Arborist-Gardener Lead - $DOE

University of Washington Grounds Maintenance is currently seeking an experienced Arborist. This individual will lead personnel and coordinate with other trades in the skilled work of the development and care of the campus landscaped grounds, specializing in tree care. Requires two years of work experience as a gardener/arborist, plus certification as an arborist, tree worker and aerial bucket truck operator. For the complete job announcement, including salary and benefits information, please visit www.washington.edu/jobs, and select requisition #36860.


Position Description:
Perform and lead personnel (Gardeners and Utility Workers) in the skilled work of the development and care of the campus landscaped grounds, specializing in tree care. Work and coordinate with other skilled trades as required to maintain campus buildings, utilities and grounds. Utilizing available computer applications, plan and prepare work assignments for the Gardeners, Utility Workers and temporary employees based on campus maintenance standards, including raking and removing leaves and litter from the grounds and removing snow and ice from assigned pathways and stairs.

Assess the health and safety of campus trees and take the necessary steps to improve their vigor and/or abate hazards as necessary.

Duties include:
• Monitoring trees which show signs of decline • Removing trees that are dead, dying or otherwise show a risk to public safety • Knowing and performing proper tree pruning techniques as well as cabling and bracing • Maintaining a campus tree inventory and documentation of tree removals and assessments • Conducting tree appraisals when requested •

Maintaining and servicing tree maintenance tools and equipment. Maintain plants through accepted horticultural standards; prepare ground for lawns, plants, trees and seasonal flowers; plant seeds, bulbs, shrubs and trees.

Perform layout and job planning tasks on routine maintenance and construction projects, and read and interpret blueprints.

Monitor and adjust irrigation systems and write work orders for irrigation repair.

Operate commercial motorized equipment such as automobiles, trucks, including dump trucks, forklifts, tractors, mowers, tillers, sweepers, chain saws, trimmers and sprayers and front-end loaders, and trailers and use a variety of hand implements and tools.

Order supplies, equipment, and tools required for projects. Inspect projects to ensure compliance with local standards and codes.

Inspect projects to ensure satisfactory compliance with design, instruction, and safe work practices, and maintain maintenance project records.

Assist in employee interviews and make hiring recommendations; provide information for employee performance reviews to supervisor/manager.

Communicate with Facilities Services’ shops and Engineering Services to facilitate work.

Know and ensure that assigned personnel comply with occupational health and safety regulations that apply to work actions and conduct on the job, including Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) instructions, and the use of personal protective equipment whenever required; report safety infractions to the shop supervisor or manager.

Follow and enforce adherence to all University and Facilities Services policies and procedures. Interact with clients, coworkers, management, staff, and students in a courteous and professional manner, with particular attention to excellent customer service. Attend all required meetings and trainings.

May assist in development of departmental budget.

Perform related duties as required

Requirements:
Physical ability to do required work AND two years of experience as a Gardener or equivalent work involving grounds maintenance, plant care and landscape construction OR Physical ability to do required work AND one year of experience as stated above AND one year of college level training in botany, horticulture, forestry, landscape, irrigation or allied field OR equivalent education/experience. Certification as an arborist, tree worker and aerial bucket truck operator

Desired:
Demonstrated successful experience as a lead or supervisor. Demonstrated ability to take direction, work well with others and as a member of a team, and in providing excellent customer services. Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated successful experience in computer technology and computerized maintenance management system. Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations A State of Washington Public Pesticide Operator’s License. Certified as a Landscape Technician by the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP). Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Conditions of Employment:
Valid driver’s license recognized by the state of Washington. May be required to accept variable work shifts. Must be able to work in a smoke-free environment. Approved footwear must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job. Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job. Must be able to work outside under all weather conditions. Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using approved safety procedures.