Horticulture Lead

Description

The Horticulture Lead maintains the highest level of horticulture standards in the park, conducts quality inspections of assigned area, and follows up on opportunities to improve horticulture standards. This position is responsible for training, coaching, and enforcing policies and procedures for horticulturist, irrigation technicians, and arbor technicians. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct all activities in alignment with principles and integrity of GGP Parks.
• Oversee daily horticultural work, assign work, set priorities while maintaining a high standard of safety and follows up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned tasks.
• Mentor and develop the team in the interest of preparing them for daily operation. 
• Organize and lead start-up meetings effectively and timely.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with team members and guests.
• Hold yourself and other Team Members accountable for guest service/engagement, department policies and procedures.
• Recognize and resolve conflicts in a timely manner. Communicate issues with leadership on a daily basis.
• Continuously improves operational execution through attention to detail and adherence to all operating standards and procedures.
• Train staff in the proper use of horticultural equipment and supplies; maintains equipment and supplies in good working condition; observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Complete landscape task including but not limited to IPM, mowing, fertilizing, aerating, sod repair, leaf removal, weed control, plant cutbacks and pesticide applications.
• Assist with irrigation repairs.
• Participate in cross training and support to other departments.
• Ensure a positive working relationship with our team members, other support teams and our guests.
• Encourage and promote teamwork. 
• Assist with implementation and monitoring of programs that assure a safe work environment.
• Ensure the proper maintenance of all equipment; communicate needs for repair and/or replacement of used and damaged equipment.
• Operate equipment such as park vehicles, hoses, spray equipment, tractor, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, etc. 
• Identify and implement effective course of action to complete assigned work.
• Organize own work tasks, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Continually looks for ways to improve overall efficiency of operations and adjust needs based on attendance levels, operating needs and other variables.
• Perform additional duties as needed.

Strengths and Abilities:

• Must be professional, energetic, self-motivated and disciplined, able to motivate others, and have a positive demeanor.  
• Must be a self-starter, innovative thinker.  
• Strong communication skills; ability to write and verbally communicate in a clear and concise manner.
• Exercise good judgement in decision making.
• Strong organizational skills required. Must be able to follow oral and written directions and follow projects through to completion.
• Must be able to build rapport and create professional relationships.
• Must be able to work efficiently and show initiative.  
• Able to operate and maneuver in tight spaces.
• Train team members on appropriate horticulture techniques.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of horticulture equipment.
• Ability to adapt to and work in an environment of constant change, growth and frequent interruptions.
• Observe safety requirements and safe work practices and methods as required.
• Organize own work tasks, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.

Requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Must have the ability to stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to use equipment; see and read printed material, physical agility to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds individually, and 100 pounds with assistance, to bend, to stoop, to walk and to reach overhead. Must be able to carry, place and climb ladders of varying heights.  
• Be able to work inside and outside, in varying weather, to include extreme cold/heat. Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, chemicals, and cold/heat temperature extremes.
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to-waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, stand, sit, lift and walk indoors and outdoors for extended periods of time, simple grasp and fine hand manipulations tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing).
• May shovel and remove snow and ice from designated areas such as sidewalks, parking lots, entryways as required.

Computer Proficiency:

• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office suite. 

Qualifications:

• Completion of High School Diploma or equivalent, College degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Horticulture or related field.
• Previous Turfgrass experience preferred.
• Minimum of one year demonstrated leadership.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that meets the needs of a 365-day operation, varied and long shifts including holidays, weekends and events.
• Methods, materials, and equipment used in horticulture work and preventative maintenance techniques.
• Valid driver’s license.

Safety-Sensitive:

This is a safety-sensitive position. Applicants, regardless of whether they are a medical marijuana licensee, must receive a negative result on a 10-panel, pre-placement drug screening to include THC, prior to beginning work.