PARK GROUNDS IMPROVEMENT SUPERVISOR II (SR-24) [1 vacancy]

Position Information

"Championing Park Upgrades for Community Enjoyment"

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Division of Urban Forestry, Horticulture Services Branch, Nursery and Landscape Section, is looking to hire a Park Grounds Improvement Specialist II in Honolulu. As a Park Grounds Improvement Supervisor II, you will work under the general supervision of the Horticulture Services Manager and oversee the operations of the Nursery and Landscape Section to include nursery and tree farm operations, street and park tree planting, landscape installation and maintenance, potted plant loan program, and maintenance of the Queen Kapiolani Garden as well as other high profile landscape projects.Be ready to start early since work hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (hours may vary).

What You'll Do

• Plan, supervise, coordinate, and administer the activities of an overall planned nursery and grounds improvement program for all parks, facilities, playgrounds, gardens, streets, medial strips, triangles, malls, interior landscaping, and decorations for City functions and programs.
• Develop and implement improved landscape construction and maintenance practices and procedures with special emphasis on irrigation systems and horticultural and arboricultural research.
• Manage landscape construction and renovation projects in collaboration with city departments, contractors, community groups, and government agencies.
• Coordinate citywide beautification efforts, review landscaping plans, inspect CIP, beautification, landscaping and planting projects, and support community and arboriculture initiatives to meet program goals.
• Assist with various community events and branch initiatives by providing expertise, plant and equipment supplies, and staff resources as required to meet the goals of the program.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Special Work Requirements

• Required to work after hours, weekends, and holidays to supervise staff performing various duties and for emergency response.
• Will serve as Disaster Response Worker during declared emergencies.

Apply today! If you qualify for the position, your name will be eligible for referral to the hiring department for further consideration for the current job opening, as well as future vacancies with this job title.

Additional Job Information

Applications must be submitted online by August16, 2025, 11:59 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time (HST) to be accepted.

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Minimum Qualification Requirements

At the time of application, you must be a citizen, national or permanent resident alien of the United States, or a non-citizen eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, or a related field.

Substitution: Work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Such experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and analytical ability normally gained from attainment of a bachelor's degree.

For example:

1. Four (4) years of professional work experience, in any occupation, may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.

2. Four (4) years of subprofessional work experience in planning/coordinating/supervising grounds maintenance activities (i.e., Grounds Keeping Supervisor, Tree Trimming Supervisor, or equivalent) may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.

Education must have been completed by the time of application in order to be credited. Education obtained outside of the United States must be comparable to a degree earned at an accredited college/university in the United States. In order to receive credit for the education, proper documentation, e.g., a foreign credential evaluation (FCE), must be provided. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.

Verification Requirement: In order to be given credit for your education, clearly list your education credentials on your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education to satisfy this education qualification requirement.If available, please attach an electronic copy of your diploma and/or official transcript which shows the embossed seal or applicable FCE to your application.Or mail a photocopy of your documents to the following address: Department of Human Resources, 650 South King Street, 10th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813. Copies will not be returned. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. All information on your documentation must be legible and complete in order to be given credit.

If you do not have your documentation to verify your education at this time, please note that if selected for the job, you will need to furnish verification documents in order to move forward in the hiring process.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

Three (3) years of supervisory experience involvingresponsibility for a programoverseeing the: (1) propagation and cultivation of various plants, shrubs, and trees;and/or (2) care, maintenance, and beautification activities for parks, gardens, streets, malls, or other landscaped areas.

Such experience must have demonstrated the knowledge of the principles and practices of:

• horticulture and arboriculture;
• propagation and cultivation methods and techniques;
• techniques of tree trimming/pruning and relocation;
• techniques of plant, tree, and shrubbery arrangements;
• basic principles and methods of eradicating and controlling plant pests and diseases;
• ground maintenance tools and equipment; and
• budget preparation.

Must have the ability to:

• plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the work of a large group of employees;
• plan and establish a grounds improvement program for parks, playgrounds, gardens and other landscaped areas;
• make projections and estimates of materials, equipment and personnel needed for grounds improvement work;
• prepare reports;
• issue clear and concise oral and written instructions;
• develop and implement training programs; and
• deal effectively with subordinates and others.

LICENSE REQUIREMENT:

Prior to Appointment:

• Valid driver's license (Type 3/automobile).

Prior to Completion of Probation:

• Certified Arborist (International Society of Arboriculture) credential.
• American Red Cross First Aid Certificate or equivalent; and American Red Cross or American Heart Association Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and AED Certificate, to include care for choking and obstructed airway, or equivalent.

NOTE: The above required licenses and certificates must be obtained by the time indicated and maintained on a current basis thereafter as a condition of employment.

Examination Process

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION:

In addition to meeting the above minimum qualifications, your application will be further evaluated. Your score will be based on the quality and quantity of your education, experience and/or other related job requirements and competencies applicable to the position. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being rejected or your receiving a lower score.

EXAMINATION WEIGHT:

Education and Experience Evaluation......................................100%