Landscaping Specialist

Distinguishing Characteristics:   

Under direct supervision and administrative direction, responsible for the maintenance and repair of Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) owned landscape, irrigation systems, and equipment at Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN); provide responsive and exceptional customer service.  

Essential Functions: 

The following functions and all other functions not included in this job description are to be performed in the best interests and for the greater good of TAA. 

• Support and advocate for TAA’s Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role-model of TAA’s Cultural Fundamentals. 

• Perform preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance, repair and alterations of all airfield and landside areas, landscapes, field and irrigation systems; remain in compliance with all FAA regulations and Advisory Circulars, TSA Standards and other applicable regulations. 

• Maintain the landscape shop. 

• Respond to landscaping emergencies in person in a manner consistent with the nature of the call whether on duty or off duty. 

• Manage bee activity. 

• Perform mowing, trimming, transplant, plant, sweep, raking, watering, fertilize, mulch, edge, reseed, remove rock, gravel, decomposed granite, install, repair, and troubleshoot irrigation valves and timers.  

• Complete all assignments in a safe, timely and efficient manner; maintain accurate and correct work records for all required functions; clean up job sites, using all available tools and equipment; remove debris and trash, properly contain and dispose. 

• Follow appropriate policies, practices and procedures; utilize proper tools, equipment and methods to safely complete all maintenance tasks; ensure that work performed satisfies safety and workmanship standards. 

• Ensure and maintain all field equipment and vehicles are in good working order; ensure and maintain the shop areas; perform general preventive maintenance on all ground support and small power tool equipment, maintain all tools required to perform maintenance and repairs, and maintain all TAA owned or leased equipment in a clean and proper manner. 

• Read, review and understand technical manuals, repair manuals, Safety Data Sheets regarding chemical substances and safety related information; training documents; and supply lists. 

• Ensure that all personnel closely adhere to TAA’s hazardous waste and environmental programs; ensure and use chemicals in accordance with TAA, federal and state laws, and regulations. 

• Provide responsive and exceptional customer service. 

• Be responsive to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; support public safety and operational response to emergencies; utilize Incident Management System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after-action emergency de-briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders. 

The above listed functions are not necessarily all the essential functions.  Job duties and functions may be expanded or reduced by management based on future changing needs and job requirements. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of: 

• The safe and correct operation of hand-held gasoline powered landscape equipment such as weed-eater, blower, chipper, chainsaw, lawn mower, and edger. 

• Irrigation systems and controllers.  

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) FAR Part 139, Advisory Circulars (AC’s), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Regulations and Standards. 

• The organization-wide mission and goals, and how these relate to division, department, team, and individual projects and initiatives.  

Skill in: 

• Self-motivation and taking initiative to complete quality work that furthers the mission and goals of the department and TAA. 

Ability to: 

Environmental Requirements 

• Work in high-noise environment and extreme seasonal weather. 

Mental Requirements 

• Understand technical data and information for decision-making and reporting purposes, including decision-making in stressful situations. 

• Remain focused and decisive in stressful situations; use sound and effective judgment. 

• Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, maintain confidentiality, attention to detail, with mature judgment, function in compelling, high stress, fast-paced work environment, with deadlines and multiple projects; initiate and organize responsibilities without supervision, and to take independent action relative to work problems requiring immediate solutions. 

Physical Requirement 

• Operate any airport vehicle or equipment, whether standard or automatic. 

• Perform tasks with a full range of bodily movements, including lifting, moving, pushing, standing (for periods of two to three hours at a time), walking, reaching, stretching, bending, kneeling, twisting, and crawling. 

• Lift large, bulky, heavy items, including various equipment parts weighing up to 80 lbs. with or without assistance, and/or using equipment (dollies, lifts).  

• Have hand dexterity to maintain a strong grip to hold objects firmly for extended periods of time (tools, equipment, etc.) 

• Communicate in English via telephone, radio, and cellular telephone, in a high noise environment, with sufficient clarity to be understood by others.  

• Distinguish colors by a practical test in all lighting conditions of standard airport lighting system colors and Air Traffic Control Tower light-gun signals, identify fuel grade color code markings, and actual samples of various fuels. 

• Hear and understand through both ears, sounds coming through a radio, a standard telephone receiver, or other outside sound sources. 

• Read, write, and speak the English language in a clear manner, ability to speak Spanish or another second language is helpful, but is not required. 

General 

• Work any assigned shift on a rotational basis, including evenings/weekends/holidays, subject to overtime and on call, as required. 

• Apply and use good organization, oral and written communication and critical thinking. 

• Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with department personnel, other TAA personnel, and outside agencies. 

• Use a computer utilizing Microsoft office software and other office machines. 

• Exercise effective customer service and public relations practices and procedures. 

• Maintain a discreet and professional sense of confidentiality; understand that dissemination of information outside of job requirements is based on "need-to-know" and will subject team members to loss of employment and/or criminal prosecution. 

• Engage in self-improvement activities and training.  

• Understand strengths and weaknesses; seek input from supervisor and peers about how to improve, and to focus on continuous self-improvement activities. 

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 

• A valid Arizona driver’s license.  

• Meet and maintain the ability to drive airport vehicles on the Non-Movement Area of the Air Operations Area (AOA).  

• Must obtain and maintain access to the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA)  

• Must successfully complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700 and 800 course requirements and Certification within the first year of assuming the position. 

• Must successfully pass the Arizona Landscape Certification Program (ACLP) within two years of employment. 

• As a team member, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response and must respond to airport incidents as requested/required.