Landscape Design Technician

City of Columbia•Columbia, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position performs professional and supervisory work in developing, implementing and maintaining landscape projects on City right-of-ways. The role involves creating designs for landscape color displays and projects, supervising horticulture maintenance crews, and performing related duties. The incumbent works within a general outline of work, developing methods and sequences under general supervision. The work is light-to-medium in nature, requiring significant walking and standing, and the ability to exert moderate force or demonstrate considerable skill with hands and limbs. The role demands various physical abilities including crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. The work environment may expose the incumbent to varied lighting, dusts, pollen, extreme temperatures, humidity, fumes, traffic, moving machinery, and chemicals. The role is dynamic, requiring adaptability to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in horticulture, landscape design or closely related field.
Two (2) years of relevant prior experience.
Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

Nice To Haves

Pesticide Applicator Certification.
Experience working with AutoCAD, VectorWorks, or other landscape design drawing tools/software.

Responsibilities

Plans, coordinates and supervises City landscaping projects on City right-of-ways.
Supervises crew members engaged in landscaping activities, including instructing, assigning, reviewing, planning, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, assisting with selection, addressing employee problems, allocating personnel, and recommending discipline/discharge.
Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy, offering training, advice, and assistance.
Uses industry software such as AutoCAD, VectorWorks, etc. to design all landscaping plans for new projects and project renovations.
Designs all seasonal color displays.
Develops project specifications and cost estimates.
Obtains all necessary encroachment permits.
Assists in securing and administering grants for project funding.
Plans, organizes, supervises and participates in soil preparation, planting and plant maintenance.
Monitors plant and soil health and initiates corrective action as needed.
Monitors irrigation needs and makes technical recommendations.
Ensures the availability of necessary equipment, tools, supplies and materials for crew members.
Orders and maintains inventory of supplies.
Supervises the proper maintenance of assigned tools and equipment.
Operates various landscaping tools and equipment as necessary in installation, maintenance and clean-up efforts.
Responds to emergency calls and corrects problems independently or with crew assistance.
Prepares accurate and up-to-date records of work completed.
Ensures all work is performed in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety.
Maintains a record of all pesticides used to comply with state law.
Serves in community organizations as an advisory board member (e.g., Columbia Green, Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission).
Educates the public about horticulture and Department activities through special events, public appearances, and newsletters.
Assists in coordinating department activities with other City divisions, departments, County personnel, engineers, development professionals, community/professional/civic groups, and outside agencies.
Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints, and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility.
Performs other related duties as assigned.