Horticulturalist Lead

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District • Cuyahoga Heights, OH

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Five (5) years of experience in horticulture or a related industry.
• One (1) year of leading maintenance projects and/or processes.
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record in accordance with the Sewer District’s acceptable guidelines.
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator license.
• Inspection & Maintenance Certification for Stormwater Control Measures in Ohio or receive certification within one (1) year of being hired.
• Broad knowledge of hands-on experience in applying horticultural practices.
• Strong understanding of landscape aesthetics and experience in landscape design.
• Broad range of plant knowledge including nomenclature, husbandry, pruning and habitat requirements.
• Ability to operate small power equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use work order-based asset management software.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in public horticulture, stormwater management or green infrastructure industries preferred.
• ISA Certified Arborist preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Active Health & Wellness Program that promotes a life/work balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level