CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: Designs, plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and turf at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Oversees staff in the implementation and maintenance of garden operations. Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises, coordinates, evaluates, and disciplines the activities of Gardeners and Horticulture Interns, part-time and temporary employees, as well as volunteers. Coordinates work tasks and programs with volunteer groups. Trains staff gardeners and volunteer gardeners in proper techniques. Supervises staff and volunteers in greenhouse plant production and maintenance of nursery plants. Assists with developing and coordinating the garden volunteer program in conjunction with Volunteer Programs Supervisor.

Plans, organizes and participates in planting, maintenance and care of turf, trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, in keeping with established work plans. Oversees botanical labeling and keeps records of plantings and work activity. Designs, plans, orders and oversees seasonal and perennial flower plantings.

Assists Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Manager in planning, organizing, and participating in construction projects and facility maintenance (to include cleaning of buildings and trash collection). May help to support the management of projects as it relates to Horticultural operations.

Assists in developing, planning and participating in horticultural educational programs related to the arboretum/botanical garden. Works with the other staff to deliver high quality programs and services. Develops and maintains the daily, weekly and annual garden calendar and activities. May perform presentations and outreach opportunities as a content expert.

Assists in administering, preparing and monitoring the Annual Operating Budget for the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Plans and implements budget allocations in the support of garden operations. Including sourcing, purchasing, and reconciling expenses within the garden operations.

Performs regular inspections for insect, weed and disease problems. Plans and implements control where necessary.

Participates in prospective donor planning and conversations as it relates to garden beds and landscaping.

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

Removes snow from walkways and driveways utilizing hand shovel and/or snow blower.

Performs customer service duties, including assisting visitors, set up, operation and take down of event equipment and supplies. Assists in ensuring a safe environment for visitors and the general public. Identifies safety hazards and informs supervisor of hazards. Takes corrective action.

Coordinates and provides staff support to the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park (ARFOP) and Friends of the Arboretum (FOTA). Researches and develops ideas to be presented for consideration to the members.

Keeps abreast of current research on techniques for plant production, landscape planting and maintenance and pest control, through professional associations, publications, workshops and seminars.

Oversees financial operations and conforms with City policies.

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.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field of study, or an equivalent combination of formal education and work experience.

Must have a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record.

Possession of a Commercial Pesticide Applicators license, 3A and 3B or ability to obtain within 6 months from date of hire.

EXPERIENCE:

Five years experience or an equivalent level of experience, in landscaping, plant care, greenhouse management, maintenance, construction, and installation of plant materials. Landscape design experience preferred.

Experience should include four years in a supervisory or lead position formally or informally.

SKILLS:

Good oral and written communication skills.

Excellent customer service skills.

Manual dexterity.

Good listening skills.

Effective public speaking/presentation skills.

Project and time management skills.

Attention to detail.

Interpersonal communication skills

Conflict management and resolution skills

Plant watering techniques

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to read and comprehend city, state and federal regulations.

Ability to work on or supervise several projects at once.

Ability to work under distracting conditions.

Ability to prioritize work.

Ability to carry out assignment through oral and written instructions.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to calculate and mix proper fertilizer, chemical and pesticide formulations.

Ability to meet deadlines.

Ability to read and understand construction and landscape plans.

Ability to analyze safety situations.

Ability to train and guide others.

Ability to assess situation and make recommendations.

Evaluate performance

Ability to transition from task to task quickly

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to make and receive phone calls.

Ability to operate power and hand tools.

Ability to operate City vehicles and equipment.

Exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Exposure to noisy engines.

Ability to bend over

Ability to knee for long periods of time

Repeated hand movements

Ability to carry 50 lbs bags of mulch, fertilizer, etc

Ability to drag equipment over 100ft distance

Ability to distinguish colors.

Exposure to chemical liquids, powders and fumes.

Ability to traverse rough terrain.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect)

Direct: Gardeners,Horticulture Interns, Temporary & Part-time employees.

Indirect: Volunteers.

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.