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County of San Mateo (CA)

Lead Gardener (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo (CA), San Mateo, California, United States, 94401


The Department of Public Works is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Lead Gardener.

About The Department

The Department of Public Works plans, designs, constructs, operates and maintains facilities and equipment that are safe and accessible to the clients of County agencies, the general public, and County employees. The Department advises the Board of Supervisors on all public works issues, including rates and charges for services that are fair to both the users and service providers. Public Works has a budget of approximately $300 million and is comprised of over 300 employees in five divisions: Administrative Services, Airports, Engineering and Resource Protection, Facility and Capital Projects, and Road Services. To learn more about the department visit: https://www.smcgov.org/publicworks.

The Position

Under general direction from the Facilities Services Manager in the Public Works Department, the Lead Gardener provides leadership and direction to the landscape contractors; performs landscape maintenance functions; and operates a wide variety of landscape maintenance equipment. The incumbent is expected to perform the most skilled landscape maintenance, new installations, and repair work and take the lead in solving problems that occur in day-to-day activities.

This position requires the Lead Gardener to work in person from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. There is an option for a 9/80 schedule after the probationary period.

The ideal candidate will understand Green Infrastructure, with an emphasis on bio-retention areas to control stormwater runoff.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience in installing and repairing irrigation systems including controllers, be knowledgeable about pesticide control, fertilization methods, and materials, understand different types of soils and plants, and possess excellent customer service and communication skills.

Other Requirements: Prior to hire, some positions require candidates to complete an extensive security clearance package and undergo a thorough background check conducted by the County of San Mateo Sheriff's Office.Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Supervise, plan, and coordinate a landscape maintenance program at County facilities.* Participate in landscape maintenance, gardening, and groundskeeping work at County facilities.* Ensure the Green Infrastructures are kept in proper condition and neat in appearance.* Maintain inventory of equipment and materials; requisition stock as needed.* Participate in budgeting for landscape maintenance, gardening, and groundskeeping equipment or materials.* Advise and make recommendations for landscape improvements.* Develop and carry out a weed, insect, and disease control program.* Operate and perform routine maintenance on machinery, tools, and equipment.* Identify plant diseases and apply effective treatment.* Supervise, mix, and apply insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides and maintain the necessary applicator's license.* Read and interpret landscape drawings; make general field landscape layouts from drawings.* Maintain and install lawn and irrigation systems.* Maintain records and prepare reports of work performed, including Green Infrastructure reports to meet State requirements.* Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

* Two years of experience in landscape maintenance, gardening, or nursery work.

Licensure/Certification:

* Possession of a class C California driver's license or equivalent.* Must obtain a Qualified Applicator Certificate in Landscape Maintenance within 6 months of employment.

Knowledge of:

* Equipment and materials used in landscape maintenance.* Techniques of landscape maintenance and development.* Propagation, planting, cultivating, fertilizing, pruning, watering, and care of gardens, turf, lawns, trees, and plants.* Plant materials including botanical plant names.* Safety practices and procedures.* Design and maintenance of landscape irrigation systems and equipment.* Principles of supervision.

Skill/Ability to:

* Plan, supervise and inspect the work of others.* Read and interpret landscape drawings and measurements.* Install and maintain gardens, turf, lawns, trees, and plants.* Maintain records and prepare reports.* Operate and maintain machinery, tools, and equipment.* Install and maintain lawn and irrigation equipment.* Follow safety practices and procedures.* Work cooperatively and effectively with others.* Lift, carry, push, or move materials, plants, supplies, or equipment up to 50 lbs; walk or stand for prolonged periods of time.

Open and Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

Recruitment Timeline

Recruitment closes: Monday, September 30 by 11:59 PM PST

Applicant Screening: Week of October 7, 2024

Panel Interviews: Week of October 28, 2024

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions on the standard County employment application form must be provided.

A resume or reference to a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials or supplemental responses. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date.

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels.

HR Contact: Shannon Oh (09092024) (Lead Gardener - L005)