Landscaping Specialist

The Port of Galveston is seeking a skilled and dedicated Landscaping Specialist to join our team. This role involves maintaining and enhancing the port’s outdoor spaces, including green areas, Terminals, and landscaped surroundings. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in landscaping and horticulture, with a strong focus on creating and maintaining attractive and functional landscapes in a diverse port environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Landscape Design and Installation: Develop and implement landscape designs that enhance the visual appeal and functionality of the port’s outdoor spaces. Install and maintain landscaping elements such as plants, trees, shrubs, hardscaping features, and irrigation systems.
• Routine Maintenance: Conduct regular maintenance tasks including mowing, edging, pruning, fertilizing, and pest management to ensure the health and aesthetic quality of landscaped areas.
• Irrigation Systems: Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems to ensure efficient water usage and optimal plant growth. Adjust systems based on seasonal needs and environmental conditions.
• Plant Care: Monitor plant health and provide necessary care, including diagnosing and treating diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. Ensure that all plantings meet safety and aesthetic standards.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Adapt landscaping practices to seasonal changes, including planting seasonal flowers, preparing landscapes for extreme weather, and managing any required snow removal or storm debris.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to safety protocols and regulations while performing landscaping duties. Operate and maintain landscaping equipment safely and efficiently.
• Project Coordination: Oversee and coordinate a team performing landscaping maintenance and projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to design specifications. Collaborate with other port departments to align landscaping efforts with port activities.
• Customer Service: Engage with port staff to understand their landscaping needs and provide professional advice and solutions.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of landscaping work, including maintenance schedules, plant inventories, and project documentation.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Formal training in horticulture, landscape design, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, or a related field, with experience in a commercial or industrial setting being a plus.
• Skills: In-depth knowledge of plant species, landscape design principles, and maintenance techniques. Proficiency in using landscaping equipment and tools.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Landscape Technician, Arborist, or pesticide applicator licenses are Preferred.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, bending, and working in various weather conditions.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to interact effectively with port staff, tenets, and other team members.

Supervision:

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Reports to:

Maintenance Manager

Work Environment:

This job operates inside and outside year-round.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully preform the essential functions of this job. This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for up to 8 hours.

Position Type/ Expected hours of work:

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work. Monday- Friday, 8AM- 5PM.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call
• Overtime

Work Location: In person