Leader (Horticulture)

JOB OBJECTIVE: Step into a dynamic leadership role where you'll be an intricate member on a team dedicated to transforming area parks into vibrant, sustainable oases! You'll be a part of a talented crew, employing cutting-edge techniques, including environmentally safe chemical applications, to elevate our parks while minimizing maintenance needs. Join us in making a lasting impact on our community's green spaces!

This position is designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol screening.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides working supervision of assigned crews and participates in landscape development and maintenance work, including laying sod, planting and transplanting, watering, trimming, and pruning trees, shrubs and flowers using hand tools, power equipment, mowers and tractors.

• Provides working supervision to assigned personnel and performs activities for special maintenance and development projects, including planting bed construction, retaining wall construction, irrigation systems, tree installation and erosion control and drainage projects.

• Monitors work performance of crew workers to ensure the completion of assigned duties; reports related problems to the supervisor.

• Performs turf maintenance and landscaping maintenance duties, including mixing and applying restricted use fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other pesticides to grass, trees, flowers, and other plants using hand or tractor mounted applicators as directed by the supervisor.

• Records and maintains records of all chemicals applied in City parks as dictated by the rules and regulations of the Arkansas State Plant Board.

• Provides maintenance support for special events as assigned.

• Serves as liaison between park patrons and parks maintenance staff.

• Installs and directs crews in the installation and maintenance of the sprinkler systems, including laying pipe for connecting the water supply.

• Ensures decorative fountains and spray grounds are repaired and maintained by directing crew or obtaining contractual vendor to make repairs.

• Provides training for Park Maintenance Workers in aspects of landscaping, including the application of various chemicals.

• Operates medium and heavy equipment for performing landscaping duties such as pickup truck, tractor, trencher, dump truck, backhoe, bucket truck and front-end loader; drives heavy truck with trailer to transport equipment.

• Maintains records of equipment preventive maintenance, reviews maintenance schedules to ensure that equipment is properly maintained at proper intervals.

• Ensures hand tools and small power tools used in pruning and trimming are inventoried, sharpened, maintained, and repaired.

• Gathers equipment and tool inventory, work order, and job data for Work Order and Maintenance Information System; inputs data into system by utilizing a computer and creates reports and related information for LRSTAT meetings; initiates work orders as required or assigned.

• Obtains bids and purchasing documents for special maintenance projects including plant material for City facilities.

• Notifies supervisor of problems with plant damage and disease, problems associated with electrical or irrigation systems, equipment and facilities.

• Serves as the backup in absence of the Parks Maintenance and Development Foreman.

• Provides working supervision to work release and public service workers for special projects.

• Assembles and maintains playgrounds and play structures in area parks.

• Cleans sculptures in area parks.

• Operates a City assigned vehicle in the performance of essential job functions.

These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through completion of high school or vocational technical course in landscaping or building trades, one (1) year of experience working with equipment and hand tools, one (1) year of experience in related landscaping and general maintenance work, and one (1) year of leadership experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver's License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position and must possess a valid Arkansas Class B (Commercial Vehicle) Driver's License within ninety (90) days of employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position

• Must possess Arkansas State Plant Board Non-Commercial Applicator Certificate, Class 9 Ornamental Tree and Turf Pest Control, OR Arkansas State Plant Board Commercial Applicator License, Category 4, Ornamental Tree and Turf Pest Control, within eighteen (18) months of employment and maintain certification/licensure for duration of employment in this position.

DISCLAIMER:

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

• Online applications only

• Applicant's answers to supplemental questions will be used to screen for minimum qualifications electronically.

• Please include a complete work history when completing application.  Work history may impact initial salary offer amount for the successful candidate.

• List of qualified applicants will be considered active for up to six (6) months and may be used to fill future openings with same or similar minimum qualifications.

• All communication regarding application status will be sent to candidates via text message/email address listed on account.

• You may check your inbox in your LRjobs.littlerock.gov account to review all notices sent to the email address associated with your applications.

• Applicants may check application status for any position by logging into their account at LRjobs.littlerock.gov or contacting Human Resources at (501) 371-4590 if they are having computer difficulties.