CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

Performs a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the planting and maintenance of trees, flowers, shrubs, and turf.

Assists with construction, maintenance, and repair of parks and recreation landscape and grounds. Assists with special events. Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal and storm clean up, as required.

General

Maintains, inspects, repairs, lubricates and cleans equipment and tools per manufacturer specifications listed in equipment manuals. Follows proper storage, maintenance and use techniques according to City policies and procedures. Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal and storm damage call outs as required.

Forestry

Assists with the planting, removal and maintenance of trees in right-of-way, city facilities and parks. Operates various equipment including bucket truck, grapple truck, spider lift, chipper, chainsaws, loaders, stump-grinder and one-ton pickup.

Assists with the planting and maintenance of landscape beds including shrubs, perennials and annual flowers. Works with hand tools, string trimmers, water tanks and pole saw.

Applies pesticides utilizing appropriate sprayer or spreader to ornamental areas. Sprays in accordance with proper safety procedures and weather conditions. Read and follow SDS information and product labeling.

The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

Keeps abreast of current methods, techniques and procedures covering park maintenance including arboriculture, landscaping, horticulture, chemical applications, and mechanical repairs and troubleshooting through professional publications, workshops, and seminars.

Assists with training and supervision of temporary parks maintenance personnel. Oversees fieldwork operations; demonstrates correct techniques and procedures; and provides input to supervisor regarding performance.

Assists other work crews with ground maintenance, construction and landscaping work.

Creates work orders, tracks time, equipment and supplies utilizing productivity software.

Performs the duties of Senior Arborist in their absence.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Basic education or additional equivalent experience.

Must have a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record. Must obtain a valid class A class A commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsement.

A pesticide applicators license category General and 3A

EXPERIENCE:

Forestry - One year of experience as a Arborist I, or one year general grounds labor and equipment operation experience, or an equivalent level of experience.

SKILLS:

Good oral communications skills.

Manual dexterity.

Attention to details.

Project management skills, including organization, coordination of duties, and/or accomplishment of

goals

Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work in a hectic environment with many interruptions.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Ability to read and comprehend basic landscape plans and/or technical manuals.

Ability to analyze safety situations.

Ability to carry out assignments through oral and written instructions.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to train and guide others.

Ability to assess situations and recommend possible solutions.

Alpha and numeric recognition.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel and tour City facilities and parks in adverse conditions.

Ability to traverse rough terrain.

Ability to operate power and hand tools.

Ability to operate City vehicles.

Ability to work in confined spaces.

Hand and eye coordination adequate to input computer.

Exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, sprays, fogs, mists.

Exposure to heights, vibrations, high voltage and loud noises.

Ability to work in adverse and extreme weather and environmental conditions.

Ability to make and receive phone calls.

Ability to distinguish smells and colors.

SEE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ATTACHED FOR ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

Indirect

- Temporary Laborers

- Arborist I

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.