Purpose:

Under minimal supervision, performs SMUD landscaped grounds maintenance functions and leads employees engaged in related work.
 

*Major Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the management of the property and landscape to assure quality of aesthetic display, plant vigor and interest. The Head Gardener is responsible for assessing the condition of plants and landscape features, improving landscape management practices and attending to renovation of landscape areas.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of irrigation system, garden structures, parking areas, paths, garden equipment and supplies.
• Schedule and oversee jobs performed by gardeners, utility workers, contractors, and consultants like arborists and irrigation specialists.
• Oversee the proper care for roses, perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees in the garden beds by pruning, deadheading and fertilizing, and other tasks which require judgment.
• Identify and care for trees in accordance with ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist standards.
• Train and oversee gardeners and utility workers to ensure proper safe work practices are being followed for all who are working in grounds; such as ladder use, the operation of chainsaws, chippers, mowers, herbicide application, etc.
• Manage emergency situations including extra protection from freezes, damage from fallen limbs, and other problems as they arise.
• Keeps records of chemical usage and areas treated. Prepares regulatory reports on the use of pesticide, herbicide, and pre-emergent chemical applications.
• Purchase supplies, plants, equipment, and chemicals used in maintaining landscaped areas. Keep a prioritized list of projects that require funding to assist with budgeting.
• Coordinate with management regarding property items requiring outside professionals and provide appropriate proposals and invoices for review and approval.
• Assists in the planning, design and preparation of landscaped areas for future projects.
• Maintains SMUD landscaped, and non-landscaped substations and properties in a condition acceptable to SMUD and city code requirements
• Other related duties as assigned

*Minimum Qualifications:

Experience:  Five years or more (5+) of gardening, and landscape maintenance experience, including staff leadership; familiarity with computerized work management system; garden equipment and scheduled maintenance program.

Education:  High School Diploma or equivalent

Knowledge of:  Strong knowledge of urban forestry and horticulture and as it applies to native plant growth, including propagation, planting, and cultivating.  Strong knowledge of landscaping and turf maintenance, including bio-swale and water retention systems. Safety procedures as related to ground maintenance work including OSHA regulations; chemicals for maintenance of plant life; proper pruning and trimming techniques; and use, care, and maintenance of equipment used by gardening personnel. Basic supervisory/leadership skills and principle practices.
 
Skill to:  Plan, direct, train and oversee the work of others on a day-to-day basis. Organize, prioritize, and coordinate work activities involved with a scheduled maintenance program. Recognize and treat symptoms of plant ailments and diseases; make recommendations to improve grounds maintenance work and processes; perform the physical work of a gardener; and safely maintain and operate SMUD vehicles and equipment.
 

Licenses/Certificates:

• One or more license(s) or certificate(s) from the Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation, State of California.
• The ability to pass an in-depth DOJ background check for CIP access.
• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License and meet SMUD driving requirements.

Desirable Qualifications:

• BS degree in Horticulture, Botany, or equivalent.
• Certified Arborist – ISA (International Society of Arboriculture).
• C-27 California Contractors License