Contact Name: Denise Retz
Company/Organization/Agency: Richmond Parks and Recreation
Address: 2200 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374 USA
Email Address: parks@richmondindiana.gov
Contact Phone: (765) 983-7275
Job Title: Trail and Service Leader
Job Description: Salary: $33,445 - $43,478
The position is appropriate for someone with 3-5 years of relevant experience in the related fields of forestry, trails management or horticulture. This position will supervise mostly volunteers and a small number of part-time or seasonal staff as needed. The position is full-time, year round, with benefits.
This position is intended to support the City of Richmond, Park and Recreation Department’s mission to ensure “public benefit and enjoyment” of natural lands. The newly adopted Park Master Plan describes initiatives for the Floral Division over the next 5 years to
1) Maximize environmental performance by creating and implementing sustainable best practices and implementing land and forest management plans to lessen the implant on department budgets.
2) Develop and implement guidelines for sustainable landscape management through the use of native and adaptive plant species that are long-lasting, require minimal pesticides and fertilizers, and support energy and water efficiency, biodiversity and pollinator populations. The Trails and Service Leader is expected to execute many of these responsibilities individually, but will serve as a team member to the floral division. The Trails and Service Leader will be expected to exercise skills of delegation, prioritization and problem-solving, and to relate in a warm and welcoming way to the public.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Incumbent performs duties according to the supervisor and a flexible, customary routine following standard operating policies and procedures. Incumbent must have supervisor’s permission to deviate from standard operating procedures. Errors in work are primarily detected or prevented through standard safety procedures and notification from the supervisor or the public. Incumbent reports directly to the Landscaping and Naturalist Leader then Floral and Beautification Leader in the Floral Division.
● Maintenance of trails, trailheads, signage, and other related public access improvements and features
● Scout, plan and permit new/current trail projects within park system
● Facilitate partnerships with local organizations and businesses for volunteer and sponsorship opportunities
● Procure and review plant and animal resource reports including mitigation as needed for trail project planning
● Construct new small footpath trail projects, responding to the needs of a wide variety of abilities and users
● Promote best practices in all trail building and volunteer activities
● Train, and supervise volunteers on trail projects and maintenance needs
● Assist the Floral Division Team on a variety of daily tasks as needed and requested
● Provide community educational opportunities including hiking or workshops that feature foraging, native and invasive plant identification to benefit Richmond’s ecological preservation.
● Interact and communicate about City of Richmond , trail information and nature/ecology with the public, both in informal encounters and, as appropriate, planned events such as hikes and presentations
● Provide Tree maintenance, removal, and proper pruning techniques
● Performs intermediate manual work planting flowers and maintaining flowerbeds, diagnosing and treating plant and tree diseases and pest issues, maintaining inventory and records, and related work as apparent or assigned.
● Installs new landscapes and maintains existing landscapes, including spraying, tilling, planting, mulching, watering, trimming trees.
● Use of herbicide
● Operates various trucks/equipment/tools in the performance of duties, including department trucks, riding/push mowers, weed eater, chain/power saws, gator, bobcat, edger, sprayers, pruners, hedge trimmers, tillers, fountain vacuum, goat vacuum and other hand/power tools as needed.
● Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies, ordering stock as necessary, including soil, pots, flower bulbs, seeds and seedlings
● Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of department policies and procedures and applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA) safety policies and procedures
● Thorough knowledge of methods, practices, and materials used in landscaping, flower, trail, and tree maintenance, with ability to plan, design, and maintain areas, including planting, weeding, mulching, and fertilizing
● Thorough knowledge of safety precautions and practices applicable to working with equipment, vehicles, and a variety of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, with ability to assure safety of self and others at all times.
● Skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment.
● Ability to operate a variety of trucks/equipment/tools as assigned
● Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out verbal or written instructions
● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other departments, vendors, and the general public.
● Other tasks as assigned by supervisor
EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Education:
High school diploma or GED and considerable experience in floral or landscaping services with management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Forestry Management experience desired.
Skills:
The Trails and Service Leader will have the following:
Required Skills
● Expertise in sustainable trail needs and plant identification.
● Experience training and providing oversight to volunteers and/or seasonal staff Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out complex projects, including delegating, prioritizing and problem-solving
● Proficiency in operation of chainsaws, brush cutters, and small engine machines
● Proficiency in off-trail navigation including use of GPS and map/compass
● Willingness to work outside/year-round, in all weather conditions
● Ability to walk long distances over rough terrain carrying 40lbs
● Proficiency in standard office software
Preferred additional skills:
● Knowledge and identification of invasive species
● CPR & First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
● Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems
● Proficient in operation and maintenance of tractor
● Environmental education and outreach
● Pesticide Applicators License
PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Incumbent lifts materials and supplies of moderate to heavy weight and performs most duties while standing or walking at will. Strain is not prolonged and effort is exerted for short to moderate periods of time, usually in connection to such duties as clearing snow and ice from walkways.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Incumbent performs duties in buildings/facilities and outdoors, involving sitting/standing/walking at will, pushing/pulling objects, reaching, bending, crouching/kneeling, hearing sounds, and handling/grasping/fingering objects. Incumbents is exposed to toxic chemicals, dust, fumes, excessive noise, moving parts, extreme weather conditions and heights normally associated with maintenance duties. Safety precautions must be followed at all times to avoid injury to self and others.
Job Start Date: 12/1/2021
Application Deadline: 10/31/2021
Additional Information: Please submit your application from the following page: https://www.richmondindiana.gov/postings/trail-and-service-leader
Position open until filled. Please apply ASAP for priority consideration.