Landscape Specialist

Position Summary

Lead, oversee and participate in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for performing a variety duties supporting the grounds maintenance, repair, improvement and renovation of City facilities within medians and streetscapes in the public right of way; and/or open spaces; perform a variety of duties and technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to random drug/alcohol testing.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Lead, plan, direct and participate in a variety of landscape and water conservation improvement projects for the beautification and maintenance of city properties within medians and streetscapes in the public right of way.
• Identify and evaluate proposed undeveloped areas for landscaping, beautification or wildflower renovation projects and prepare recommendation as to site selection, proper grading level, soil amendments, irrigation and plant material selection.
• Plan, direct and participate in the design, site development, set-up, planting, cultivation of new plants and the care and maintenance of flowering plants for beautification and renovation projects; clean and maintain existing properties.
• Plan, direct, and participate in a variety of landscape and plant maintenance duties including weed identification and abatement, and plant care with respect to pesticide application, trimming, pruning, transplanting, and water assessment.
• Determine project and daily tasks and the sequence of tasks associated with horticultural maintenance; oversee and participate in the work of gardening or grounds keeping crew; follow through on completion of tasks.
• Train assigned crew in their areas of work including median and right of way maintenance and renovation, procedures and techniques.
• Verify the work of assigned crew for accuracy, proper work methods and techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Design, install, maintain and repair the irrigation system for city property improvements within right of way improvement projects; direct and participate in repairing existing irrigation systems as needed.
• Maintain inventory and operate of a variety of transport vehicles, tools and equipment; service and operate equipment used in grounds and gardening maintenance and irrigation installation and repair.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within area of responsibility; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Maintain field records.

• Participate in pest control operations.
• Maintain planted areas and surrounding areas.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

High school diploma or GED; and

Four (4) years experience in any combination of the following areas:

• parks maintenance
• landscaping maintenance
• horticulture
• grounds maintenance
• irrigation system repair

Working Conditions

Environmental:
Field environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, inclement weather conditions; work in or with water; may travel site to site.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate or light lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, crawling; walking or standing for prolonged periods.