Grounds Maintenance Foreman

The Position The Grounds Maintenance Foreman is responsible for the planning, coordination, direction and evaluation of the work of a crew engaged in a variety of gardening and grounds maintenance assignments. The scope of job duties ranges from pre-job planning and scheduling through oversight, completion, and documentation of work performed, and evaluation of overall crew, as well as individual performance. Typical responsibilities and duties: Plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates the work of and is responsible for the field conduct of a crew engaged in a comprehensive grounds maintenance program. Prepares written performance plans using pre-established guidelines; prepares and conducts performance appraisals for assigned crew members and direct reports; counsels employees (orally and in writing) to confirm standards and/or to correct performance, behavior on the job, or violations of work rules and East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) policies and procedures. Reports instances of inappropriate work behavior or poor performance to appropriate supervisor in situations that may warrant more serious action than a counseling memo. Schedules jobs, sequences tasks, and sets work priorities for the crew based upon established section programs and goals identified by next level supervisor and considering seasonal requirements and maintenance needs; inspects assigned properties regularly to examine work accomplished and to determine work needed. Recommends and implements special work needed; estimates labor, material, and equipment needed to carryout assigned work; recommends changes in labor, materials, and equipment resources based on assessment of job site, nature of work to be performed, and skills required; verifies that material and personnel are scheduled and ready to start work. Reviews written maintenance procedures and practices periodically and recommends changes needed. Provides for the planting of small areas or the replanting of existing areas in accordance with an approved landscaped plan. Controls weeds, insects, and plant diseases; cares for soils, shrubs, trees, lawns, and gardens; provides for irrigation and drainage; clears brush, leaves, and litter; improves existing landscaped areas. Ensures that employees are trained in and use safe work practices in conformance with Cal/OSHA regulations and applicable regulatory standards and that required pest control certifications are maintained; identifies training requirements, monitors, assists in scheduling training, and trains crew members in proper work methods used in landscaping techniques, equipment operation, and grounds maintenance activities. Coaches, monitors, and provides oral and written recognition of work accomplishments and skill development of crewmembers; recommends approval or denial of short term-leave requests; participates in hiring interviews and makes hiring recommendations as assigned. Prepares and maintains accurate records on stock inventory and chemical usage; makes written reports such as crew time and attendance, labor, equipment, and materials used, contractor hours and work completed, vendor delivered materials, work measurement data, and other related information. Evaluates the effectiveness with which assignments are completed and implements corrective action; maintains adequate work standards; resolves problems at the job site; identifies, recommends, and implements work process improvements. Answers EBMUD staff and public inquiries and handles complaints regarding gardening and grounds maintenance activities; arranges for and coordinates special work with other EBMUD work units or external organizations as required. Arranges for repairs and service to tools and equipment as needed. The most competitive candidates will also be: Knowledgeable in gardening and landscape maintenance methods, techniques, tools, materials and equipment Proficient in organizing, planning, coordinating, directing and evaluating the work of a crew and providing for crew member's training Prepared to use initiative and independent judgment to manage assigned projects, including pre-job planning, estimation of labor, material and equipment needs, scheduling, prioritizing, inspecting and monitoring work in progress and upon completion for conformity to established standards Able to read, interpret and work from maps, drawings, specifications, and material lists Able to prepare computerized reports, maintain complete records and make accurate arithmetic computations Safety conscious and ready to observe and enforce safety practices and precautions relevant to the work Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships Knowledgeable in integrated pest management programs In possession a Pest Control Advisor's (PCA) license or Pest Applicator's certificate The salary range is $9,668 per month, increasing to $10,051, $10,659 and $11,192 after 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. EBMUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, marital or registered domestic partnership status, age for individuals age forty or older, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veterans status, family or medical leave status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical condition), pregnancy disability leave status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and other categories protected by federal, state and/or local laws. Requirements Any combination of education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge and abilities indicated above. Typical means of acquiring the essential knowledge and abilities is a combination of training and experience equivalent to: 1. A high school diploma or its equivalent; AND 2. One year experience as a Grounds Maintenance Specialist II with EBMUD; OR 3. Three years of experience in gardening, nursery work, landscaping or a closely related field plus at least 6 units of its equivalent of college, technical or trade school training in gardening, landscape architecture, horticulture or closely related field. 4. Must possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the class. 5. Must be willing to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions 6. Must be willing to work where noxious plants and insects are present. 7. Must be willing to work overtime as needed. The most competitive candidates will also have experience in construction supervision of municipal, commercial, or industrial type projects. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. To be considered under the equivalent combination of education and experience" provision, it is your responsibility to include in your application materials written evidence of employment performed at the level of the typical duties of this position and/or coursework in subject areas directly related to this position. For more information, see our FAQ page at The Selection Process 1. Submit a completed EBMUD application and the required supplemental question responses online at www.ebmud.com by Friday, June 13, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted. 2. Candidates must achieve a passing score on each test part in order to advance to the next step in the selection process. 3. All qualified applications and supplemental responses will be competitively evaluated, with those candidates receiving a passing score to be invited to a panel interview tentatively scheduled for late July 2025. 4. Successful candidates will be placed on the hiring list, based on rank, for further consideration to fill the current regular vacancy, as well as others occurring over the next 12 to 24 months. 5. The probation period for this position is 6 months. 6. All employment offers are conditional, pending the results of a Live Scan background screening. All selected finalists must participate in the Live Scan background screening process to remain in consideration for EBMUD employment. Supplemental Information As the first step in the selection process, responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted online with the regular EBMUD application. Please provide thorough, accurate descriptions of assignments you have personally performed. Should you respond with comments such as see application" or see resume" instead of addressing the questions directly, your application may not be considered.