Assistant Arboretum Manager

City of Burlington NC

Burlington, NC

***Anticipated vacancy, pending position reclassification.***

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

An employee in this class supports the Arboretum Manager in the management, care, and maintenance of Willowbrook Arboretum and related landscaped areas withing Burlington Recreation and Parks system. Performs horticultural, supervisory, and administrative duties to ensure the Arboretum’s appearance, health, safety, and efficient daily operations.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF CLASS

An employee in this class serves as a working assistant to the Arboretum Manager, participation in all aspects of landscape maintenance, operations, and staff coordination. Employee must lead team of part-time staff and/or volunteers ensuring quality, safety and productivity in daily operations. Work includes the care and maintenance of select landscaping within the Burlington Recreation and Parks system. The employee operates landscape equipment, applies pesticide chemicals, assists in clerical duties by keeping chemical inventory including spray records, SDS sheets, maintenance records, maintenance plans etc., and offers suggestions to operational budget, capital budget, and assists in overseeing capital improvements. Work may include operating pickup truck while pulling large trailer, rotary mower, pesticide sprayer, fertilizer spreader, weed eater, edger, leaf blower, aerator, straw blower, various gas operated hand tools, various manual hand tools, and trash and restroom detail.

Independent judgment is exercised in the evaluation of the facility and grounds maintenance requirements and determining work to be performed at sites. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Arboretum Manager and evaluated for completion and attainment of goals and objectives, appearance and operations of the Arboretum, and customer feedback. This Classification is considered nonexempt in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS

Assists in the daily management and maintenance of the Arboretum and other City landscapes
Performs and supervises horticultural maintenance work
Monitors plant health, identifies pest or disease issues, and applies pesticides under State and Federal guidelines.
Supervises part-time staff and volunteers in a safe and efficient manner providing direction and safety training.
Encourages and motivates staff members to complete assigned tasks
Assists in planning and execution of long-term goals and projects.
Calculates and applies pesticides according to State guidelines.
Operates and maintains landscape equipment and vehicle safety appropriately.
Assists with chemical inventory control and input of plant inventory/digital record systems
Completes or assigns trash and bathroom detail daily.
Supports public presentation efforts led by the Arboretum Manager including events, tours, and educational programs
Completes daily custodial and facility readiness duties as needed.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of Horticultural practices including plant identification, soil management, turf and irrigations systems, pruning, pest management, and hardscape maintenance
General knowledge of Microsoft office suite
Working knowledge of design, installation, and establishment of landscape plantings
Skill in the safe operation and basic repair of landscape equipment
Ability to organize projects, lead staff and/or volunteers, and maintain accurate operational records
Ability to learn and implement landscape inventory software
Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of subordinates and ensure completion of goals and objectives.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with other City employees and the general public.
Ability scout for pests, keep records, and enter inventory in data management software

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Associate’s Degree in Horticulture Technology or a similar field with 3-5 years of experience in landscape design, maintenance, and/or construction as well as 3-5 years of experience in applying pesticides and fertilizer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Turf management establishment and maintenance preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License

• Current NC pesticide license in Turf and Ornamentals and Aquatics or the ability to obtain within 6 months.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Work in this position is generally medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. This employee must have the visual acuity to operate trucks and other heavy equipment and to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned. Employee is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working in high places, vibration, noise, oils, chemicals, and extreme weather conditions. Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions including extreme heat or cold.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Inclement Weather Classification: Non-Essential

This job description in no way implies that the duties listed are the only ones the employee may be required to perform. The employee is expected to perform other tasks, duties, and training as requested by their supervisors.