Forestry and Open Space Manager

About this Opportunity!

Forestry and Open Space Manager

(Full Time Exempt)

Salary: $64,700 - &80,550 per year

Position Summary:

The Forestry and Open Space Manager is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Horticulture, Forestry, Open Space and Trails Divisions within the Parks and Open Space Department. Responsible for scheduling, coordinating, supervising and evaluating projects and personnel. Responsible for maintenance and renovation of facility parking lots. Also responsible for preparing and oversight of budgets associated with assigned divisions. Trains staff in the techniques and materials used in assigned divisions and safe operation and maintenance of equipment, the use of pesticides, and the symptoms, effects, and control of pest problems. Supervises contractual services for assigned divisions as needed. Assists with snow removal oversite.

Essential Duties:

• Schedules, assigns, and dispatches crews and equipment to plant, maintain and care for trees, shrubs, ornamental plants, flowers, native plants and a variety of trail surfaces.
• Coordinates and works closely with personnel regarding the selection and usage of plant materials within the District's parks and on other matters of horticultural concern.
• Trains subordinates in the techniques and materials used in assigned divisions, ensures the safe operation and maintenance of equipment, the use of pesticides, and the symptoms, effects, and control of pest problems.
• Assists the Assistant Director of Parks & Open Space in developing division goals and objectives and is responsible for the annual budget of assigned divisions.
• Makes routine inspections of all Open Space, Trails and Park areas and equipment, and initiates proper maintenance activities for assigned divisions.
• Must have considerable knowledge of chemical and cultural controls of a variety of plant disease and insect problems. The proper use of agri-chemicals, fertilizers and other soil additives, etc., and their environmental affect and hazards and their safety requirements. Must be able to maintain required records on the use of restricted use pesticides. Considerable knowledge of irrigation systems, their installation, operations, and repair as they relate to planter beds and tree taps.
• Coordinates and administers contractual work performed by private firms on District Parks, parking lots, trails and Open Space areas.
• Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates performance for assigned staff. Documents job performance and recommends personnel action regarding hiring, raises, discipline and termination. Provides training, guidance and field supervision to these positions.
• Assists and provides guidance to supervisors in training crews in proper techniques, requirements, safety procedures and proper operation and maintenance of tools and equipment.
• Oversees the coordination of vehicle and equipment maintenance and repair with service center personnel.
• Skilled in the use of maintenance equipment commonly used by assigned divisions.
• Maintains labor and material cost tracking data for assigned divisions in line with established goals, objectives and annual budget.
• Maintains accurate time cards and daily activity reports for self and assigned personnel.
• Plans, organizes, and schedules special events as assigned, such as Arbor Day, Earth Day, Bike to Work Day, Trail clean-up, Adopt a trail, etc.
• Performs other duties and special assignments as required by supervisor, including assignments that may be outside the primary area of employment.
• Complies with District and Departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• May serve as an Emergency services worker.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, interacting in a friendly and professional manner at all times with others.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, flexibility, initiative and commitment in line with the current cultural and business environment.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and respond to citizen comments and concerns within a reasonable time frame.
• Must have proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive duties of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other related duties, as may be required.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in either Horticulture, Forestry, Natural Resources or directly related field.
• A minimum of four (4) years progressive supervisory experience in a public parks or natural resource systems, including the knowledge of plant material, irrigation systems, trail maintenance, forestry care and open space or natural resource maintenance.
• Knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in the care and maintenance of areas is needed.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Requires a qualified supervisor's pesticide applicator's license in turf, ornamental and vertebrate categories, or ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver License, or obtain upon hire, and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, interacting in a friendly and professional manner at all times with others.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, flexibility, initiative and commitment in line with the current cultural and business environment.
• Knowledge of Natural Resource Management including urban forest plant material.
• Must have proficient computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Office.
• Must have thorough knowledge of design, installation, maintenance, cultural requirements, growth habit, pests, and environmental problems of landscapes and interior foliage plants.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time with some of this labor performed off the ground and suspended by ropes or in lifts.
• The ability to operate or receive training on various types of maintenance and construction equipment and skills in the use of maintenance equipment.
• Must be highly motivated and take direction well with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a fast-paced and high volume environment with emphasis on accuracy and timeliness.
• Ability to get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.

Material and Equipment Used :

To successfully perform the required job duties, this position regularly uses a phone, computer, printer, GPS systems, fax and other office equipment. This position regularly operates a motor vehicle to drive to various locations. This position may occasionally need to operate a mower, front end loader, use power tools, chainsaws, or landscape maintenance equipment, apply pesticides and fertilizers (if appropriate certifications are held) and/or operate a snow blower or plow.

Working Environment :

Primarily works in a comfortable office environment subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. This position is required to drive a motor vehicle to various off site facilities. Occasionally works in the field subject to variable weather, ecosystems and landscape.

Physical Requirements :

The daily routine requires the ability to bend, stoop, reach, lift, kneel, carry, grasp, push and pull equipment, supplies and materials. Considerable walking and standing; distances, climb, bend, kneel, stoop, reach and lift, exhibit manual dexterity and the ability to handle objects and equipment. Manual labor for extended periods of time. Must be able to push, pull or balance. Upper body strength is a requisite to lift/move up to 75lbs unassisted. Hand/eye and foot/eye coordination to operate motorized equipment; hearing and listening for receiving and interpreting information and warning signals. Vision requirements include: near acuity, far acuity, and depth perception and color vision. Requires sense of smell and feeling. Requires the ability to communicate both orally and in writing and execute oral and written instructions with understanding. Must have the ability to talk and hear via the telephone and through face-to-face communication.

Employee Benefits & Perks at South Suburban

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision package
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement packages with employer contribution/match
• Free Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off including vacation time, sick leave, personal leave and holidays
• District paid life insurance and long term disability
• FREE use of District fitness centers and swimming pools
• Discounts on recreation classes and golf
• Opportunities for training and promotion from within
• To view a complete listing of the District’s most current benefit package, please visit http://careers.ssprd.org

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, and a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.