Crew Leader

Overview

Under the direction of the Supervisor and Assistant Supervisor, the Crew Leader assists in work planning, execution, and crew oversight for Campus Grounds maintenance activities. The Crew Leader must have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide range of Grounds lawn restoration, plant knowledge, meadows, green roofs, planting trees/shrubs, pests, fungus, and invasive species. Candidate must be up to date and knowledgeable in sustainable practices and environmental challenges in the field. The Crew Leader ensures that assigned tasks are performed safely, effectively, and efficiently in a wide array of daily grounds and landscape activities which includes University event support.

This position normal work week is Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 2:30 pm. based on business needs, other work schedules may be assigned or required.

Responsibilities

• Carries out instructions from the Senior Horticulturalist or Manager. Collaborates with supervisors and other crew leaders in developing schedules and assignments.
• Plans, schedules, and directs assigned Grounds staff to assure high quality work with maximum efficiency. Instructs personnel in proper work techniques.
• Provide direction to ensure a safe work environment for personnel, enforces safe work rules and practices. Provides first level of oversight for safety compliance.
• Ensures that assigned crew abides by professional standards for quality, productivity and follows the department's customer service standards.
• Leads an assigned crew who performs horticulture maintenance tasks such as pruning, planting, mulching, snow and ice control, leaf removal, general clean up, etc.
• Leads an assigned crew who performs campus grounds maintenance tasks such as lawn practices including mowing, core aerification, seeding, string trimming, snow and ice control, leaf removal, general clean up, etc.
• Delegates assignments within the crew, oversees crews field compliance with departmental policy such as adherence to break times, etc.
• Utilizes the departmental computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to track work.
• Assists in the selection and purchasing of materials, tools and equipment that best meet shop needs.
• Must possess broad-based experience with all types of equipment used in grounds maintenance operations, including knowledge of proper operating techniques as well as operator maintenance requirements.
• Assists in coordination of Grounds support for special events such as reunions, commencement, athletics events, etc.
• Provides instruction to crewmembers on proper methods and techniques, proper equipment operation
• Reviews crewmembers work performance with the Senior Horticulturalist & Manager. Advises the area supervisor of any performance difficulties, problems with equipment etc.
• Oversees field compliance with safety standards and practices. Ascertains safety practices and or equipment required to perform each job and oversees their use. Makes sure all training, such as fork lift and cherry picker operation, that is required has been completed before operation of this equipment.
• Ensure that all University and departmental policies and guidelines are communicated to all members of the crew.
• As necessary, perform overtime and after-hours work assignments. May be required to carry a two-way radio.
• Provide regular feedback to staff; keep superiors informed; be responsive to directives from upper management; support the unit, departmental and institutional goals.

Qualifications

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

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of Grounds Maintenance/Horticulture, or related field in a similar work environment.
• Possess a high school diploma or an equivalency.
• Possess journey-level knowledge and significant work experience in a Horticulture and Landscape Maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) disease and insect control.
• 3A&3B Pesticide License, if current license is out of the state of New Jersey or license has expired the ability to get one within 6 months after hire date.
• Possess strong knowledge of safe work practices and procedures.
• Must have excellent leadership and managerial skills.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Must be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• Have the ability to motivate and coordinate staff and provide material planning for maximum workflow effectiveness.
• Ability to interpret production schedules and estimate worker hour requirements for completion of job assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to provide supervisory assistance to the Shop Supervisor and assume interim responsibilities in his/her absence.
• Ability to learn and willingness to use web-based software applications, including the department's CMMS program and Microsoft Office. Must demonstrate interest in learning new technical skills.
• As an essential employee, must be available to work overtime involving both early as well as late hours and weekends. Must be able to respond promptly to emergency call-ins during inclement weather including snow and ice conditions.
• Must possess a valid, permanent driver's license issued by a continuous U.S. State and be able to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Special consideration will be given to applicants with extensive grounds maintenance background, horticultural experience and pesticide knowledge.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants with extensive related experience on a campus or public garden setting.
• Experience working in a greenhouse environment and/or knowledge in propagation of herbaceous plants as well as rooting hardwood cuttings a plus.
• Active knowledge of soils structures, composting, compost teas and soil amendments.
• Knowledge and understanding of sustainable & organic practices in the Grounds and Landscape industry.
• Experience working with events and event setup.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants with other licenses or certifications that apply to the Grounds and Landscape industry.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day;
• sit for less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day, except while operating mowers or trimming operations, or during snow removal operations;
• during grass mowing or trimming operation or snow removal operations, sits for 2-4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day;
• during grass mowing or trimming operations or snow removal operations, operates motor vehicles (including mowers) or heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) constantly (over 67% of the workday);
• lift or carry up to 50 pounds frequently (34 – 66% of the workday) and 75 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday);
• lift up to 75 pounds to waist height and up to 50 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead:
• frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday);
• occasionally push or pull with forces up to 75 pounds, climb stairs or ladders, dig or pick, use jack hammer or air spade, crawl, lift overhead, lie down, or knee stand (less than 33% of the work day);
• frequently push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, or reach overhead (34 – 66% of the work day);
• work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions;
• Possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.