JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for managing the Parks and Recreation Department's beautification activities.

MAJOR DUTIES

Performs landscape management duties. (40%)

-Designs, installs and maintains landscaping, irrigation, and related infrastructure on City properties and rights-of-way.
-Applies pesticides.
-Assists in the maintenance and repair of landscapes, including seasonal plants.
-Identifies and plans for projects, events, seasonal and routine work.
-Provides input and monitors budget.

Performs tree management duties. (30%)

-Oversees the management of trees on City property.
-Plants, prunes, removes, waters, fertilizes, and treats insects/diseases on City trees.
-Evaluates trees for health and safety risks refers for further evaluation if necessary.

Exercises functional supervision over assigned personnel. (10%)

-Assigns and directs the work of assigned personnel.
-Reviews work for quality and counsels assigned personnel to correct deficiencies in work.
-Oversees safety for assigned facilities, equipment, and staff.
-Trains assigned personnel in the performance of job duties and in the operation of vehicles and equipment.

Manages equipment and expendable supply inventories. (10%)

-Determines and purchases equipment requirements.
-Monitors, directs and participates in the maintenance of equipment.
-Determines and purchases expendable supply requirements.
-Controls consumption of and maintains inventory of expendable supplies.

Performs related duties. (10%)

-Demonstrates punctual, regular, and reliable attendance.
-Attends meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
-Provides innovative solutions to enhance current processes and procedures and/or resolve workplace issues.
-Performs other duties as assigned.
     
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

-Knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture, including site analysis, conceptual design, grading, drainage and irrigation, construction and planting.
-Knowledge of urban forestry and horticulture, including plant identification/physiology/pathology and applicable pesticide use.
-Knowledge of laws related to pesticide application.
-Knowledge of City personnel policies.
-Knowledge of City risk management policy.
-Skill in reading and interpreting maps, drawings and technical reports.
-Skill in the use of modern office equipment.
-Skill in organizing and planning work.
-Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
-Skill in decision making and problem solving.
-Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
-Skill in oral and written communication.
-Ability to work cooperatively with others.
 
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Cemetery and Parks Superintendent assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.
 
GUIDELINES

Guidelines include City and department policies and procedures, the Tree Ordinances, pesticide labels, state and federal pesticide laws, American with Disabilities Act and City of Auburn Core Values, Vision, and Mission statements. These guidelines require judgment, selection and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

-The work consists of varied administrative, supervisory and maintenance duties. The variety and volume of tasks combined with the necessity of working in inclement weather contributes to the complexity of the position.
-The purpose of this position is to assist with the Parks and Recreation Department's beautification activities. Success in this position contributes to the provision of attractive, safe and functional public facilities and programming.
 
CONTACTS

-Contacts are typically with co-workers, vendors, engineers, developers, utility company representatives, business owners, students, educators, consultants, contractors, and members of the general public.
-Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, motivate personnel, and provide services.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

-The work is typically performed while standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light objects weighing less than 24 pounds and heavy objects weighing 24 pounds or more. The employee distinguishes between shades of color, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and utilizes the sense of smell.
-The work is typically performed outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, and occasional cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.
 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This position has direct supervision over assigned personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

-Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture or a related field; and
-3 to 5 years of related experience; or
-Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
-Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
-Possession of or ability to readily obtain Alabama pesticide license (OTPC) custodial within in one year of employment.