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Description

Classification: Full-time

Department: Lake of the Woods

Work Location: Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve (Mahomet, IL)

FSLA: Non-Exempt

IMRF: Eligible

Compensation: $55,300 - $80,091; starting pay at base of range

Benefits: 2024 Summary of Benefits

Hours: Typical work hours are 6:45am-3:15pm, unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays will be required depending on operational needs.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Garden and Trails Supervisor is responsible for assisting the Site Superintendent in all areas of administration of the preserve. This includes, but is not limited to, daily operational and maintenance tasks, natural resource management, short-term and long-term planning of capital projects and equipment needs, and supervision of staff and volunteers.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports to the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve Site Superintendent. This position supervises other staff as well as volunteers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

• Ensure botanic gardens, landscape beds and trails are kept in neat and orderly condition at all times. Provide support to maintenance workers and seasonal staff by participating in maintenance work as needed.

• Supervise maintenance and enhancement activities of ornamental and native plant beds through utilizing industry best practices to present desirable aesthetics, functionality and in a manner that presents opportunities to educate the public. This includes activities from weed control and pruning to plant health care needs, animal protection and installation or removal of softscape or hardscape materials.

• Direct maintenance activities of the pond and waterfall in the botanic garden.

• Manage and continue to develop seasonal engagement programs in the botanic garden and in the Forest Preserves including the likes of the winter botanical garden lights and spring egg hunt.

• Direct seasonal color programs throughout the preserve and golf course including design, installation and maintenance. Procure material in consultation with Site Superintendent and within budget constraints.

• Work in concert with the Site Superintendent and Museum and Education Department to improve and adapt spaces for the benefit of public education and overall experience of the public.

• Coordinate amenities and supervise staff for garden weddings.

• Coordinate and supervise trail maintenance excluding turf mowing throughout the Lake of the Woods preserve system including, Buffalo Trace, River Bend, Sangamon River and Heron View in accordance with needs established by Site Superintendent and Director of Natural Resources.

• Operate and maintain powered and non-powered equipment and tools such as tractors, backhoe, skid steer, mowers, sprayers, chainsaws, power tools, and other specialized equipment.

• Develop daily work plans for staff and volunteers in consultation with the Site Superintendent and in his/her absence.

• Interview, hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers as directed by the Site Superintendent.

• Plan, implement, and coordinate inter-departmental projects within the preserve.

• Assist the Site Superintendent with planning capital projects and capital equipment purchases. Provides input on the annual budget process.

• Research alternatives and prepare estimates of labor and equipment needs as requested.

• Inspect grounds and other amenities, perform maintenance or repairs as needed, and report the condition to the Site Superintendent.

• Assist with the implementation of management plans for the preserve.

• Assist visitors with general questions regarding the preserve and other District sites. Explain and enforce District rules and regulations as they relate to use of the preserve and its facilities. Listen and respond to visitor concerns.

• Perform all job tasks in compliance with the District’s Safety Manual and the department training manual.

• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Duties

• Maintain daily activity logs, shift reports, and maintenance records. Prepare reports on other projects and activities as requested.

• Evaluate and propose ways to improve the effectiveness of operations within the preserve.

• Attend meetings of the Board of Commissioners and other meetings and events as required.

• Serve on committees to advance the mission of the Forest Preserves.

• Assist with various District functions and special events as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in ornamental horticulture, parks and recreation, natural resources, forestry, or related field required.

• Minimum of three years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a park, forest preserve, large multifaceted commercial sites or other public recreational area required. Supervisory parks and recreation management experience preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve as well as throughout the District.

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to successfully interact with persons of all backgrounds and abilities.

• Wide ranging plant expertise spanning ornamental annuals, perennials and woody plants to native forbs, ephemerals, sedges, grasses and woody plants.

• Strong understanding of horticultural best practices for public spaces.

• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the practices and equipment associated with the operations and maintenance of the preserve and its facilities.

• Excellent time management and prioritization skills; ability to work proactively and independently without constant supervision.

• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment in solving problems and making decisions; ability to respond professionally to challenging or stressful situations.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a professional manner.

• Demonstrated good safety awareness.

• Ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer. Must possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

• Current Illinois Pesticide Applicator license, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of employment.

• Must possess a working knowledge of, or have the ability to learn, the District’s rules and regulations, strategic plan, personnel policies, and operational goals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is primarily performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, or ice. Duties will be performed in close proximity to the general public and the employee may have frequent interactions with patrons. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to hazardous flora and fauna (e.g. poison ivy, wild parsnip, biting/stinging insects, ticks) and chemicals (e.g. cleaning supplies, herbicides/pesticides, and gasoline/oil). The employee may also be exposed to machinery with moving mechanical parts and high noise levels.

Normal duties may include climbing, stooping, twisting, balancing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Prolonged standing or walking, often on unpaved/uneven terrain, will be frequent. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; and may regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or may occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds using assistive devices or with assistance from other employees. Ability to talk and hear or otherwise effectively communicate with staff and patrons is required. Visual acuity necessary for this position includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Use of personal protective equipment will be required based on job specific tasks. This may include, but is not limited to, the following items:

• Work boots

• Protective gloves

• Safety goggles or glasses

• Earplugs or ear covers

• Reflective vest or hi-vis shirt

• Respirators or masks

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary Description

$55,300-$80,091