Park Foreman

Summary

Under direction, leads, directs, and oversees staff, operations, and activities of assigned park maintenance crews. Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, care and maintenance of parks, grounds, and recreation facilities; oversees and participates in complex projects in park maintenance, landscape construction, irrigation systems, and weed and pest control; and performs related work as required.

Supervision Received And Exercised

Receives direction from higher-level supervisory staff. Leads and directs lower-level staff and volunteers.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Park Foreman is responsible for planning, overseeing, and directing the operations and activities of assigned park maintenance crews. Performance requires the ability to work independently with initiative and discretion within established guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the Park Supervisor in that the latter has overall administrative and operational responsibility for park maintenance, programs, and services.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Provides direction and oversees the operations and activities of assigned park maintenance crews.
  • Oversees the scheduling and activities of staff and volunteers; plans, assigns, trains, directs, and monitors staff duties; provides input to supervisor for employee performance evaluations.
  • Oversees and participates in complex projects in park maintenance, landscape construction, irrigation systems, and weed and pest control; ensures adherence to safe and efficient work methods, procedures, and practices.
  • Works with supervisor in planning work assignments, including materials and staff resources needed to perform the work; assists in the development of work plans, procedures, and schedules.
  • Evaluates assigned work projects, including materials and staff resources needed to perform the work; estimates time, materials, and equipment necessary for the successful completion of the project; acquires necessary resources as appropriate.
  • Provides supervisor with updates on project status; informs supervisor of park maintenance and horticultural problems and needs.
  • Performs the work of lower-level park staff as needed.
  • Follows safe working practices and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
  • Receives and responds to questions and concerns from patrons; identifies issues and resolves problems or refers to supervisor as appropriate.
  • Monitors inventory, orders supplies, and maintains purchase records within authorized budget.
  • Maintains records and logs of daily activities.
  • Assists with District special events as needed.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED, supplemented by two years or 60 units of college level coursework in ornamental horticulture, parks administration, natural resources, or a related field; Bachelor’s Degree desirable;
  • Three years of relevant experience.
  • Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of leadership.
  • Materials and equipment used in the maintenance, development, repair, and installation of park fields, grounds, landscapes, and facilities.
  • Methods and techniques of inspecting and maintaining the safety of parks playground equipment.
  • Operational characteristics of standard construction and maintenance tools and equipment.
  • Methods and techniques used in the control of landscape pests and diseases.
  • Operational characteristics of irrigation systems.
  • Practices and procedures used in pest control, irrigation, turf management, and landscape construction.
  • Operational characteristics and safety requirements for the operation of trucks and other heavy equipment.
  • Methods and techniques of complying with safety requirements.
  • Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
  • Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.

Ability to:

  • Lead lower-level staff and volunteers, including training, planning, organizing, scheduling, and coordinating.
  • Assist with the planning and developing of parks policies and procedures.
  • Understand, interpret, and apply all relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Maintain accurate financial records and work within authorized budgeted resources.
  • Perform the more complex skilled tasks in the construction, modification, maintenance, and repair of District parks and facilities.
  • Operate a variety of park maintenance tools and equipment properly and safely.
  • Perform heavy manual labor.
  • Properly handle fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
  • Make accurate mathematic calculations.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
  • Demonstrate strong customer service skills and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
  • Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • At time of appointment, California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record maintained throughout employment.
  • At time of appointment, must possess at least two of the following:
  • California Department of Pesticide Regulations Qualified Applicator’s Certificate (QAC), Categories B or C,
  • California Department of Pesticide Regulations Qualified Applicator’s License (QAL), Categories B or C,
  • International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certificate,
  • Certified Irrigation Auditor through the Irrigation Association (IA).
  • Backflow Tester Certificate,
  • Playground Safety Inspector Certificate.

Physical Demands

Must possess: strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate a variety of tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to distinguish colors in wiring; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. Frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and/or calculator and to operate tools and equipment. Incumbents in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and inspect work sites. Incumbents must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds or heavier weights with assistance and/or the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements

Incumbents work in both indoor and outdoor environments with moderate to loud noise levels. May work in controlled temperature conditions, cold and hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions. Exposure to chemicals, mechanical and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Incumbents will interact with individuals in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures.

Working Conditions

Incumbents may be assigned an on-call and irregular work schedule, including weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays.

Classification Details/History

Date Adopted: 5/31/17 Job Code: 7451L FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Supersedes: Park Foreman dated 7/29/15