Job Description

Operations Manager, Park Tree Crews

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Salary: $79,635.00 - $102,390.00 Annually

PARKS AND RECREATION OPERATIONS MANAGER

(Arboriculture)

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is administrative work planning, directing, and coordinating the grounds maintenance, land restoration, horticultural, arboricultural, landscape and turf maintenance, and/or custodial activities within multiple Parks and Recreation districts.  Employees in the arboriculture specialty plant and maintain trees in the park system citywide, and handle arboriculture storm emergencies.  Contact with governmental officials and community groups to elicit support and promote public awareness of park and neighborhood programs are significant to the work.  Work is performed under the direction of an administrative superior. 

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

ALL SPECIALTIES

Participates in the development of maintenance plans and operating policies for the division; plans, develops, and implements short- and long-range plans for arboricultural, landscape, grounds, custodial operations, and/or land restoration; proposes the budget for the maintenance or land restoration program; submits suggestions and recommendations for capital improvements and new functions. 

Determines priorities for projects; allocates budgeted funds among subordinate supervisors; approves requisitions and expenditures of budgeted funds; advises subordinates of program goals; evaluates the progress of programs and recommends changes; evaluates equipment needs within the district and participates in the preparation of specifications and requisitions for the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies.

Determines, plans, and schedules the work of employees assigned to operations or restoration duties; reviews work for timeliness, accuracy and completeness; provides technical support for staff; makes adjustments and corrections to procedures, as needed.

ARBORICULTURE SPECIALTY

Confers with subordinate supervisors on the care and maintenance of park and street trees; reviews construction and landscape plans for appropriateness and adherence to Parks and Recreation Department standards; observes problem areas in the field and determines appropriate action to be taken; coordinates with other divisions and outside agencies when necessary to provide additional resources.

Works with subordinate staff, Philadelphia Water Department and other agencies to plan, design, and implement new tree plantings; identifies and prioritizes project parameters including location, scope, partners and budget; develops protocols for monitoring and maintaining sites; integrates and analyzes data from GIS, GPS, paper maps and other sources to develop plans.

Prepares specifications and bid documents for contractor projects; hires contractors and administers purchase orders and payments for contracted projects.

Serves on committees to represent the department; liaises with other City departments and agencies; reviews and edits plans from other agencies and organizations for proposed projects on park land.

Works with Office of Emergency Management and other City officials on storm preparedness and response.  Meets with representatives of private and public agencies, City departments, other divisions and operations managers to coordinate arboriculture storm emergencies citywide.

Attends meetings held by community groups, neighborhood associations, and partner organizations to explain and promote Parks and Recreation programs and policies; recruits, coordinates and supports volunteer groups and activities; acts as liaison for volunteer groups with other City departments; responds to group requests for street and park tree planting and maintenance; advises these groups on arboriculture projects; attempts to resolve complaints.

Meets with stewardship groups, schools and individuals to conduct lectures and demonstrations; monitors projects in progress for compliance to established guidelines. 

Oversees adherence to Parks and Recreation rules and regulations; notifies vendors and users of violations; takes steps to seek compliance; contacts police and/or License and Inspections to enforce rules and regulations.

Participates in the interviewing, selection, orientation and training of new employees by subordinate supervisors; reviews recommendations for disciplinary actions; conducts disciplinary hearings and makes decisions based on findings; mediates problems that arise between supervisors and employees; acts as liaison with Human Resources to ensure compliance with civil service regulations; stays abreast of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations; trains staff with regard to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Sexual Harassment laws and regulations.

Submits regular and special reports on arboriculture operations; gathers and analyzes information for these reports; organizes and prepares reports.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF :

ALL SPECIALTIES

·       the principles, practices, methods, and equipment used in a horticultural program

·       supervisory methods and techniques

ARBORICULTURE SPECIALTY

·       the principles, practices, methods, materials, tools and equipment used in arboriculture

• ANSI A-300, Z-133 and Z60.1 standards of practice and operation
• procurement methods and practices
• the principles of site development and construction

• procedures of storm preparedness and response

ABILITY TO :

ALL SPECIALTIES

·       prepare and maintain work records and written reports

·       prepare and read plans, construction documents and specifications

·       manage multiple tasks simultaneously in an efficient and timely manner

·       understand and follow oral and written instructions

·       establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City agencies, and the general public

ARBORICULTURE SPECIALTY

·       plan and coordinate arboriculture programs and operations and manage tree maintenance staff

• provide a strategic approach to the delivery and implementation of public tree services
• read landscape and tree preservation plans

·       prepare reports, plans, and cost estimates for arboriculture projects

·       plan, assign, and supervise, through subordinate supervisors, the work of a number of skilled and unskilled workers engaged in the planting and maintenance of trees

·       establish manpower, material, and equipment requirements for maintenance activities

·       propose appropriate plants, methods and materials for tree planting projects

·       use word processing and spreadsheet computer programs proficiently

·       communicate effectively with contractors, construction managers, park staff and the public

·       attend and participate in occasional evening and weekend activities

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 6/24.)

EDUCATION

Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in agronomy, environmental science, parks and recreation administration, landscape architecture, horticulture, forestry, arboriculture, turf maintenance, or a closely related field.

NOTE: Completion of any bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university and an industry recognized certification  or additional experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

AND

ARBORICULTURE SPECIALTY

GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Four years of arboriculture experience.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE

Two years of experience at the second supervisory level reviewing and controlling arboriculture maintenance programs.

OR

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources that has included the specific experience described above.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Common­wealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment as a Parks and Recreation Operations Manager.

Possession of a Certified Arborist designation by the International Society of Arboriculture or equivalent certification as deemed acceptable by the Department of Parks and Recreation within the first six months following appointment as a Parks and Recreation Operations Manager if required by work assignment.

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