City of Tampa

This is responsible and technical work reviewing landscape and irrigation work under the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Bargaining unit position.

The employees in this class perform responsible and technical work reviewing and reporting on landscape and/or irrigation system conditions, as well as maintenance services. This also includes semi-skilled and skilled work involving general landscape and irrigation maintenance, plant identification, pest and other biological control and deficiency markers, and repair of irrigation systems.   Employees ensure that work is performed and completed on schedule, meet with vendors as required to communicate problems/requests and reports back to the supervisor.  Reasonable initiative and independent judgment are required in interpreting rules and regulations.  Employees are responsible for knowledge of, and competent work associated with landscape and/or irrigation systems including, but not limited to, reviewing the general maintenance, installation and repair of irrigation systems, potable water components, including but not limited to hose bibs, drinking fountains and backflow prevention devices, as well as plant knowledge including identification, growth habits, maintenance practices, fertilizing needs, and biological susceptibilities.  Employees are also responsible for maintaining office files and paperwork.  Tasks are of more than average difficulty requiring employee to exercise reasonable initiative and independent judgment.  Under general supervision, employee regularly receives instructions from a supervisor with work being reviewed through observation and results obtained.

Reviews landscapes to ensure they are growing properly; checks irrigation systems to ensure they are  operating efficiently; receives complaints relative to contractor performance and takes appropriate action; makes regular field reviews of work in progress and determines if requirements have been completed in accordance with landscape and irrigation practices and department policies. 

Has responsibility for  monitoring of the general landscape and irrigation maintenance, and repair activities including carpentry, irrigation, potable water components, masonry, radio equipment, and low voltage electrical repair;  exercises safe work practices.

Reads, interprets, and works from blueprints, diagrams, and schematics, in addition to following verbal instructions.  

Prepares oral and written reports. 

Works independently to conduct inspections of existing landscapes and irrigation systems in absence of a supervisor.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of:   standard landscape and irrigation office practices, procedures and equipment; office records keeping practices and methods; business English, grammar and composition; methods, materials, techniques, and equipment used in the preparation of reports; the city, its geography and street networks; method, practices, tools and materials used in general landscape and irrigation, maintenance and repair of Irrigation systems/equipment, and installation of new irrigation systems; potable water systems/equipment; occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.   

Working knowledge of:  plant material, transportation and installation procedures; sprinkler systems and equipment installation and repair; computer controlled irrigation systems to include pumps and motors; plumbing to include installation and repair of water fountains, hose bibs, water meters, backflow preventers, and quick couplers.      

Some knowledge of:   basic record keeping; computers and various software programs including work processing and spreadsheets.   

Ability to:  read, comprehend, interpret, and apply contract and grant requirements; conduct research and analytical activities; work independently and as a member of a team; manage and prioritize work effectively to meet reporting deadlines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, the general public and with representatives of contractors and/or grantors; prepare oral and written reports; understand, interpret and effectively carry out written and oral instructions; maintain records and prepare concise oral and written reports; read and interpret irrigation plans and contracts where appropriate; perform a variety of irrigation maintenance and repair activities requiring physical strength; work from oral and written instructions, blueprints or drawings; maintain working relationships with others.   

Skill in:   computer software programs including Microsoft Word and Excel; use and care of hand tools, power tools, and other related equipment.

Mostly outside work, able to lift up to 50 lbs., stand, works outdoors very frequently. Requires some use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited high School or vocational school and one (1) year of experience in landscaping and/or irrigation work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license required; a valid Florida Commercial driver’s license might be required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

Health, vision, dental, and life insurance; annual and sick leave; paid holidays; pension and tax-deferred compensation (457) plans; and more.