Crew Foreman - Landscaping & Forestry

City of Gaithersburg•Gaithersburg, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Applications are being accepted for a Crew Foreman position on the Landscaping & Forestry Crew in the Department of Public Works. As a Landscaping & Forestry Crew Foreman, you will coordinate, oversee, and participate in the daily work activities of the specialized crew 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. The Crew Foreman provides advanced supervisory direction, technical oversight, project coordination, safety management, and quality control to ensure that work of the Landscaping & Forestry Crew is completed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with City standards. You may occasionally supervise multiple crews performing other Public Works functions simultaneously and may serve as an Acting Crew Supervisor when assigned.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant responsible experience related to landscape installation and maintenance procedures, grounds or tree care and maintenance, or closely related field.
5 years of demonstrated experience leading or supervising work crews including planning, organizing, scheduling, assigning, evaluating, and directing the work of subordinate personnel.
Previous experience using tools, equipment, and vehicles commonly used in landscaping and grounds maintenance related work activities.
Demonstrated proficiency using digital tools and technology to perform job-related tasks (such as work management and performance management software, electronic timekeeping, etc.).
Valid, unexpired Medical Examiner's Certificate/DOT physical card (may be obtained during pre-employment medical examination and must be maintained throughout employment).
Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
Ability to work cooperatively with others and lead and contribute to a successful team effort.
Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor over extended periods of time, possibly under adverse weather conditions.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to follow safety precautions and work procedures.
Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, and aerial/bucket lifts from various heights and/or in confined spaces.
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.
Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties and responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Current ISA Certified Arborist credential preferred.
Proficiency coordinating and supervising multiple crews simultaneously, enforcing safety standards, advanced equipment operation, and staff supervision and evaluation.
Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and develop staff; plan, lead, and complete special projects; conduct bi-weekly safety meetings; and perform and maintain safety inspections and associated records.
Experience using tools, equipment, and vehicles commonly used in performing landscaping/forestry/grounds maintenance operations.
Demonstrated proficiency using digital tools and technology to perform job-related tasks (work management software [e.g., VueWorks], performance management software, electronic timekeeping, etc.)
Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement ("N").
OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training.
Basic flagging/work zone safety certification.
Obtain and maintain at least two landscaping/forestry related professional certifications - ISA Certified Arborist credential preferred.
Complete at least two supervisor-level training courses recognized by the City.
To be considered for hire/appointment at the Crew Foreman II level, other certifications are required upon appointment (see class specification).

Responsibilities

Lead, coordinate, oversee, and participate in the daily work activities of the Landscaping & Forestry Crew and other crews performing other Public Works functions.
Prioritize daily assignments; organize work crews; ensure workforce, equipment, and materials are effectively deployed.
Assist with planning weekly/monthly workload, staffing needs, equipment deployment, and material forecasting.
Utilize work management software to manage work orders, track progress, document outcomes, and ensure accurate data entry.
Maintain detailed daily work logs, material usage records, labor documentation, equipment reports, and digital entries using work management software.
Establish, set up, and maintain proper safe work zones in compliance with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.
Conduct bi-weekly safety meetings, toolbox talks, and training sessions.
Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and hands-on training to crew members and Crew Leaders.
Enforce safe work practices, proper personal protective equipment use, and adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and City safety regulations.
Conduct and document safety inspections, equipment checks, and facility/yard inspections.
Coordinate and lead special projects requiring complex planning, advanced problem-solving, and multi-crew coordination.
Respond to service requests; assess site conditions; determine staffing, equipment, and work methods needed.
Serve as an Acting Crew Supervisor when assigned and support supervisory-level decision-making as needed.
Encourage teamwork and accountability among crew members and maintain a productive, respectful work environment.
Supervise, evaluate, and provide guidance and technical assistance to subordinate crew members; perform ongoing feedback to staff.
Participate in the selection, hiring, and orientation of new crew members.
Complete administrative tasks including performance documentation, training records, safety documentation, and project reports.
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]).
Supervise/monitor proper care and maintenance of all tools and equipment used in performing crew operations and other Public Works functions.
Lead and participate in snow and ice removal efforts and respond to emergency situations.
Provide excellent service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.