This is a hands-on position, leading a crew of 12 members in maintaining Seattle Public Utilities natural drainage systems and related green stormwater facilities. This role supervises the planning and executing of landscape maintenance and improvements, inspecting and maintaining the function and aesthetics of bioretention facilities, managing invasive weeds, mulching, trash removal, replanting and pruning to help keep City GSI facilities green, functioning and safe.
Crew members will be BIPOC youth 18-25 years old participating in two, 6-month long work training programs to learn job skills and experience exposure to utility operations while exploring career paths and certifications.
To succeed in this position, you’ll need to be flexible and adaptable, self-motivated and possess a thorough knowledge of landscape maintenance, identification and removal of invasive weeds, watering and care for plant-based landscapes. Background working with or leading young adults is a must. Leadership experience and strong communication skills.
Job Responsibilities
· Drive and maintain program vehicle (van).
· Complete weekly reports evaluating each participant’s work and behavior.
· Log participant hours in the system.
· Be a training leader for young adults in the field and in the classroom; lead and train a crew of 6-12 BIPOC youth age 18-25.
· Participate in weekly team meetings.
· Supervise and coordinate the maintenance and inspection, replacement, planting, and watering of City green infrastructure facilities in the public right of way or on other City owned properties throughout the City of Seattle.
· Supervise and train crew members performing routine tasks and or clearing, pruning, cleaning, and planting on City property.
· Assess and evaluate condition of trees and bioretention plantings and facilities to established maintenance levels of service.
· Use hand tools to maintain and improve vegetated facilities.
· Plant appropriate vegetation as necessary to maintain adequate facility coverage.
· Prune and trim bioretention using hand tools to maintain plant health and clear sight lines.
· Remove invasive weeds, mulches and waters to maintain plant health.
· Obtain necessary materials to perform required activities.
· Dispose of plants and debris collected while performing facility maintenance.
· Examine and maintain all equipment by visually inspecting tools and vehicles for damage and performing general maintenance such as cleaning, sharpening, and checking fluid levels.
· Ensure worksite is clean before leaving by removing debris from work site or piling debris to be removed from the work site to clear roadways and sidewalks and eliminate danger to the public.
· Maintain knowledge of current trends, maintenance procedures, and equipment for the further development and upkeep of the green infrastructure sites.
· Participate in trainings and field trips related to Utility work, trainings, and certifications.
· Observe and enforce a high level of safety for crew members and the public while performing duties, ensuring a safe working environment.
· Coordinate with SPU and SJI staff to schedule activities, support crew members development,
· Write reports and document site conditions and results and provide evaluation of facilities and team members.
Qualifications
· Two years of experience in the care, planting, and maintenance of trees and plant materials, in accordance with safety standards and demonstrated experience in supervision or lead work.
OR
· One year of experience in the care, planting, and maintenance of trees and plant materials, AND a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Botany, or related field and demonstrated experience in supervision or lead work.
OR
· Any combination of education, training and/or experience that provide an equivalent background required to perform the work.
License Requirement: Valid Washington State Drivers' license with a clean driving record.
· Supervisory experience
· Experience leading young adults
· At least 2 years’ experience in gardening, landscape maintenance, vegetation care and knowledge of invasive and noxious weeds and native and ornamental plants
· Experience with Green Stormwater Infrastructure maintenance, care and administration
· A positive, customer service-oriented attitude.
· Strong attention to detail
· Superior organizational skills.
· Ability to effectively build excellent relationships and work with a diverse clientele.
· Must be open-minded, self-starter who enjoys being part of a team.
· Understanding of Project Management concepts for planning and communications.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other programs
- BIPOC individuals strongly encouraged to apply
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
· Required to work in all weather conditions and stand, bend, carry and walk for extended periods.
· Work is adjacent to streets
Additional Information
The City of Seattle, Machinists Institute, and Seattle Jobs Initiative recognizes every employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures.
For consideration of this position, please email your resume and cover letter to HR@machinistsinstitute.org
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $31.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience level:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
Work Location: In person