GARDENS AND HORTICULTURE SUPERVISOR

Position Title

Operations Supervisor (Gardens and Horticulture Focus)

First Line Report

Operations Manager

Second Line Report

Director of Planning and Operations

Supervises

Full-Time Gardeners, Part-Time Staff, Seasonal Staff, Interns & Volunteers

Pay Grade Level

Salary

Employee Status 

Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt

Exempt

Summary: The Operations Supervisor (Gardens and Horticulture Focus), under the general direction of the Operations Manager, is responsible for the successful operation of the maintenance and improvement of Fellows Riverside Gardens (FRG) and the forested and landscaped areas of Ford Nature Center (FNC). The Operations Supervisor (Gardens and Horticulture Focus) is responsible for the daily management and on-the-job supervision of both the specific project(s) and the employees assigned thereto. This position is suitable for transitional duty and may be assigned other related tasks. 

Primary Responsibilities                        

Supervision of related personnel and maintenance activities    40%

1. Supervises various full-time, part-time, seasonal and volunteer workers and ensures that daily actions and attitudes are of a positive and professional manner
2.  Reviews, approves and maintains all necessary records including but not limited to timecards, time off requests, training mandates, and administrative tasks
3.  Plans and schedules daily work projects and personnel required
4. “Sets the pace” and maintains standard practices of both quantity & quality of work 
5. Ensures that all organizational policies, procedures and safety practices are followed
6. Participates in the hiring, managing, disciplining, scheduling, and training of the Full-Time Gardeners, Part-Time Staff, Seasonal Staff, Interns & Volunteers
7. Ensures the proper care and maintenance of all materials, tools, equipment and vehicles

Project related duties    40%

1. Performs daily inspections of FRG/FNC, identifying immediate priorities, alternative solutions to issues and implementation of corrective actions
2. Oversees and participates in the identification and proper labeling of all plants
3. Oversees and participates in the maintenance and planting of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, bulbs, ground covers, grasses, and turf-grass
4. Oversees and participates in the operation of greenhouse growing facilities and care of interior tropical plants
5.  Operates project specific equipment including, but not limited to: heavy equipment, power tools, hand tools, survey and measuring equipment
6. Oversees and participates in the maintenance, repair, and construction of walkways, planting beds, fountains, walls, fences, pergolas, irrigation systems, parking lots, etc.
7. Performs vehicle and equipment maintenance
8. Takes an active lead role in the planning, designing, implementation and maintenance of seasonal events including special event set up and take down
9. Performs janitorial duties including trash and litter pick-up and recycling
10. Road, parking lot and walkway maintenance; including snow and ice removal

Departmental responsibilities     20%

1. Perform additional duties as determined by the Operations Manager
2. Assists as directed with the ordering, scheduling, renting, delivery & storage of supplies, materials, tools, and equipment
3.  Keep updated on current trends and methods relating to horticulture through continuing education courses
4. Assists with the preparation and management of the annual plan of operation (APO) and corresponding departmental budget 
5. Represents and promotes FRG and FNC to the public and media as requested
6.  Communicates with other MCMP Departments as necessary 

Essential Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

1. Must be highly organized, efficient, and capable of managing numerous projects & personnel simultaneously within a fast paced environment
2. Must be able to maintain a continuous positive attitude and professional appearance at all times
3. Ability to effectively and professionally communicate in both verbal and written form 
4. Knowledge of current industry standard practices, trends, techniques, laws, regulations and best management practices within the fields of horticulture, landscape maintenance, turf grass, etc.
5. Must possess proficient technological skills and abilities in the operation of standard computer equipment and software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, BG Base/Map
6. Ability to complete all tasks assigned and related deadlines in an efficient, timely manner
7. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, specifications, manuals
8. Ability to problem solve, plan, and implement corrective actions
9. Knowledge of MetroParks rules and regulations, policies, and procedures

Education/Qualifications

1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Preferred: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Construction/Maintenance, or related field 
3. Minimum of three (3) years’ progressive experience in the management, maintenance and/or operation of a public garden, landscape, or facility grounds
4. Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain an Ohio pesticide applicator’s license 
5. Must possess a valid driver's license

Physical Requirements Necessary to Perform Job Functions

1. Must be physically able to perform all tasks inherent to the position
2. Ability to perform hard physical labor in all indoor and outdoor environments
3. Must be able to respond to emergency call outs
4. Ability to work from different degrees of height by using ladders, tree climbing, scaffolding etc.
5. Able to lift 50+ pounds
6.  Hand dexterity/ ability to work with all necessary tools and equipment
7.  Able to bend and twist easily from waist
8. Ability to reach above head with both arms
9. Ability to see and hear clearly
10. Ability to walk, traverse or otherwise access trails of all types, natural terrain, construction sites and all properties under control of the MetroParks under all types of conditions 
11. Regular and predictable attendance

Job Requirement

The duties and responsibilities listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work. The MetroParks expressly reserves the right to add to, detract from, modify or eliminate any of the above provisions in its sole discretion.