funds.

· Supervises and coordinates tree inspection and contracted urban forestry activities, including tree trimming, removal, and replacement.

· Enforces the city tree ordinance.

· Makes grant applications and manages approved funds.

· Manages city walking trails.

· Makes presentations to civic and school groups.

· Organizes and plans Arbor Day activities.

· Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

· Knowledge of city policies and procedures, including personnel and purchasing procedures.

· Knowledge of arboricultural and urban forestry practices and techniques.

· Knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, and methods use in the planting, pruning, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and other plants.

· Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety procedures.

· Knowledge of budget management principles.

· Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

· Skill in management and supervision.

· Skill in the operation of variety of horticulture tools and equipment.

· Skill in prioritizing and planning.

· Skill in interpersonal relations.

· Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Mayor assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the city tree ordinance, horticulture and urban forestry principles, and department and city policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

· The work consists of varied management, supervisory and technical duties. Inclement weather contributes to the complexity of the position.

· The purpose of this position is to coordinate the maintenance of the city's public green infrastructure. Successful performance contributes to the provision of safe and attractive environment for city employees, citizens and visitors.

CONTACTS

· Contacts are typically with coworkers, contractors, vendors, property owners, utility company employees, volunteers, and the general public.

· Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate persons, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

· The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects and distinguishes between shades of color.

· The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over Lead Groundskeeper (1), Senior Groundskeeper (1), Groundskeeper (3), and Administrative Receptionist (1).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

· Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.

· Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Pay: $26.06 - $27.39 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $27