Horticulturist

SUMMARY: This position oversees all day-to-day operational aspects of the Chicago Dept of Transportation's Landscaped Medians, including high-profile sites like Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Horticulturist ensures that overall operational performance targets are achieved in relation to service quality, contract costs, and customer expectations. Work includes oversight of median maintenance, watering, boulevard mowing, sourcing, and planting of summer annuals, tulips, and tree care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepares weekly Horticulturist reports for clients.
• Prepares monthly Arborist reports.
• Inspects, analyzes, and recommends solutions to issues on CDOT medians.
• Manages and supports overall plant health for all planting bed medians, including fertilization, watering, and integrated pest management.
• Oversees all chemical applications and spray logs in accordance with a landscape business.
• Coordinates, manages and distributes material and supply procurement for CDOT Medians.
• Establishes and maintains high horticultural standards and practices; provides direction, training and motivation for landscape staff.
• Orientates, trains, develops, and supervises all staff under span of control.
• Maintains and documents daily site visits via CDOT provided forms, Plan work schedules, hours, areas of work, and job duties to ensure adequate services are rendered for CDOT Medians.
• Regularly inspects and evaluates physical condition of equipment and facilities, and recommends repairs, additions and disposals.
• Reports unsafe conditions and conducts research to improve service quality and safety standards.
• Ensures proper use, care, and maintenance of company vehicles, equipment and tools.
• Promotes and maintains safe working conditions.
• Participates in interviewing, selection, hiring, evaluation, and recommending termination of personnel in accordance with company standards.
• Fosters a team atmosphere among managers and crew members.
• Creates accurate cost estimates and evaluate cost control.
• Establishes and annually review standards and work procedures for all staff.
• Maintains and supports Operational goals and objectives.
• Participates in snow removal operations where needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises (10 to 20) employees within the Landscaping department(s).
• Indirectly supervises (5) employees within the Landscaping department(s).
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s and/or Associate's degree in Horticulture or related field from a four or two-year College or University, with five years of related experience.

• Certificates, licenses, and registrations required:  
  • State Pesticide Applicator's license obtained within 90 days of employment.
  • International Society of Arboriculture Certification within 90 days of employment.
  • Valid driver's license.
• Computer skills required: Internet Software; Spreadsheet Software (Excel); Word Processing Software (Word); and Electronic Mail Software (Outlook).
• Other skills required:
  • Preferred two years’ experience in a management position.