Landscape Maintenance Specialist

Landscape Maintenance Specialist

Under general supervision, performs landscape inspection work; performs a variety of skilled irrigation operations and repair work; monitors contracts to ensure work completion meets contract requirements; responds to a variety of citizen requests and/or complaints; prepares detailed reports; reviews and makes recommendations on tree removal permits; and performs other duties as assigned.

This is an advanced journey level and specialist classification that conducts inspections and monitors contract projects requiring specific knowledge of contracts and contract administration, City ordinances and reporting requirements, project coordination and completion, and irrigation operations and repairs. It is distinguished from the Groundskeeper III by its specialized knowledge of contract monitoring and arborist responsibilities. It is further distinguished from the Supervising Groundskeeper by the latter's first line supervisory responsibilities including major program coordination and preparation of performance evaluations.

General supervision is provided by the Supervising Groundskeeper and the Public Works Supervisor. May lead an employee work crew on an assigned project or in the absence of a Groundskeeper II or Groundskeeper III.

Landscape Coordination, Inspection, and Maintenance Functions

Coordinates, inspects, and monitors landscape maintenance contract work; ensures contract compliance; performs playground safety checks, inspects and tests equipment, disables unsafe equipment, and performs minor repairs; may provide assistance and/or lead direction to a city groundskeeping work crew and perform landscape maintenance duties as needed, including pesticide application; serves as an arborist to inspect, trim, and evaluate trees for removal; leads and performs necessary work to correct issues within the City's landscaping areas, such as vandalism issues and other issues; delineates traffic at assigned work areas following established safety standards and guidelines which may include the use of cones, signs, and barricades; and maintains equipment used in proper condition and repair.

Irrigation Functions

Performs the most difficult and specialized aspects of operating and maintaining the City's irrigation systems, including conducting field repair of irrigation systems; installs sprinklers and electrical wiring; programs centralized irrigation systems and repairs irrigation controllers; evaluates the water-use efficiency of irrigation systems; drives water truck; and maintains parts inventory.

Project Lead Functions

Assigns work and monitors progress of employee work crews toward successful project completion; trains crew members on specialized techniques and procedures, including safety practices; and provides input on performance evaluations of crew members.

Administration Functions

Arranges for the purchase of equipment and supplies needed; coordinates work with other City divisions/departments such as the Engineering Division and Police Department; responds to a variety of citizen requests and/or complaints; maintains logs and writes reports; reviews landscape-related permits; orders and obtains job materials and monitors operation of equipment and materials on the job site; prepares reports and contract compliance documentation to contractors; makes presentations to a variety of audiences such as at public meetings and employee trainings, as assigned; and utilizes a personal computer and related specialized software.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of approved methods and standards for planting, pruning, propagation and cultivation of plants, hedges, shrubs, trees, lawns, and flowers; pest and plant disease control; proper and safe use of pesticides to instruct and monitor pesticide applications; basic principles and practices of supervision; safe operation and maintenance of hand and power tools; irrigation and landscaping materials, systems, and activities; proper irrigation application rates based on evapo-transpiration rates and crop coefficient factors; materials and practices used in landscape construction, maintenance, and inspection; safety requirements and procedures; approved traffic control techniques; proper sight and sign clearances for pruning trees and shrubs at intersections and traffic control signs; basic computer operations; mathematics and statistics; and report writing techniques and forms.

Demonstrated skills to supervise and monitor others in the performance of work duties; follow and ensure safe work practices and procedures; inspect and evaluate the request for tree removal using advanced technical knowledge and following the interpretation of the City's Heritage Tree Ordinance; prepare neat, accurate records and reports; effectively communicate with a variety people including making presentations and conducting trainings; read and interpret blueprint schematic drawings, pesticide labels, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and Agricultural Pest Control Advisor (PCA) written recommendations; understand and follow oral and written directions; work from diagrams, sketches, maps, formal specifications, and/or drawings; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; perform mechanical maintenance and repair; make quick decisions in urgent situations; establish and maintain an organized work area; relate effectively to those contacted in the course of work; take appropriate safety precautions in the performance of job duties; perform mathematical calculations; apply proper techniques for planting, cultivating, pruning, trimming, mowing, irrigating, and fertilizing; safely apply and use chemicals as required by law and closely monitor pesticide applicators; safely use hand and power tools; program irrigation controllers; perform a variety of manual and manipulative tasks; perform heavy physical labor to accomplish tasks, as needed; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful and effective service attitude with the public, co-workers and others who are contacted in the course of the work.

Ability to learn and apply the City's policies, practices, and protocols; work independently to evaluate situations, identify problems, and arrive at logical decisions; take the initiative to keep work progressing to completion within prescribed time limits; and establish and maintain effective, tactful, and courteous relations with the general public, contractors, and City staff.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best-qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: Experience: Four years of progressively responsible landscape inspection, landscape maintenance/construction supervision, and landscape contractor-monitoring which included at least two years of experience with skilled irrigation operations and repair work; or two years of experience at a level equivalent to a Groundskeeper II with the City of Livermore. Crew lead experience and experience with a government related agency are desirable. Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school. Completion of course work in landscape maintenance or a related field is desirable. Training: Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs that are relevant to this job classification. License: Requires the possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City. Requires the possession of a California Commercial Class B license with the appropriate endorsements prior to the completion of the probationary period. Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) Requirement: Incumbents in this job classification may be called upon, at any time, to perform safety sensitive functions, and therefore, may be subject to the Federal Highway Administration D.O.T. regulations and the City's policy concerning drug and alcohol testing as a continuing condition of employment with the City of Livermore. Certification: Possession of a State of California Qualified Applicator Certificate at time of appointment. An International Society of Arboriculture Certification as an Arborist is required prior to the completion of the probationary period. Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; work on call, as required; wear a uniform and appropriate safety equipment; work outdoors in all weather conditions and at night; work at heights of 70-80 feet in the air, in confined and awkward spaces, and in heavy traffic; and attend public meetings, workshops, and classes during work and non-work hours as required. Special Requirements: Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to work in a standard office environment; drive a motor vehicle; read fine print on labels, in manuals, maps, diagrams, and blueprints with no color deficiencies; converse, on the telephone, 2-way radio, and in person over the noise of machinery and traffic; detect subtle noises such as in machinery and running water; work with chemicals and pesticides used in the course of work; work on and around ladders and aerial lift trucks; move across rough terrain and bridge scaffolding; crawl, bend, stoop, reach, and climb; use personal computers; and strength to safely lift and maneuver up to 90 pounds many times a day.

Additional Information

The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.