Lead Gardener (Open and Promotional) (20549139)

The Department of Public Works is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Lead Gardener.
 

About The Department
The Department of Public Works plans, designs, constructs, operates and maintains facilities and equipment that are safe and accessible to the clients of County agencies, the general public, and County employees. The Department advises the Board of Supervisors on all public works issues, including rates and charges for services that are fair to both the users and service providers. Public Works has a budget of approximately $300 million and is comprised of over 300 employees in five divisions: Administrative Services, Airports, Engineering and Resource Protection, Facility and Capital Projects, and Road Services. To learn more about the department visit: https://www.smcgov.org/publicworks.

The Position
Under general direction from the Facilities Services Manager in the Public Works Department, the Lead Gardener provides leadership and direction to the landscape contractors; performs landscape maintenance functions; and operates a wide variety of landscape maintenance equipment. The incumbent is expected to perform the most skilled landscape maintenance, new installations, and repair work and take the lead in solving problems that occur in day-to-day activities.  

This position requires the Lead Gardener to work in person from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. There is an option for a 9/80 schedule after the probationary period.

The ideal candidate will understand Green Infrastructure, with an emphasis on bio-retention areas to control stormwater runoff.  Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience in installing and repairing irrigation systems including controllers, be knowledgeable about pesticide control, fertilization methods, and materials, understand different types of soils and plants, and possess excellent customer service and communication skills.

Other Requirements: Prior to hire, some positions require candidates to complete an extensive security clearance package and undergo a thorough background check conducted by the County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office.

 

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise, plan, and coordinate a landscape maintenance program at County facilities.
• Participate in landscape maintenance, gardening, and groundskeeping work at County facilities.
• Ensure the Green Infrastructures are kept in proper condition and neat in appearance.
• Maintain inventory of equipment and materials; requisition stock as needed.
• Participate in budgeting for landscape maintenance, gardening, and groundskeeping equipment or materials.
• Advise and make recommendations for landscape improvements.
• Develop and carry out a weed, insect, and disease control program.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Identify plant diseases and apply effective treatment.
• Supervise, mix, and apply insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides and maintain the necessary applicator's license.
• Read and interpret landscape drawings; make general field landscape layouts from drawings.
• Maintain and install lawn and irrigation systems.
• Maintain records and prepare reports of work performed, including Green Infrastructure reports to meet State requirements.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
 

• Two years of experience in landscape maintenance, gardening, or nursery work.

• Possession of a class C California driver's license or equivalent.
• Must obtain a Qualified Applicator Certificate in Landscape Maintenance within 6 months of employment.

• Equipment and materials used in landscape maintenance.
• Techniques of landscape maintenance and development.
• Propagation, planting, cultivating, fertilizing, pruning, watering, and care of gardens, turf, lawns, trees, and plants.
• Plant materials including botanical plant names.
• Safety practices and procedures.
• Design and maintenance of landscape irrigation systems and equipment.
• Principles of supervision.

• Plan, supervise and inspect the work of others.
• Read and interpret landscape drawings and measurements.
• Install and maintain gardens, turf, lawns, trees, and plants.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Operate and maintain machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Install and maintain lawn and irrigation equipment.
• Follow safety practices and procedures.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others.
• Lift, carry, push, or move materials, plants, supplies, or equipment up to 50 lbs; walk or stand for prolonged periods of time.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions on the standard County employment application form must be provided.  A resume or reference to a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials or supplemental responses. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Recruitment closes: Monday, September 30 by 11:59 PM PST
Applicant Screening: Week of October 7, 2024
Panel Interviews: Week of October 28, 2024