Landscape Grounds Worker, Senior - PW

Under general supervision performs technical and labor tasks to maintain City lawns and outdoor facilities. May lead crews in accomplishing tasks and projects as assigned. Completes a variety of landscape tasks include mowing, watering, chemical applications, setting of landscape plants and weeding, performs pruning, shearing and “dead heading” ornamentals, as required, to maintain healthy plant life. Applies various herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers and fungicides as directed, applying mulch to beds and tree rings. Constructs landscape areas, labels plants. removes dead trees and shrubs; and repairs and replaces beddings. Performs routine maintenance on landscape equipment. Performs technical and labor tasks to maintain and repair existing irrigation systems; ensures all irrigation beads are functioning properly; repairs or replaces faulty heads; ensures controllers are functioning properly; repairs and/or replaces faulty valves and/or solenoids; repairs wiring problems and leaks; makes adjustments to controllers as directed. May participate in the installation of new irrigation systems; gathers necessary supplies, tools and equipment needed for installation; insures proper set-up of pump, well, pressure switches and related systems; paints line locations throughout the project according to design; trenches lines for PVC pipe, valves and irrigation beads, installs underground portion of system including PVC pipe, PVC fittings, solenoid valves, valve boxes, wiring and irrigation heads; backfills trenches; mounts wires and program controllers; performs system check to insure all heads are receiving enough PSI and GPM for operation; adjusts irrigation heads for throw patterns and distance. Assists supervisor in the design of irrigation systems. Monitors fields for pest problems, reports to supervisor, and assists with mitigation efforts. Completes administrative tasks for the department; labels plants; assists in maintaining chemical supply inventory; provides assistance with purchasing activities; prepares required paperwork including timesheets, shop repair orders, precipitation logs, watering charts, environmental logs, personal injury forms, vehicle and accident reports, purchasing requisitions and related documents. Assists in design, installation and maintenance of landscape plants and materials. Assists in the implementation of a City Greenhouse. Education and Experience: High School Education or equivalent; and, Two to three years of experience; or, any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Licenses and Certifications: Pesticide Applicator’s License Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS: Hauls equipment. Operates dump truck for hauling sand and gravel. Uses leaf blower to clean parking lots and sidewalks. Picks up trash and empties outdoor trash receptacles at City facilities. Performs other related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES : Knowledge of: Operation and maintenance of all equipment utilized in the performance of the essential functions of the job. General landscape practices and planting techniques. Principles and practices of grounds maintenance and landscape architecture. Basic mathematics. Principles and practices of turf maintenance. Skill in: Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, reviewing and evaluating the work of staff. Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Use of all equipment required to perform the essential functions of the job. Mental and Physical Abilities to: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, pesticide labels, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and so forth. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Working Conditions: While performing the essential functions of this position the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions, work near moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, work near moving mechanical parts, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The incumbent's working conditions are typically moderately quiet to loud. MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED : General Office Equipment Lawn Mower Lawn Trimmer Leaf Blower Edger Gator with Spray Rig Tractor with Spreader, Aerator & Vacuum Attachments Riding Mower Dump Truck Flat Bed Rig Trencher Backhoe Front End Loader Tractor Bunker Rake Tiller Sod Cutter Line Locator Skid Steer Trailer Utility Vehicle Knuckleboom Chainsaw