Landscape Operator/Phoenix

SUMMARY

Operate a wide range of heavy landscape equipment. Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled gardening and turf maintenance duties in the development, maintenance, and repair of landscaped areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Learn and follow safety regulations.
• Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
• Locate underground services, such as pipes or wires, prior to beginning work.
• Monitor operations to ensure that health and safety standards are met.
• Operate heavy equipment including water truck, backhoe, gang mower, bobcat, trencher, skip loader with bucket and crane truck for a variety of landscape maintenance and repair operations.
• May direct the work of employees operating equipment on a training basis.
• Identify equipment needs for each assigned project.
• Assist in the maintenance of large turf areas including mowing, thatching, plugging, and installing new turf areas as required.
• Perform watering of non-irrigated landscaped areas.
• Respond to inquiries from the public.
• Perform a wide variety of general landscape duties including water, weed, prune, renovate and fertilize shrubs, trees, flower beds and landscape areas as required.
• Assist in the maintenance and installation of irrigation systems; set clocks; perform repairs.
• Perform a wide variety of general grounds and facility maintenance work as required including raking leaves, cleaning walkways, removing debris.
• Assist with mixing and applying insecticides, herbicides, and related work.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on mowing equipment and hand and power tools used in the work.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.
• Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Design - Generates creative solutions; translates concepts and information into images; uses feedback to modify designs; applies design principles; demonstrates attention to detail.
• Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

3+ years’ experience in the operation of heavy landscaping equipment and general landscape maintenance work.  Knowledge of heavy equipment including backhoe, gang mower, trencher, skip loader and bob cat.  Ability to follow traffic laws, ordinances, and rules applicable to heavy equipment operation.  Use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment and power tools and equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner.  Work effectively in the absence of supervision.  Understand and carry out both verbal and written directions.  Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license and have acceptable driving record that allows insurability under Earthscapes’ insurance plan. 

Physical Demands

Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch squat, stoop, reach, twist, climb, and lift 50 lbs.  Requires exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoors, confining workspace, electrical hazards, chemicals, dust, and mechanical hazards.  Assist in the training and supervision of others and in the safe operation of equipment.  Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.