HomeMy WebLinkAboutForestry and Grounds Supervisor Job DescriptionCITY OF MONROE
JOB DESCRIPTION
FORESTRY AND GROUNDS SUPERVISOR
Supervised By: DPS Superintendent
Supervises: Forestry employees; other employees as assigned
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the DPS Superintendent, coordinates forestry operations and grounds
maintenance of assigned City facilities, and acts as a working supervisor as operational needs dictate .
Schedules and prioritizes forestry and grounds operations, including personnel and projects assigned to
the Forestry Division. May also be utilized for after hours call back.
Essential Job Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not
include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual mus t be
able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
1. Prioritizes and directs work/service request orders to a team of workers involved in maintaining
the City's and grounds and urban forest. Supervises workers involved in tree trimming and
removal, stump grinding, grass cutting, tree planting, landscaping and other tasks.
2. Participates in employee interviews. Provides input in the hiring process. Trains employees in
maintenance and repair tasks and the proper operation and utilization of equipment, tools and
machinery.
3. Plans and oversees tree plantings and manages the City’s nursery. Designs and implements
landscaping projects and upgrades. Oversees contractors involved in pesticide application and
other contracted work.
4. Determines work priorities, assigns workload, monitors performance and initiates training,
discipline and other personnel actions. Approves and tracks employee hours, overtime, vacation
and sick time.
5. Ensures safe operating practices of employees being supervised. Provides safety instruction on a
regular basis. Maintains a sufficient supply of functional safety equipment.
6. Ensures equipment is in proper working order and facilities are in compliance with applicable
safety requirements and operational policies. Schedules preventive maintenance and repairs for
vehicles and equipment.
7. Coordinates the use of equipment, materials and manpower required for individual projects. May
utilize employees from other Public Service divisions or City departments as dictated by
operational needs.
8. Serves as a call-in supervisor on a rotating basis for other Public Service divisions as operational
needs demand.
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9. Maintains records of equipment hours and supplies, project status, resource requirements and
repairs and maintenance activities completed. Prepares summaries and reports as required.
Maintains tree inventory and other databases, in conjunction with City GIS staff and / or
consulting firms
10. Utilizes computer systems, where appropriate, for efficiencies in performing any and all of the
above tasks. Computer programs that may be needed include, but are not limited to, word
processing software, spreadsheet programs, and work order software packages.
11. Responds to public inquiries and complaints, and assists the public as needed. Provides
information to the public related to the City's public service operations. Organizes and manages
City participation in community events related to tree planting, right-of-way beautification and
other events.
12. Prepares and administers contracts, with the assistance of other City departments as needed, with
outside entities for any of the potential work activities normally performed by City employees
under the direction of this position.
13. Performs other work as required or assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to
perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabiliti es
to perform the job.
Requirements include the following:
A Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, forestry, landscape architecture, arboriculture, or a related
field is required. Course work should include significant background in landscaping design and
layout, tree health and disease prevention and treatment, and species identification and selection.
Three to five years of experience and high-quality performance in the operations, maintenance,
and improvement of urban forestry and grounds. Supervisory experience is preferred.
A valid Michigan Vehicle Operator’s driver’s license, a satisfactory driving record, and the
ability to maintain one throughout employment.
Minimum score of 70% on the City of Monroe aptitude examination
Current certification as a pesticide and herbicide applicator, arborist, master gardener and
nurseryman, or the ability to attain certifications within one year.
Knowledge of the safety issues, regulations, and procedures relevant to street, sidewalk, and
storm sewer repair and maintenance.
Knowledge of plants, trees, flowers, fertilizers and pesticides to plan and implement landscaping
and forestry programs appropriate for the City’s climate, layout and aesthetic goals.
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Knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used in landscape maintenance, forestry, and
tree maintenance and removal.
Thorough knowledge of tree trimming, removal, and maintenance operations and safety issues.
Knowledge of safety procedures and precautions involved in chemical applications, equipment
and vehicle operation and maintenance, and general public works maintenance.
Skill in planning, coordinating and scheduling routine and emergency maintenance and repair.
Skill in estimating the materials, labor and equipment required to complete a broad range of
forestry and landscaping projects.
Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and
resourcefulness when dealing with employees, contractors, professional contacts, City
administrators, vendors and the public.
Ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, and to work effectively under stress,
within deadlines and changes in work priorities.
Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including Microsoft Suite applications and
software specific to the department; and the ability to master new technologies.
Ability to effectively lead and motivate others.
Ability to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day and to work during non-business hours as
needed.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters
while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works both in an office and in the field.
While in the office, the employee is regularly required to communicate in person and by telephone, read
regular and small print, view and produce written and electronic documents and enter data on a computer
keyboard with repetitive keystrokes. The employee must be mobile both in an office setting and in the
field with the ability to stand, sit, stoop and kneel, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with
hands and arms. The employee must lift or push/pull objects of up to 25 lbs. without assistance.
Accommodation will be made, if needed, for employees required to lift or move objects that exceed this
weight.
While in the field, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts; outside weather
conditions; risk of electrical shock; vibration; fumes or airborne particles; and toxic or caustic chemicals.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, and can be very loud.
June 2016