Hort- Crew Leader

JOB SUMMARY

Under supervision of the Horticulture Manager, the Horticulture Crew Leader is responsible for overall landscape maintenance and supervision of staff for assigned garden area. This is a regular full-time position, Monday through Friday schedule beginning at 6:30am to 3:30pm.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Physically perform general landscape maintenance for specific garden area, including but not limited to planting, mowing, weeding, watering, fertilizing, spraying, minor irrigation repairs, pruning and pest control/management in accordance to written maintenance and safety standards
• Supervise/oversee all garden crew, volunteers, and interns assigned to area.
• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts, odors, dusts, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, intense noise, gases, vibrations, chemicals, oils and workspace restrictions.
• Expected to perform manual labor tasks in extreme weather conditions.
• Establish and meet garden project completion schedules on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis under the guidance of the Horticulture Manager.
• Train and educate garden staff to increase their knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance.
• Effectively lead and schedule garden staff.
• Assist with plant record keeping and labeling for assigned garden area.
• Responsible for properly using, maintaining, and securing maintenance equipment including blowers, lawnmowers, gators, and other machinery.
• Carry out mowing schedule and maintain turf areas through established mowing practices.
• Implement irrigation schedule; monitor irrigation systems, repair minor breaks, and report malfunctions.
• Partake in special events including festival preparations, operations, and removal.
• Cleans and maintains tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Assist in water feature maintenance and monitor pump systems.
• Maintain the overall expectations of the Dallas Arboretum grounds.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS OR COMPETENCIES:

• Must undergo a pre-employment physical and drug screen
• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture or related field
• Or 5 years of experience in professional garden or nursery environment selecting and applying pesticides, planting and pruning.
• Crew Leader or supervisory experience (preferred)
• Texas Certified Pesticide Applicators license (preferred)
• Knowledge of various species of flowers, trees, shrubs, turf and plant nutrient requirements
• Experience with common insects, diseases, weeds, and plant materials
• Experience with the use of fertilizer sprayers, seed spreaders and pesticide equipment
• Good verbal and written communication skills; Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with techniques and methods in regards to pruning and planting
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and clocks
• Ability to effectively organize work flow for timely completion and develop staff to work as a team; maintain professional work ethic
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and personnel through use of effective organizational and time-management skills
• Valid Texas Driver’s license to operate garden vehicles
• Adaptable and flexible to changing schedules
• Local travel
• Periodic holiday and weekend hours

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands or requirements described here are representative of what is expected by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stop, kneel, crouch, push, pull and lift.
• Consistent use of hands to handle and feel
• Reach with hands and arms and may use repetitive motions
• Expected to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally
• Exert up to 20 pounds of force frequently/continually moving objects

OTHER DUTIES

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of those in this position.