CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

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

Assists with training and field supervision of personnel, and coordination and monitoring of city contracts. Keeps abreast of current methods, techniques, and procedures covering park maintenance.

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

Assists in supervision and training of park maintenance crews. Oversees crews, assists in planning, prioritizing, and organizing of daily tasks; provides input regarding employee's performance; assists or presents safety meetings; and ensures safe and productive procedures are followed.

Maintains and repairs equipment to ensure proper, safe and efficient operation. Performs routine and scheduled maintenance on all assigned equipment. Inspects field equipment, reports and performs repairs as needed. Keeps accurate and up-to-date records of all equipment repairs (routine and emergency) and associated costs.

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

Oversees full time and part time staff while working in the field on certain projects.

Assists Supervisor with budget administration, purchasing/quotes, record keeping, preparing specifications for equipment/material purchases and special projects.

Assists Supervisor in arranging for and monitoring work of contractors on special projects.

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

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

Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal.

Acts as supervisor during their absence.

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.

Assists City Forester in investigating complaints listed with "OP Cares'' and violations of City ordinances. Conducts site inspection, observes reported complaints or concerns, answers questions and report findings.

Assists forester in coordination and monitoring of City contracts, Legacy of Greenery programs, and special projects.

Maintains trees and assists with maintaining shrubs, and flowers in parks, along streets and right-of-ways. Plants, stakes, prunes, waters, weeds, and fertilizes. Removes dead foliage. Performs emergency tree & limb removal.

Participates in disease and pest identification and treatment of turf and ornamental plants. Inspects park areas for early insect and disease detection. Selects and recommends the correct treatment and application method. Applies treatment to affected areas.

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.

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 commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsement.

A pesticide applicators license category General and 3A

EXPERIENCE:

Forestry - Two years of experience as a Arborist II to include arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, facilities, landscape, and equipment, 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

- Arborist II

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.