Horticulturalist Lead

JOB SUMMARY

Maintains and improves the Sewer District’s Green Infrastructure (GI) Sites, associated public greenspaces and Stormwater Project Sites. Leads the planning and maintenance of naturalized stormwater bioretention/detention basins, formal landscape beds, associated hardscape features and restored stream riparian areas. Participates in inspections, investigations and planning to maintain and improve the structural components of each green infrastructure feature. Implements routine maintenance and improvements by planning and executing scheduled maintenance tasks. Under supervision, oversees additional tasks performed by outside contractors and staff. Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Oversees maintenance activities at GI and Stormwater sites to ensure work meets Sewer District standards. Assists with weekly scheduling of planned maintenance activities.

- Oversees Integrated Pest Management at GI and Stormwater sites to manage invasive species using pesticides and herbicides. Follows proper application procedures and best horticulture practices.

- Leads and performs general maintenance at the Sewer District’s tree nursery operation.

- Assists with tree evaluations at Sewer District sites and performs corrective pruning or removal as needed.

- Leads the horticultural assessment of trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation for overall health and function across the GI and Stormwater sites.

- Plans and leads the maintenance of woody and herbaceous plant species within GI and Stormwater Sites including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, watering, trimming, fertilizing, planting bed renovation, mulching, propagating, pruning, staking, transplanting, weeding, and installing tree protection materials.

- Provides design recommendations for new and existing planting beds and project site components including selection of appropriate native plant materials to improve the ease of maintenance.

- Leads and assists in the harvesting, preparation, storage and installation of live stake material for streambank stabilization projects.

- Reviews and makes recommendations for landscape designs and specifications for streambank and riparian revegetation along Stormwater Sites.

- Provides field supervision to tree service and grounds maintenance contractors as needed.

- Recommends best management practices and additional equipment necessary to improve plant health.

- Inspects and maintains field equipment, including hand tools and small power equipment, to ensure safe operating conditions.

- Utilizes geographic information system (GIS) and computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) applications to conduct data entry including asset inventory, field notes and timekeeping.

- Performs other duties of a similar nature as may be required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

- Candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree preferably in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture/Design, Botany, Plant Science or related field.

- Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as outlined in the Education Equivalencies Policy.

EXPERIENCE

- Candidate must possess five (5) years of experience in horticulture or a related industry. Experience in public horticulture, stormwater management or green infrastructure industries preferred.

- Experience must include one (1) year of leading maintenance projects and/or processes.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

- Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record in accordance with the Sewer District’s acceptable guidelines.

- Candidate must possess a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license.

- Candidate must possess an Inspection & Maintenance Certification for Stormwater Control Measures in Ohio or receive certification within one (1) year of being hired.

- ISA Certified Arborist preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Candidate must possess a broad knowledge of hands-on experience in applying horticultural practices.

- Candidate must possess a strong understanding of landscape aesthetics and experience in landscape design.

- Candidate must possess a broad range of plant knowledge including nomenclature, husbandry, pruning and habitat requirements.

- Candidate must have the ability to operate small power equipment.

- Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

- Candidate must have the ability to use work order-based asset management software.

Pay Range: USD, Commensurate with Experience

$65,482 - $81,854

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Our Accessibility Statement

Our Education Equivalencies Policy

Our Employee Benefits & Wellness Programs
We offer a comprehensive employee benefits package including Health Insurance Coverage, Various Retirement Planning Options (Ohio Public Employee Retirement System and Deferred Compensation Plans), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Free Parking at our facilities, Corporate Discounts, and more! We also have an active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

NEORSD supports the use of hybrid work as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity and better prepares the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for hybrid work. hybrid eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

During the course of performing the essential functions of this position, the employee must be able to analyze, communicate, comprehend, coordinate, make decisions, possess general intelligence, interact, interpret, negotiate, possess numerical intelligence, organize, problem solve, have resilience and perform tasks. Physical work will need to be performed, such as balancing, bending, climbing, crawling, crouching, driving, feeling, operating heavy equipment, kneeling/squatting, reaching, sitting, standing, talking, typing and walking. Repetitive movements will need to be performed such as simple grasping, power grasping and fine manipulation with both hands. Ability to push, pull and lift from floor to waist, waist to shoulder or floor to shoulder up to 40 lbs. on a frequent basis may be necessary. Position will require visual demands of accommodation and depth perception. Ability to withstand extremely loud noise exposure for fifteen minutes or longer on a frequent basis is required. Exposure to environmental conditions such as outdoor work, vibrations, wet/humid conditions, work around large machinery, work at heights and work inside confined spaces is encountered in this position.

DISCLAIMER: The information outlined in this job description indicates the general nature and type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities or competencies required of employees within this classification.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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