Senior Work Leader - Arboriculture/Horticulture/Mowing Operations

City of St. JosephSaint Joseph, MO
Onsite

About The Position

Provides direct supervision, planning, and operational oversight for park maintenance functions with primary responsibility for arboriculture/forestry, horticulture/landscaping, and mowing operations. This position performs skilled field work while supervising crews; is accountable for productivity, quality, safety, and operational outcomes; exercises independent judgment in daily operations; and serves as a key link between field staff and management. Integral to the position is the responsibility for developing subordinates to their fullest potential by exercising appropriate degrees of coaching, training, guiding, evaluating, correcting and, if necessary, disciplining.

Requirements

  • Advanced knowledge of arboriculture, horticulture, turf management, and park maintenance operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and lead crews while actively performing work.
  • Strong operational planning and organizational skills.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
  • Familiarity with asset management systems and performance tracking or ability to learn.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, which will include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must attend a work release supervisor training class annually.
  • Ability to establish effective, courteous working relationships with employees, patrons, user groups and general public while exercising good judgement.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Five or more years’ experience required.
  • All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.

Nice To Haves

  • CDL preferred.
  • Certifications preferred (ISA Arborist, pesticide applicator).
  • Associate’s degree in urban forestry or horticulture or closely related field preferred or any combination of education and work experience to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities.

Responsibilities

  • Plans, prioritizes, schedules, and supervises daily, weekly, and seasonal work activities.
  • Directly supervises assigned staff including training, assigning work, monitoring performance, and enforcing policies and safety procedures.
  • Leads and performs work alongside staff as required to meet operational demands.
  • Conducts safety meetings and ensures compliance with PPE and safe work practices.
  • Participates in hiring, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes.
  • Oversees mowing program including route development, cycle timing, workload balancing, and quality standards.
  • Monitors productivity and service levels; implements improvements to increase efficiency.
  • Performs mowing and related turf maintenance activities as needed.
  • Supervises and performs tree planting, pruning, removal, and hazard mitigation.
  • Conducts tree inspections and risk assessments; identifies disease and pest issues and implements corrective actions.
  • Assists in development and execution of tree management strategies and programs.
  • Plans, coordinates, and participates in planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, turf, and ornamental landscapes.
  • Oversees irrigation, fertilization, weed control, and seasonal planting programs.
  • Performs inspections for plant health and implements treatment plans.
  • Oversees and performs general park maintenance, and landscape improvements.
  • Coordinates equipment usage, preventive maintenance, and repair needs.
  • Prepares material lists, orders supplies, and assists with budget tracking.
  • Oversees contractors and ensures compliance with specifications and standards.
  • Responds to public inquiries and resolves complaints.
  • Participates in emergency operations including storm response and snow removal.
  • Creates and manages work orders and tracks labor, equipment, and materials.
  • Maintains accurate records and reports.
  • Utilizes asset management systems and performance tracking tools.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.
  • Conducts themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties.

Benefits

  • Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor.
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