Landscaper

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous work experience with lawn maintenance equipment and horticulture landscaping
• High School Diploma or equivalent (copy required upon initial hire date)
• Valid New York State Drivers License (copy required upon initial hire date)
• Yearly Physical (required within one month after initial hire date)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in related field
• Experience working with adolescent teens
• Previous experience in grounds, lawn maintenance or horticulture.
• Previous experience and general maintenance with tractors, farm equipment. Including lawn and garden tools, chainsaws and power tools.

HOURS:

• Monday through Friday, 8AM-1:45 PM Grounds responsibilities, 1:45PM-2:45 PM Vocational instruction, 2:45-4:30 PM Vocational supervising
• Must be flexible to meet the needs of the program

OBJECTIVES OF POSITION:

• To work in any phase of the employer or landscaper work program.
• To work with and supervise adolescents and to instruct and supervise resident employees in the Groundkeeper program. To prepare plans that will guide the instruction process.
• To provide positive role models for children in care at the Agency.
• To teach residents a trade and maintain the overall horticultural aspects of the campus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have a full range of mobility in upper and lower body. The employee must be able to reach overhead, be able to work in various positions, including stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time. The employee must be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks, and be able to lift 50 pounds of weight throughout the assigned work day frequently.

After Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training, be able to physically restrain residents if necessary.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Duties: 8AM-4:30PM

• Responsible for operating appropriate equipment to mow and maintain campus lawns and grounds.
• Responsible for mandatory overtime during winter snow removal times.
• Work with Grounds Supervisor and other groundskeepers in the overall plans for campus beautification.
• Grow seasonal plants in the greenhouse for plant sales and campus flower beds.
• Design and create flower gardens; work with Grounds Supervisor and other groundskeepers in the overall plans for campus landscaping, trees, flowers, shrubs and cover for banks and nursery stock; plan and supervise vegetable garden, if applicable.
• Prune, move and handle general care of existing trees and shrubs; plan and supervise re-forestation on selected area of campus as well as shade trees for pastures; assist in planning for spraying, rolling and fertilizing lawn area
• Replace soil and plant grass seed after excavation projects.
• Care and management of Greenhouse (all seasons). Grow plants for the Agency buildings and grounds for the upcoming seasons; care for and maintain tools, supplies, and equipment entrusted to them at the greenhouse, stress safety and economical use of equipment and supplies.
• Performs repair and maintenance of landscaper vehicles and tools as needed.
• Be able to handle all the physical responsibilities of the position, which includes but not limited to lifting, moving, and prolonged periods of sitting.

Vocational Instructional Responsibilities: 1:45PM-2:45PM

• Assess the residents’ interests and knowledge of the landscape program.
• Instruct, supervise, and work with residents in the groundkeeper’s program.
• Instruct residents in the proper and safe care of work areas and equipment; stressing safety at all times.
• Be a role model to residents in working safely with all equipment and keeping the area safe and neat at all times.

Vocational Employer Responsibilities: 2:45PM-4:30PM

• Be prepared and in a position to begin work in accordance with community time schedules; ensure that assigned residents are properly supervised at all times; set up production schedules and priorities.
• Maintain attendance and work schedule records.
• Enforce established dress, conduct, and behavior appropriate to the employment area.
• Serve as a role model to residents in all activities of and with The William George Agency.
• Communicate significant citizen behavior to the appropriate personnel in a timely and factual manner; document in writing all incidents involving physical abuse or destruction or community property
• Observe and practice community standards and regulations.
• Actively participate in staff training functions to help others learn and to facilitate self-development and an understanding of The William George Agency philosophy.
• Promote cooperation and understanding to ensure the appropriate delivery of the program as a true expression of The William George Agency philosophy.
• Keep all resident and trade-related records and paperwork in a timely and organized manner.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Responsible for adhering to and performing all duties in accordance with every safety standard, practice, and policy of The William George Agency. This includes, but is not limited to, review of The William George Agency’s Safety Policy and attendance at all required safety-related training.
• Adhere to all rules, regulations, policies, and philosophy of The William George Agency and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

DEPARTMENT:

Facilities

SUPERVISED BY:

Director of Facilities