Landscape Management Technician

Under direction of the Cemetery Operations Manager, perform duties and functions in a maintenance and service capacity. Scope of work to include; maintain cemetery grounds and grave areas including and not limited to irrigation repair and assist in grave excavation; burial functions (opening/closing for interments, entombments, inurnments, disinterment); lawn sodding, seeding, fertilizing; monument and marker setting; manual and mechanical earth moving and lawn care equipment operation.

Facilitates special events, services, and programs for Veteran's Cemetery.

* Plan, coordinate, conduct, a wide variety of services provided by the Veterans Cemetery, including the maintenance and landscaping of all cemetery grounds,

* facilities, parking area, medians, and irrigation repair.

* Execute workload and schedules set by management. Interpret and implement policies and procedures.

* Make daily/periodic inspections & repair of maintenance equipment to ensure proper operation and employee safety.

* Prepare a variety of reports such as operational, activity, and equipment maintenance reports and other reports as requested; recommend purchase requisitions.

* Communicate effectively with fellow workers, contractor personnel and client families, ensure that procedures and rules are followed at the facility.

* Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience:

* Experience in small engine repair preferred.

* Previous grounds maintenance experience in a cemetery field is preferred.

* Must be at least 18 years of age.

Education/Training:

* A high school diploma or a GED is required.

* A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

* Physical exam required

Knowledge of:

* Materials, methods, practices and equipment used in facility/cemetery ground maintenance activities; place/secure headstones and niches covers.

* Operate hand-held tools such as shovels, pick, rake, sledge hammer, lawn mower, weed eater, leaf blower, and chain saw.

* Use accurately measuring devices (i.e. tape measure, yard stick, etc..)

* Small engine and power tool/equipment repair; maintain fences, roads, and signage

* Methods and techniques used in estimating time and materials for grounds maintenance activities.

* Procedures and techniques of plant material identification, selection, planning, cultivation and pruning.

* Principles of understanding first aid practices and techniques; general safety protocol; understanding policies and guidelines for dealing with an emergency.

* Train in mechanical/heavy equipment operations including, but not limited to: excavator, dump truck, tool cat, utility vehicle, tilt bed trailer, hydraulic jack hammer and tamper.

Ability to:

* Perform as groundcrew during opening & closing internment, inurnments, and assist heavy equipment operations.

* Transport casketed remains from committal shelter to gravesite.

* Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Veterans Cemetery mission and treat team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

* Recommend and implement goals, objectives and practices for providing effective and efficient cemetery maintenance services.

* Respond quickly in an emergency situation; follow and enforce rules; verbally communicate with the public and staff effectively.

* Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

* Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and written.

* Become familiar with the National Cemetery Administration's and Texas Veterans Land Board regulations, policies and procedures.

* Become familiar with the VA/NCA/VLB guidelines regarding veterans' data and information sharing, placement and tracking of remains, placement and tracking of government headstones/markers and overall aesthetics of the cemetery.

* Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Physical Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Heavy work. Exerting up to 100lbs. of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands and/or fingers, Knees, and back. Employee is required to have dexterity to preform kneeling, crouching, bending at the waist, and occasional over-head work; extensive physical labor.