Lead Parks Specialist - Horticulture

POSITION SUMMARY

The Horticulture Specialist acts as a lead worker who oversees the installation and maintenance of plants, trees, shrubs, turf and flowers.  Identifies various insects and diseases and determines the appropriate corrective action and applications.  Assigns activities and reviews work.  Develops maintenance schedules for tree/shrub, weed control and fertilizer application.  Maintains forestry related programs such as tree inventory, contract pruning, removal and Arbor Day related activities.  Purchases supplies and monitors expenditures.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Parks Supervisor

Direct reports: Parks Technicians

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs forestry and horticulture fieldwork of a team of park technicians and maintenance workers as well as contractors as needed based on strategic and operational plans balancing long and short-term needs. Such technical forestry functions involve tree pruning, removal, planting and transplanting, and utilizing specialized equipment for forestry including tree pruners, chain saws, tree spades, stump grinders, fertilizer spreaders, seeders, traditional rigging, bucket trucks, backhoes, loaders, dump truck tractors, sprayers, top dressers, and chippers. Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe working conditions, and acts promptly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, staff, and the public.
• Performs fieldwork alongside team as needed as well as advanced technical assignments, including tree risk surveys, site evaluation, and specialized chemical applications throughout park and open space areas; and schedules, conducts, and tracks pesticide applications.
• Maintains and works toward forestry achievements, including the Tree City USA and Bee City USA designations.
• Works in cooperation with horticulture, mowing and irrigation and maintenance functions. Coordinate with other lead workers to enable the efficient operation of division work.
• Provides technical assistance and/or training to the staff and citizens in the identification of plants diseases and insects, proper pruning, trimming and planting techniques.
• Identifies various vegetation diseases and infestations and determines the appropriate corrective chemical actions and/or other applications needed. Applies restricted use chemicals for pest and disease control. Maintains pesticide application records.
• Plants, trims, fertilizes and sprays trees, shrubs, turf and flowers. Removes dead or diseased tissues of trees and treats wounds. Operates light equipment and tools common to tree care, growth control and tree removal activities.

Community Engagement

• Administers the Community Forestry grant subsidy program by reviewing and approving citizen requests for subsidy assistance to treat or remove ash trees from private properties. Utilizes expertise to inspect and address issues on each case.
• Coordinates community volunteer programs for the Parks division including the memorial tree program, and the volunteer flower program.
• Manages the Arbor Tree Sale and Arbor Day Celebration

 Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees a snow removal crew during the winter months. Assigns and operates snow removal equipment.  May be required to assist with special projects and events.
• Assist parks maintenance, irrigation, ballfields, and encampment clean up as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned and/or required.
• This position may potentially require weekends, holiday, and evening work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required. Associate degree in landscape, turf or parks maintenance preferred.

Work Experience

• 4 years’ experience in Horticulture, One year of experience in a lead / supervisory capacity preferred.

Certifications

• An ISA Certified Arborist certification and a Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator’s License is required within 1 year of employment.

Required Driver's License

• A Colorado Driver's License is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

 Strong working knowledge of:

• Trees and shrubs, especially, identification and suitability; pest management and plant diagnostics, arboriculture and pruning
• Tree trimming and removal
• Tracking and managing GIS/GPS inventory data
• Safe operation of chainsaws, bucket trucks, grapples, front-end loaders, tractors, skid-steer, pickup trucks, trucks with trailers, tree spade, brush chippers and stump grinders
• Tree diseases, insects, corrective actions and pesticide application
• Turf and plant management
• Landscape design

Skills and Abilities

• Computer Skills - Working computer skills required to track and analyze tree inventory data.
• Communication Skills - Strong skills needed to direct the activities of personnel and to effectively communicate park policies and procedures.  Strong customer service skills are needed to interact with the public.
• Analytical Skills - Strong analytical skills required to diagnose and troubleshoot horticultural problems.
• Mechanical Skills - Strong mechanical skills required to use the tools needed for completion of daily tasks and for maintaining and repairing equipment. Must be able to operate a bucket truck, and all landscape, arboriculture, and general maintenance equipment.
• Project Management Skills - Working project management skills required to plan and execute long term projects as well as establish work schedule for assigned employees.
• Mathematical Skills - Strong skills required to calibrate sprayers and spreaders as well as areas and estimate materials needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily outside.  Works near moving mechanical parts; exposed to fumes, airborne particles and various chemicals, some of which may be toxic.  The employee is exposed to various weather conditions including wet, hot and cold conditions.

HOURLY RATE

$28.49 - $42.74/Hourly Rate

BENEFITS

The City of Englewood offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, and vision.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Open until filled. 

Salary : $28 - $43