Landscape Management Technician

Summary

Under the 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 the Veterans Cemetery.

• Plan, coordinate, and 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, including operational, activity, and equipment maintenance reports, as well as other reports as requested; recommend purchase requisitions.
• Communicate effectively with fellow workers, contractor personnel, and client families, and ensure that procedures and rules are followed at the facility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience in small engine repair preferred.
• Previous grounds maintenance experience in a cemetery field is preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

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

• Materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in facility/cemetery ground maintenance activities; place/secure headstones and niche covers.
• Operate hand-held tools such as shovels, pick, rake, sledgehammer, lawn mower, weed eater, leaf blower, and chainsaw.
• 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 jackhammer, and tamper.

• Perform as ground crew 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.

• 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 perform kneeling, crouching, bending at the waist, and occasional overhead work; extensive physical labor.