CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: Administers, plans, develops and supervises various horticulture, educational and research activities involved in the development and operation of the Overland Park Arboretum/Botanical Gardens. Supervises gardens and grounds operations and volunteer program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises, coordinates and evaluates the activities of full-time, part-time, temporary employees and volunteers in accordance with City standards and policies.

Create and maintain operating policies for all facets of the facility.

Supervises installation and maintenance of buildings, pump systems, irrigation systems, gardens and trails.

Conducts on-site reviews and inspects work in progress to evaluate methods and employee/contractors for quality, effectiveness and safety offering alternatives when applicable.

Oversees the design and installation of seasonal and permanent displays for the Arboretum/Botanical Gardens that will interest and attract visitors.

Oversees financial operations and conforms with City policies.

Researches, studies and develops innovative ideas and concepts to promote public interest and support. Attends and participates in various organizations to exchange information with other agencies and to obtain the resources that are fundamental in learning what is available and effective.

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

Coordinates promotional and educational seminars, and presentations to homes associations, service clubs, special interest groups and other governmental agencies.

Assists in ensuring a safe environment for visitors and the general public. Identifies safety hazards and takes corrective action.

Develops and coordinates the volunteer program in conjunction with Friends of the Arboretum.

Assists in administering, preparing and monitoring the Annual Operating Budget for the Arboretum/Botanical Gardens.

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:

Associate's degree or certificate in horticulture or in a related field of study, or an equivalent combination of formal education and work experience.

Bachelor's degree preferred.

Valid driver's license required.

Must maintain an insurable driving record.

EXPERIENCE:

Three years experience in horticulture, land management or an equivalent level of experience.

SKILLS:

Ability to supervise and train others.

Analytical skills.

Attention to detail.

Interpersonal skills.

Diplomacy and judgment.

Good organizational and time management skills.

Good oral and written communication skills.

Basic math, accounting, and budgeting skills.

Good listening skills.

Good PC skills, including ability to use spreadsheets, database and website maintenance, word processing, presentation and publishing software applications.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to analyze needs.

Ability to perform basic math and apply basic accounting principles.

Ability to read and comprehend federal, state, and local policies and regulations.

Ability to recognize and protect confidential information.

Ability to read and understand building plans and specifications.

Ability to work on several projects at one time.

Ability to work independently in a hectic environment.

Ability to follow verbal or written instructions.

Ability to learn new materials and systems.

Ability to prioritize work.

Ability to meet deadlines.

Alpha and numeric recognition.

Ability to learn and operate PC software applications, including point-of-sale software.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to work in extreme environmental conditions.

Ability to make and receive phone calls.

Ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Ability to distinguish smells.

Ability to reach, stand, crawl, bend, climb, push, pull, walk for extended periods of time.

Ability to lift 50 lbs. and transport 20 ft.

Ability to push/pull up to 30 lbs.

Exposure to noisy conditions.

Ability to operate city cars, trucks and golf carts.

Ability to operate various hand tools and power equipment.

Ability to operate various office equipment such as adding machine, personal computer, copier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect)

Direct: Horticulturist, Park Attendants, Park Facility Technician, Laborers (Part-time), Gardeners (Part-time), Volunteer Coordinator (Part-time).

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.