Urban Landscape Manager - Trees

Description

URBAN LANDSCAPE MANAGER -TREES
Regular Full-Time Employment Opportunity

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking an Urban Landscape Manager - Trees which is under the Parks, Golf and Trees Division of Public Works . The City of Sunnyvale currently maintains a street tree inventory of over 37,000 street trees.
The City of Sunnyvale offers:

• Fully employer-paid medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute
• Contributes 2% of an employee's gross pay to a deferred compensation plan
• Retiree medical benefits available

Under general direction, the Urban Landscape Manager plans, supervises and directs all activities in one or more of the following areas: street tree planting, maintenance and removal, and boulevard landscaping maintenance; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This management level classification is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and supervising the work of one or more programs within the Tree and Landscaping Division of Public Works. This classification of Urban Landscape Manager is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Superintendent of Parks and Golf, in that the latter provides administrative direction, coordination, review and control for multiple Public Works divisions and activities.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Coordinates and oversees the activities of crews and individuals engaged in tree or boulevard landscape work.
• Inspects areas of responsibility and project sites to evaluate work progress, solves work problems, determines additional needs, and monitors quality control.
• Prepares, makes recommendations, controls, and monitors multiple program budgets.
• Identifies need for capital improvements, prepares and submits appropriate recommendations.
• Prepares Requests for Proposals (RFP) and bid specifications for the purchase of services, supplies and equipment.
• Works with contractors and consulting architects on all phases of new landscape construction and/or existing landscape modifications.
• Develops, implements, and monitors a comprehensive tree maintenance and replacement program.
• Selects tree species for replacement trees.
• Directs and supervises the control and eradication of plant material pests and diseases.
• Maintains records of program activities to monitor progress.
• Prepares routine and special documents, reports, correspondence and other memoranda.
• Develops, manages and supervises contract work performed by outside agencies.
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with other departments, agencies, community groups, and the public.
• Reviews and makes recommendations for improvement on landscape plans submitted by developers.
• Plans and participates in safety training programs.
• Reviews, updates, and develops standard operating procedures; recommends and assists in the development of administrative policies and procedures.
• Selects, trains, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff.
• Attends training sessions and conferences as required.
• May act as the Superintendent of Parks and Golf in their absence.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing and walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Near vision is required when reading plans, written reports and other documents, and far vision is required when inspecting work sites. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. The job duties expose the employee to the outdoors, which may include exposure to fumes, dust, allergens, insects, and air contaminants. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to occasionally work in construction zones and heavy traffic conditions. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

An Associate's Degree or 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university with coursework in forestry, horticulture, landscaping, landscape architecture, or a related field; AND

Six years of experience in landscape architecture or landscape and horticultural maintenance activities, including two years at the level of Senior Parks Leader, or equivalent, where the ability to supervise work crews has been demonstrated.

Knowledge and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Landscape, horticulture and arboriculture maintenance operations, methods, and procedures.
• Methods, materials, and tools used in planting, cultivation and propagation of trees, shrubs and flowers, and landscape construction projects.
• Plant pests and diseases and approved methods for their control.
• Safety regulations, practices, and procedures.

Working knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Methods and materials used in the maintenance of public facilities, including urban forest and boulevard landscapes.
• Budget preparation, monitoring, and control; methods and techniques of contract administration and project management.
• Standard use of concrete and alternative materials.
• Record keeping techniques.

Ability to:

• Administer operating budgets, evaluate bids and specifications; negotiate and manage contracts for services and agreements and ensure that contracted work meets City needs.
• Conduct research to estimate cost, project time frame, and proper resource allocation.
• Plan, schedule, and oversee the work of crews involved in landscape maintenance activities.
• Coordinate work with other divisions, departments, contractors, and other professionals.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; maintain accurate records, logs, and databases.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, subordinates, vendors, contractors, and the public.
• Operate standard office equipment.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Licenses/Certificates

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
Certified Arborist License

Possession of a State of California Qualified Applicator's Certificate (QAC) in the category of "Landscape Maintenance" OR State of California Qualified Applicator's License (QAL) in the category of "Landscape Maintenance".

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION PROCESS
The application period closes on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 5:00pm (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov , and click on 'City Jobs'. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Thursday, January 9, 2025 . (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA) .

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

• How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job - YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Management SMA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 12/18/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Sunnyvale

• 408-730-3017

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