Landscape Design Technician

This position performs professional and supervisory work in developing, implementing and maintaining landscape projects on City right-of-ways; creates all designs for landscape color displays and projects; supervises the work of horticulture maintenance crews; and performs related work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered light-to-medium in nature and involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, toxic/caustic chemicals; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

• Plans, coordinates and supervises City landscaping projects on City right-of-ways;
• Supervises crew members engaged in landscaping activities; supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; assisting with the selection of new employees; acting on employee problems; allocating personnel; and recommending employee discipline and discharge;
• Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers training, advice and assistance as needed;
• Uses industry software such as AutoCAD, Vector Works, etc. to design all landscaping plans for new projects and project renovations;
• Designs all seasonal color displays;
• Develops project specifications and cost estimates;
• Obtains all necessary encroachment permits;
• Assists in securing and administering grants for project funding;
• Plans, organizes, supervises and participates in soil preparation, planting and plant maintenance; monitors plant and soil health and initiates corrective action as needed;
• Monitors irrigation needs; makes technical recommendations as appropriate;
• Ensures the availability of necessary equipment, tools, supplies and materials for crew members; orders and maintains inventory of supplies;
• Supervises the proper maintenance of assigned tools and equipment;
• Operates various landscaping tools and equipment as necessary in installation, maintenance and clean-up efforts;
• Responds to emergency calls and corrects problems independently or with the assistance of crew members;
• Prepares accurate and up-to-date records of work completed;
• Ensures all work is performed in compliance with applicable policies and procedures, laws and regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
• Maintains a record of all pesticides used in order to be compliant with state law;
• Serves in community organizations as an advisory board member, including Columbia Green and the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission;
• Educates the public about horticulture and Department activities through special events, public appearances and the preparation and dissemination of newsletter articles;
• Assists in coordinating department activities and functions with those of other City divisions, departments, County personnel, engineers and development professionals, community / professional /…