Columbia Association, headquartered in Howard County, Maryland, is known for engaging our diverse community, cultivating a unique sense of place, and enhancing the quality of life in Columbia, Maryland, all thanks to the efforts of our remarkable team members. If you share in our passion for teamwork and our vision, we want you to fast-forward your career with us at Columbia Association.
LANDSCAPE SERVICES SENIOR TECHNICIAN
The Landscape Services Senior Technician performs tasks and duties of a skilled nature in the performance of landscape management on Columbia Association property. They function as a team leader if assigned to do so in the absence of the Landscape Services Foreman or Horticulturist. They should be able to perform most duties of the Horticulturist or Foreman for short periods of time including, but not limited to, scheduling, and overseeing team members and contractors in open space maintenance. The Landscape Services Senior Technician is skilled with a wide variety of landscape tools and equipment and able to train others in the proper use of equipment. They are familiar with common landscape plants, sustainable landscape practices, and professional landscape maintenance standards. They will provide ideas and suggestions for methods and projects that protect and enhance Columbia Association Open Space and amenities. The Landscape Services Senior Technician communicates effectively and uses computer skills to communicate, share photos, navigate online, and use the work order system.
Essential functions:
- Drives trucks to work sites including water trucks and dump trucks.
- Visually inspects (with or without corrective lenses) conditions of grounds and facilities.
- Operates tools and equipment used in landscape maintenance including, but not limited to skid steers, mini excavators, chainsaws and loaders efficiently and safely. Able to train others in the use of tools and equipment.
- Executes landscape maintenance and landscape installation tasks in accordance with landscape and tree care industry standards. Is knowledgeable about common trees and landscape plants, sustainable landscape practices and professional landscape standards.
- Applies pesticides, lime, fertilizer, and seed as directed and ensures the proper rate of application and that the proper forms are used to document the applications.
- Able to identify common insects, diseases, and cultural problems and report such problems.
- Installs landscaping and minor site improvements in accordance with a design drawing. Properly interprets planting plans, aerial photos, and property line information.
- Performs heavy manual labor for extended periods of time.
- Works under unfavorable conditions that may include exposure to insects, wildlife, odors, dust, chemicals, rain, snow, and heat.
- Communicates effectively verbally and in writing to Team Members/Leaders and other organizations as directed by the Foreman.
- Knowledgeable about irrigation systems and able to make basic repairs to irrigation systems under the direction of the Foreman. Possesses a good understanding of grading and drainage, utilities, and pavement as they affect landscape plantings.
- Appropriately report accidents and possible defects and hazards encountered during the workday and can suggest and implement corrective actions to ensure the safety of the public and team members. Follows and ensures compliance with safety procedures. Performs required safety checks and safety maintenance procedures and assists in the training of other team members in the proper and safe operation of equipment and operating procedures.
- Utilize computers to communicate, share photos, navigate online, and use the work order system.
- Available to work overtime as needed or to assist with weather-related or other emergency events.
- Competently directs others in watering, mulching, pruning, weeding, spraying, fertilizing and planting annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.
- Properly fell and prune trees in accordance with industry standards.
- Works on multiple tasks and completes assignments within specified deadlines.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Maintains inventories of plants, supplies, open space amenities, and equipment.
- Makes recommendations for removal or replacement of plant materials based on the condition of the plant and design considerations.
- Familiar with greenhouse mechanical systems and with all greenhouse activities including plant propagation and overwintering.
- Assists the Foreman in preventive and daily maintenance of light and heavy equipment.
- Performs administrative duties in compliance with Columbia Association policies and procedures including, but not limited to, Workers Compensation reports, Accident Reports, Graffiti/Vandalism reports, Daily Task Timesheets, and Injury Reports.
- Shares responsibility with the Foreman for training team members to operate all necessary equipment and vehicles in a safe and effective manner.
- Performs basic carpentry and masonry tasks to repair and ensure the safety of existing structures and amenities.
- The Landscape Services Senior Technician represents the Columbia Association in a courteous and professional manner.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Three Years of experience with the Columbia Association Open Space Management or equivalent work experience at a similar agency including experience training coworkers
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED diploma)
- Maryland Class C Driver’s License and ability to drive all vehicles assigned.
- OSHA 10-hour certification.
- Demonstrated ability to operate equipment used in landscape maintenance including, but not limited to, skid steer, chainsaws and front-end loader.
- Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate (must be obtained within 6 months of hire).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Landscape Industry Certified Technician (LICT)
- Courses or other formal training in landscape management or horticulture.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand or walk for entire shift
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and climb for extended periods
- Ability to effectively work at different heights
- Able to lift 50 pounds unassisted for short periods of time
- Able to push or pull loads of 75 pounds for extended periods
Compensation:
The pay range for this position is $24 per hour to $30 per hour. The actual pay rate offered will depend on the overall qualifications of the individual applicant for the position and the amount budgeted for the role. CA offers a positive, fun work environment and a generous benefits package. Part-time benefits include a free Fit & Play membership, Wellness benefits w/Perks and some paid leave. Full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), a free Fit & Play membership, Wellness benefits w/perks and paid leave.
Columbia Association is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. EOE/ADA. We encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our organization. Over and above non-discrimination, CA’s mission includes engaging our diverse community and meeting the evolving needs of a dynamic and inclusive community. That’s why we welcome folks of diverse or marginalized backgrounds and abilities to apply to become part of the CA team.
