Landscape Foreman/Forewoman

Job Description

Landscape Foreman/Forewoman (520)

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and
Six (6) years of progressively responsible paid experience in groundskeeping, gardening, or landscape maintenance, including at least two (2) years in a leador supervisory capacity, and successful completion of supplementary coursework in landscape design, construction, maintenance, horticulture, forestry, or supervision; or
Education equivalent to an associate's degree in landscape, horticulture, forestry, or a related discipline, and two (2) years of increasingly responsible and varied horticulture experience, including supervision, landscape design, installation, and maintenance

Desirable Qualifications

Possession of one or more of the following is desirable:

A valid California Pest Control Advisor's license
Valid certification by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as an Arborist

License & Certification

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at time of application
Possession of a valid California Qualified Applicator's Certificate (QAC) in categories B and C is required at time of appointment and for the duration of employment
A valid California Commercial driver's license, Class B or above with applicable endorsements, is required within one (1) year of appointment and for the duration of employment

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Landscape Foreman/Forewoman is a front-line supervisory classification responsible for the day-to-day planning and supervision of a program in the Parkways and Boulevards Division of the Street Department. An incumbent in this position exercises independent judgment and discretion in planning and deploying the appropriate level of personnel and equipment to complete assignments and projects, supervising landscape maintenance and/or tree trimming crews and contracted service companies, and participating actively in assigned maintenance activities.

Typical Duties

Each position in this classification may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.

Supervises and participates in the activities of an assigned work crew; trains employees on work procedures, equipment operation, maintenance, and safety issues
Supervises daily inspection of aerial vehicles and driver required maintenance
Administers pest and noxious weed control to ground coverage
Maintains and repairs hand tools, fountains and power equipment
Installs, modifies, maintains, and repairs irrigation systems
Recommends type, size and arrangement of plants, trees, and irrigation systems for proposed landscaping areas
Investigates new operational techniques, materials and equipment to affect improved and more economical performance
Provides recommendations and purchases approved materials, supplies and small equipment for day to day operation, including plants, trees, biocides and irrigation equipment to accomplish horticultural activities and equipment repairs
Maintains time and material records pertaining to assigned work
Assists in the preparation and implementation of the department's annual budget
Responds to public inquiries, processes service requests, and investigates and resolves service complaints
Evaluates and reports on the performance of assigned personnel; investigates employee grievances
Performs other related duties, as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Methods, procedures, materials, and equipment pertaining to assigned program, such as street beautification, landscape maintenance, tree maintenance, and pest control
Principles and practices of safety pertaining to area of responsibility, including State of California Pest Control Regulations
Principles and practices of effective supervision, including motivation, evaluation, and grievance resolution

Ability to:

Interpret, apply, and explain pertinent Federal, State, City, and department laws, codes, policies, and procedures
Supervise train, and evaluate assigned staff
Interpret, apply, and explain plans, sketches, and specifications
Evaluate situations, identify problems, and exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines
Establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public
Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals
Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
Follow oral and written instructions
Perform arithmetic computations with accuracy
Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload, and meet strict deadlines
Operate standard office equipment such as telephones, facsimile, and computers
Walk or stand for extended periods of time and bend, stoop, reach, carry, crawl, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties

Supervision Exercised

Provides direct supervision to Grounds Maintenance Workers, Senior Tree Trimmers, Landscape Pest Control Operator and other assigned personnel.

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from the Assistant Director of Streets & Automotive Services/City Arborist or other supervisor as assigned.

Other Requirements

May be required to work unusual hours in emergency situations and to be available on an on-call basis as assigned
Incumbents with a California Commercial driver's license may be subject to drug and/or alcohol testing as mandated by federal regulations
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment

Approved May, 2005