Landscape Development Foreman

Duties : Under the supervision of the Supervisor of Park Horticulture and Recreation Maintenance, the Landscape Development Foreman is responsible for:

• Managing and maintaining all Park District tree and shrub nurseries.
• Keeping an accurate inventory of all available plants in the nurseries and recording all jobs accomplished.
• Maintaining the general appearance of the landscape areas he or she is assigned to.
• Installing landscape materials as assigned.
• Keeping open and continuous communications with his or her supervisor on future projects, jobs completed, problems in the field and suggestions for improving all aspects of his or her responsibility.
• Performing and instructing the preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment.
• Scheduling maintenance work and procedures and keeping time records as directed.
• Safety aspects of the buildings and grounds including all walkways, roads, playground equipment, picnic equipment and other facilities.
• Making regular inspections of all areas of responsibility. Reporting and correcting all hazards and undesirable conditions immediately.
• Supervising full-time and part-time staff, court workers, volunteers, interns, urban league and Junior Ranger workers assigned to his or her area.
• Requisitioning supplies and equipment required for landscape installation and maintenance.
• Assisting with prescribed burns throughout park district locations.
• Performing turfgrass installation and maintenance.
• Performing natural areas installation and management.
• Keeping an accurate accounting of all expenditures within the assigned budget.
• Must daily wear a clean Park District designated uniform while on the job.
• Following all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed. Supporting all aspects of the Park District's safety program.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Pay Scale: Apprentice Rate: $25.94 per hour; After 3 months, base pay: $32.43 per hour. Maximum pay rate is $34.43 per hour.

Essential Functions :

• Ability to lift up to 45 pounds.
• Ability to reach, pull, walk, squat, kneel and bend at waist and knees.
• Ability to operate machinery related to job duties.
• Ability to understand and complete record keeping and paperwork relative to job duties.

Education : A baccalaureate degree in horticulture, forestry, or a related field, or a two-year associate degree in a previously mentioned field and at least two years experience in horticulture or landscape management work. Although a degree is preferred, experience in a similar position with similar duties may be substituted for all or part of the educational requirement.

Experience : A minimum of 3 years of experience in the handling, growing, planting and layout of trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers. Experienced in operating tractors, mowing equipment, tree spades, tillers and other implements, tools, and machinery used in landscape installation and maintenance. Experienced in turfgrass and native plant communities installation and maintenance.

Knowledge and Ability :

• A good knowledge of plant material, soil characteristics and its requirements and of grounds maintenance procedures is necessary.
• Must be able to apply proper amounts of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Must be able to follow written and oral landscape plans using plant material, stones, and other landscaping materials.
• Ability to work effectively with Park District personnel and the public and effectively supervise staff as assigned.
• Requires valid Illinois State Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with Air Brakes Endorsement.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Illinois applicators pesticide spray license
• Personal : Work record that shows reliability, initiative, creativity, tact and resourcefulness.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.
• This position is represented by the Teamsters Local Union No. 627.

Benefits and Perks :

• Paid sick days, vacation days, and holidays.
• Longevity bonus program and wellness program.
• Pension and retirement programs and Social Security participating.
• Exceptional health plan.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Full-time employees and dependents enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.