ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains all landscaped grounds of Oakwood campuses.
  • Assists in planning for all garden beds, trees, shrubs, flowerpots, and wild flowers on the Oakwood Village campuses for the upcoming planting season.
  • Prepares garden beds in spring and fall, and amend soil with compost, topsoil, fertilizer, and mulch as needed.
  • Plants, waters, fertilizes, weeds, deadheads and divide all annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and trees as needed.
  • Prunes trees and shrubs in correct season and manner appropriate for species and location.
  • Identifies, monitors and controls plant diseases and pests, as needed and as necessary with appropriate means.
  • Edges sidewalks and drives as needed.
• Maintains prairies, ponds, and conservancy on campus for aesthetic and functional purposes.
  • Maintains prairies using prescribed burns and/or mowing as needed.
  • Encourages desired vegetation and enhances with additional plants if needed.
  • Monitors ponds for mosquito larva.
  • Removes debris and string algae from ponds.
  • Guides landscape company in the chemical treatment of ponds if needed.
  • Maintains manmade ponds with plants and bacteria.

• Maintains all campus grounds in an environmentally responsible manner.
  • Uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to pest problems.
  • Manages fertilization, herbicide and other pesticide use to limit negative impact on residents and pets.
  • Composts all appropriate removed plant material and recycle all other materials as possible.
• Leads a successful horticultural team
  • Maintains adequate staffing, participates in the hiring, onboarding and training of all new staff members.
  • Participates in performance management and conduct annual performance reviews and coaching’s as needed.
  • Delivers documentation for failure to perform their duties up to and including performance improvement plans.
• Operates and maintains landscape equipment as needed to perform required tasks:
  • Keeps power equipment such as RTV, etc. tuned up and ready to use.
  • Keeps all edged tools such as pruners, shears, shovels, hoes, etc. sharp.
  • Maintains all watering equipment such as hoses, hose reels, attachment valves, etc. in good working order.
  • Cleans all equipment prior to storage.
• Maintains a positive relationship with landscape company contracted to Oakwood:
  • Ensures the landscape company is following through in tasks designated in contract.
  • Communicates with representative from landscape company regularly to ensure the quality of work being done at Oakwood.
• Facilitates gardening for residents:
• Tills independent living vegetable garden boxes in spring.
• Maintains garden paths for walking.
• Directs and assists staff in preparing pots and planters for resident projects.
• Supports Garden Programs in all Oakwood Village facilities.
• Supervises volunteers, both individuals and groups:
• Works with Oakwood Foundation Volunteer Coordinator.
• Meets with individual volunteers and instruct them in gardening projects.
• Supervises and works with youth and adult volunteer groups as occasions arise.
• Instructs resident and community garden volunteers in various garden projects.
• Fertilizes the resident gardens and help them with pest issues.
• Participate as an active member of the Grounds Committee, attending monthly meetings and presenting any relevant information that will assist the Grounds Committee in achieving their goals. Assists in communication with residents about grounds questions and concerns, gardening, insect and pest challenges, campus and community gardening opportunities, and grounds/planting donations.
• Maintains positive community relationships with community members, Oakwood business associates (e.g., building contractors, civil engineers, landscape architects), and visitors.
• Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Director of Facility Services.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrates knowledge and expertise of horticulture, landscaping, and natural area management.
• Deeply understands and follows organizational and departmental policies/procedures.
• Provides excellent customer service to resident groups to facilitate the use of their gardens.
• Works well and collaboratively with vendors and contractors.
• Participates and leads a partnership environment which fosters effective teamwork in meeting the mission of Oakwood.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently without additional guidance and monitoring and make decisions autonomously.
• Shows an eye for detail and completes tasks on time and in full.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE AND/OR TRAINING

• Associates or higher in landscaping, horticulture or related plant science degree such as botany, agriculture, greenhouse management or floriculture required.
• Four years of experience working with perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs, trees, prairies and ponds.
• One to two years supervisory experience leading a team.
• Prior experience working with the elderly, groups, and community members preferred.
• Knowledge of pesticides is helpful.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to both campuses are required.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Repeat the same movements often.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Comfortable working outside in various weather conditions
• Ability to work outside in cold/hot weather for long periods.