Operations Supervisor Gardens Focus

Position Title: Operations Supervisor (Gardens and Horticulture Focus)

First Line Report: Operations Manager

Second Line Report: Director of Planning and Operations

Supervises: Full-time, Part-time, and Seasonal Staff; Interns and Volunteers

Pay Grade Level: Salary

Employee Status: Full-Time

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Last Revision Date: 5/21/25

The Operations Supervisor (Gardens and Horticulture Focus), under the general direction of the Operations Manager, is responsible for the successful operation of the maintenance and improvement of Fellows Riverside Gardens (FRG) and the forested and landscaped areas of Ford Nature Center (FNC). The Operations Supervisor (Gardens and Horticulture Focus) is responsible for the daily management and on-the-job supervision of both the specific project(s) and the employees assigned thereto. This position is suitable for transitional duty and may be assigned other related tasks.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Supervision of related personnel and maintenance activities: 40%
2. Supervises various full-time, part-time, seasonal, and volunteer workers and ensures that daily actions and attitudes are of a positive and professional manner
3. Reviews, approves, and maintains all necessary records including but not limited to timecards, time off requests, training mandates, and administrative tasks
4. Plans and schedules daily work projects and personnel required
5. "Sets the pace" and maintains standard practices of both quantity and quality of work
6. Ensures that all organizational policies, procedures, and safety practices are followed
7. Participates in the hiring, managing, disciplining, scheduling, and training of the full-time, part-time, seasonal, intern staff, and volunteers
8. Ensures the proper care and maintenance of all materials, tools, equipment, and vehicles
9. Project related duties: 40%
10. Performs daily inspections of FRG/FNC, identifying immediate priorities, alternative solutions to issues and implementation of corrective actions
11. Oversees and participates in the identification and proper labeling of all plants
12. Oversees and participates in the maintenance and planting of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, bulbs, ground covers, grasses, and turf-grass
13. Oversees and participates in the operation of greenhouse growing facilities and care of interior tropical plants
14. Operates project specific equipment including, but not limited to: heavy equipment, power tools, hand tools, survey and measuring equipment
15. Oversees and participates in the maintenance, repair, and construction of walkways, planting beds, fountains, walls, fences, pergolas, irrigation systems, parking lots, etc.
16. Performs vehicle and equipment maintenance
17. Takes an active lead role in the planning, designing, implementation, and maintenance of seasonal events including special event set up and take down
18. Performs janitorial duties including trash and litter pick-up and recycling
19. Road, parking lot, and walkways maintenance; including snow and ice removal
20. Departmental: 20%
21. Perform additional duties as determined by the Operations Manager
22. Assists as directed with the ordering, scheduling, renting, delivery, and storage of supplies, materials, tools, and equipment
23. Keep updated on current trends and methods relating to horticulture through continuing education courses
24. Assists with the preparation and management of the annual plan of operation (APO) and corresponding departmental budget
25. Represents and promotes FRG and FNC to the public and media as required
26. Communicates with other MCMP departments as necessary

Job Functional Priority Percentage Total: 100%

Essential Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

1. Must be highly organized, efficient, and capable of managing numerous projects and personnel simultaneously within a high stress, fast-paced environment
2. Must be able to maintain continuous positive attitude and professional appearance at all times
3. Ability to effectively and professionally communicate in both verbal and written form
4. Knowledge of current industry standard practices, trends, techniques, laws, regulations, and best management practices within the fields of horticulture, landscape maintenance, turf grass, etc.
5. Must possess proficient technological skills and abilities in the operation of standard computer equipment and software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, BG Base/Map
6. Ability to complete all tasks assigned and related deadlines in an efficient, timely manner
7. Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, specifications, and manuals
8. Ability to problem solve, plan, and implement corrective actions
9. Knowledge of MetroParks rules and regulations, policies, and procedures

Education/ Qualifications

1. Must be at least 18 years old
2. Preferred: Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Construction/Maintenance, or related field
3. Minimum of three (3) years' progressive experience in the management, maintenance, and/or operation of a public garden, landscape, or facility grounds
4. Must possess or be able to obtain and maintain an Ohio pesticide applicator's license
5. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

Physical Requirements Necessary to Perform Job Functions

1. Must be physically able to perform all tasks inherent to the position
2. Ability to perform hard physical labor in all indoor and outdoor environments
3. Must be able to respond to emergency call outs
4. Ability to work from different degrees of height by using ladders, tree climbing, scaffolding, etc.
5. Ability to lift 50+ pounds
6. Hand dexterity/ ability to work with all necessary tools and equipment
7. Able to bend and twist easily from waist
8. Ability to reach above head with both arms
9. Ability to see and hear clearly
10. Ability to walk, traverse, or otherwise access trails of all types, natural terrain, construction sites, and all properties under control of the MetroParks under all types of conditions
11. Regular and predictable attendance

Job Requirement

The duties and responsibilities listed are not set forth for the purpose of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work. The MetroParks expressly reserves the right to add to, detract from, modify, or eliminate any of the above provisions in its sole discretion.