Public Gardens Manager

Purpose Plans, directs and coordinates the operation and maintenance of public gardens and nature preserve.

Example of Duties Plans, directs, and coordinates the operation and maintenance of assigned gardens in accordance with Park District rules and regulations; supervises gardens staff (e.g., schedules and assigns work, motivates assigned personnel, evaluates employee performance, approves leave requests, recommends hiring and discipline, recommends training, resolves employee concerns, etc.); establishes priorities and directs implementation of projects; evaluates effectiveness of operations and maintenance and initiates adjustments (e.g., new procedures, time frames, reporting, etc.), as required.

Performs advocacy for all members of the general public to find ways to enjoy the gardens using tradition, as well as, new innovative methods.

Provides exceptional visitor service.

Participates in the development and administration of facility budget.

Performs related administrative duties (e.g., develops budget requests, reports, schedules, correspondence; initiates purchasing of materials and supplies; accounts for facility revenues; recommends adoption or change in facility policies or procedures). In cooperation with the Horticulturist, the Senior Environmental Educator and Volunteer Coordinator, oversees and directs the development of volunteer, horticultural, and natural history programs for the general public and specialized groups; may assist with the presentation of programs; keeps abreast of the latest knowledge and techniques within required areas of specialization; promotes Metro Parks through public contact.

In cooperation with the Park Technician 2 and Trade Technician, directs the maintenance of facility buildings and grounds.

Oversees the activities of the volunteer organization and the Inniswood Garden Society; attends meetings of volunteer groups as required; directs the instruction and training of volunteers; coordinates activities with the Inniswood Garden Society and other related outside groups.

(Herb Unit and Rose Society) Provides feedback on Ranger activities to the supervisor of the Ranger staff.

Provides information and assistance to park visitors; enforces rules and regulations according to Metro Parks policy and procedures; responds to accidents and emergencies and administers first aid; develops and maintains effective working relationships with local police and fire departments, service organizations, and general public.

Assists with fund-raising efforts, assists with the development of grant applications to secure funding from individual government agencies and foundations.

Oversees scheduling of facility and artist programs.

Cooperates with Landscape Architects and Resource Management personnel on facilities development and maintenance.

Performs special projects and related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications Education/Experience Bachelor's degree in horticulture, natural resources, landscape architecture, parks and recreation or closely related field preferred, and considerable experience including supervisory responsibilities in public gardens, nature preserve or park operations and maintenance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Team-Oriented Works on a team.

Outstanding customer service, communications and interpersonal skills.

Attendance Being present at work is an essential function of the position.

Language Skills Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with coworkers, other professionals, and the general public, local law enforcement agencies, corporate sponsors, local visitor bureaus, service organizations, Chambers of Commerce, schools, the community and citizens groups, other public agencies, etc.

Excellent presentation skills.

Ability to establish effective working relationships as supervisor of a work unit; ability to prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports.

Technology Skills Demonstrated experience using computers, web-based programs, e-mail, internet, intranet, Microsoft Office products, Adobe, fax machines, scanners, office and personal printers, multi-line phone systems, and basic office equipment.

Experience with the use social media platforms is preferred.

Supervisory Skills Ability to supervise and guide the work of others; to plan, organize, coordinate, prioritize, assign, and evaluate the work of subordinates.

Mathematical Skills Ability to deal with symbols in formulas, equations or graphs; ability to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports; ability to calculate fractions, decimals, percentages; ability to recognize errors and make corrections.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Reasoning Ability Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate action; ability to apply management principles to solve every day work problems; Ability to carry out instructions, define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions and develop appropriate recommendations to resolve identified problems; ability to proofread technical materials, recognize errors and make corrections; ability to gather, collate and classify information about data, people, and things.

Ability to design and produce concise and accurate reports that provide team with meaningful data for decision-making.

Ability to understand broad organizational objectives.

Ability to read and understand manuals.

Licenses, Registrations Possession of valid standard first aid and CPR cards within six (6) months of employment.

Possession of a valid Ohio driver license, insurable by the Park District's insurance carrier.

May be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's license within twelve (12) months of employment Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, talk and hear, operate a two-way radio and light motorized equipment, sit, work with hands, lift, drive park vehicles, and off-road vehicles, etc.

The employee is frequently required to use hands to complete reports, use personal computers, etc.

Work Environment While performing the regular duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.

The employee spends a portion of the time working in the office.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Information Knowledge of safety practices and procedures, building and grounds maintenance, basic landscaping and horticulture, department policies and procedures, management, budgeting, inventory control, and public relations.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, local law enforcement agencies, other public agencies, etc.

Required to work weekends, evenings and holidays.

The above Description represents the essential and most significant duties of this position.

It is not intended to exclude other work duties, assignments and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

Supervision Received: Manager - Park Operations Given: All personnel assigned to respective park, interns, and volunteers FLSA Status Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act and, therefore, is not entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

Core Values Attendance Is at work as scheduled; reports to work on time; follows proper procedures for requesting leave or calling off.

Policies & Procedures Follows established policies and procedures; inquires of supervisor if unclear on policy/procedure, includes following safety policies, procedures and protocols.

Professionalism Handles the responsibilities of the position in an effective manner; maintains integrity and appropriate behavior in dealing with conflicts and challenges with the public, co-workers, and managers; offers differing points of view in an acceptable manner.

Team Player Supports other members of the organization in accomplishing their goals and projects; recognizes and credits others for their contribution in achieving goals.

Positive Attitude Supports Metro Parks established priorities at all times; cultivates team environment; exhibits enthusiasm while carrying out responsibilities; looks for solutions to work conflicts and challenges.

Productivity Thoroughly completes work in a timely manner; organizes and plans assignments well or follows supervisory instructions well with little explanation; follows-up as needed.

Quality Demonstrates technical competence, meets job expectations; completes assignments with few errors.

Initiative Does not wait to be told what to do; appropriately makes suggestions for improvements; does not hesitate when things do not go according to routine and quickly adjust to meet exceptions.

Interpersonal Communication Interacts with others with tact and courtesy; communicates clearly and effectively; shares information with supervisor or coworkers to achieve goals; responsive to the public.

Metro Parks' Core Convictions * We put customers first.

* We make situations better.

* We make Central Ohio extraordinary.

Metro Parks' Core Values * Integrity - We do what is right even when no one is looking.

* Accountability - We accept responsibility for our actions and we hold others responsible for theirs.

* Teamwork - We have a "one team" attitude; we work together for the greater good.

* Excellence - We take everything we do to the next level.

* Communication - Using the Communications Plan, we provide an open and honest flow of information among all levels of the organization.

* Respect - We treat others the way they want to be treated.

* Leadership - We motivate and guide others where they need to go to achieve excellence.