Lead Public Service Worker - Landscaping & Forestry Crew

Lead Public Service Worker – Landscaping & Forestry Crew Are you looking for a secure job with great pay and excellent benefits? Do you like physical work in an outdoor environment? Would you like to find a career, not just a job? You’ve come to the right place! We have two immediate openings for Lead Public Service Workers on our Landscaping & Forestry Crew in the Gaithersburg Department of Public Works. Candidates must have at least five years of relevant experience in commercial landscaping, grounds or tree maintenance, or other related fields; demonstrated experience operating light and heavy equipment commonly used in performing routine construction and maintenance work safely and efficiently; and demonstrated experience using digital tools and technology to perform job‑related tasks (such as tracking work orders, preparing reports, electronic timekeeping, etc.). At least two years of experience leading small work crews in maintenance/construction work is preferred. You must possess a valid Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement ("N") at the time of hire or agree to obtain your Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement within 12 months of your hire date as a condition of your employment. Training/equipment to assist you in meeting this requirement will be offered, and testing and licensing costs are paid for by the City. 40 hours per week; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the target hiring range ($57,000 - $64,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience, knowledge, qualifications, training, certifications, and skills proficiency of the candidate. As a Lead Public Service Worker on the Landscaping & Forestry Crew, you will be a front‑line lead responsible for leading and participating in the work of a small, highly specialized team of workers that creates, builds, and maintains streetscapes, landscaped medians, and other public facility landscapes for the enjoyment of all. The Landscaping & Forestry Crew maintains more than 91 properties, placing over 800 yards of mulch, planting 150 trees, and trimming more than 2,500 trees each year. We are looking for a motivated, hard‑working, and experienced individual who can serve as a front line leader while providing expertise and participating as a skilled member of the team. To be successful in this position, you must be a positive team player and role model with a “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” attitude, great communication and team building skills, and a safety‑driven approach to all projects. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, excellent work/life balance, and training and professional growth/promotional opportunities. What you will do with us: Lead small teams and assume the duties and responsibilities of the Crew Leader when designated; assist with limited planning of daily work schedules, materials, and equipment. Determine work procedures (within established guidelines); assist with assigning duties and coordinating daily tasks of the assigned crew. Monitor and inspect work in progress to assure conformance with instructions and ensure work schedules and quality standards are met. Verify and ensure work tasks are performed in a safe manner utilizing proper safety procedures and equipment; enforce safe work practices and work zone safety (traffic control/MUTCD standards). Utilize work management software to receive, update, and close work orders; produce simple reports and maintain accurate records. Train assigned personnel in safety, proper equipment use, and routine/specialized work procedures; assess skills and training needs to aid in their development. Encourage and develop responsibility and teamwork among subordinate crew workers; provide objective and constructive feedback to the Crew Leader/Supervisor regarding performance. Operate light and heavy equipment to perform routine construction and maintenance work safely and efficiently (e.g., pickup with trailer, small dump truck, small bucket truck, boom truck, Trackless sidewalk tractor and all attachments, walk‑behind and ride‑on mower, line trimmer, leaf loader, chainsaw, chipper, plate compactor, small skid steer loader, light attachments, backhoe with front bucket [inside yard]). Prepare and maintain proper traffic control and other safety measures in and around work zones; set up cones/signs/barricades per work plans. Maintain daily work records and prepare work reports, summaries, and inventory logs; document materials, labor, equipment, and services. Work independently on or lead special assignments or focused projects, as directed. Serve as an initial contact person during emergencies occurring during off‑duty hours, as assigned; respond to emergency situations; participate in callback and overtime. Perform the full range of duties of the Public Service Worker and Senior Public Service Worker (Maintenance Worker) job classes, including but not limited to routine and trades‑based tasks such as: Grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, landscaping, mulching, irrigation, playground upkeep). Rights‑of‑way maintenance (litter collection, leaf collection, brush/vegetation control). Snow and ice removal (plow, salt, shovel; clear sidewalks and public areas). What you will need to be considered: Be hard working, dependable, responsible, punctual, and safety conscious. Ability to deliver excellent customer service with a positive attitude. Be able to work cooperatively with others and contribute to a successful team effort. High school diploma or equivalent (desirable). At least 5 years of relevant skilled experience/specialized training in landscape installation and maintenance procedures, grounds or tree care and maintenance, or closely related field. At least 2 years of experience leading small work crews (preferred). Have demonstrated skill and ability safety operating a variety of light and heavy equipment and maintenance and repair tools/equipment. Ability to prepare simple reports and give, understand, and follow oral and written instructions. Solid computer/technology skills using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel), specialized department‑related recordkeeping and reporting software applications, and other applications appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities. Be able to perform moderate to heavy manual labor over extended periods of time, possibly under adverse weather conditions. Valid driver's license and safe driving record (required). (Must possess Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement "N" at time of or within 12 months of hire.) A valid, unexpired Medical Examiner's Certification/DOT physical card (may be obtained during pre‑employment medical examination and must be maintained throughout employment). OSHA 10‑Hour Safety Training (required upon appointment/promotion or must be obtained after hire within timeframe established by the Department upon hire). Basic flagging/work zone safety certification (required; may be obtained through the City upon hire). CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (required; may be obtained through the City upon hire). Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to follow safety precautions and work procedures. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when required; and to return to work when designated to be on call for emergency situations or repair work and/or snow and ice removal. Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, and aerial/bucket lifts from various heights and/or in confined spaces. Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties. Key job responsibilities are outlined above. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for this position to provide opportunity for growth and development (Grade 105 in the city’s FY 2027 Schedule of Salary Ranges). #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Gaithersbur