Under general supervision, the Parks & Recreation Landscape Crew Leader is responsible for planning, coordinating, and performing landscape maintenance activities that preserve the appearance, safety, and event readiness of Swan Harbor Farm, one of Harford County's premier public event venues. The position oversees the daily maintenance of landscaped areas and grounds, provides field direction and training to assigned staff, coordinates with Parks & Recreation and Swan Harbor personnel, and ensures the facility is maintained to the high standards expected for weddings, rentals, public programs, and other community events.
The Landscape Crew Leader independently plans and prioritizes work, conducts routine site inspections, identifies and resolves landscape and grounds maintenance issues, coordinates materials and resources, and utilizes the department's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to manage work assignments and document completed activities. The position requires sound judgment, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to respond effectively to changing operational priorities while maintaining a safe, attractive, and welcoming environment for visitors and event guests.
Job Description:
Salary Range: $41,820.00-$111,539.00
BUDGETED SALARY: $55,000.00-$65,000.00
Essential Duties:
(The following examples illustrate the work performed of the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department. This list is not inclusive. A position may require duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.)
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Maintains the grounds, landscaped areas, entrances, ceremony locations, and other high-visibility public spaces at Swan Harbor Farm to ensure a safe, attractive, and event-ready environment.
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Plans, schedules, and coordinates daily, weekly, seasonal, and long-range landscape maintenance activities to support weddings, rentals, public events, and recreational programming.
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Develops weekly work plans for assigned staff, balancing routine maintenance with seasonal projects, special events, and operational priorities.
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Plans and stages work activities up to four (4) months in advance to align with scheduled events, seasonal maintenance requirements, and anticipated operational needs.
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Performs skilled landscape maintenance, including planting, pruning, mulching, watering, edging, weeding, fertilizing, seasonal bed preparation, debris removal, and general grounds upkeep.
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Conducts daily inspections of the property to identify maintenance deficiencies, safety hazards, irrigation issues, and aesthetic concerns; recommends and implements corrective actions.
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Provides day-to-day work direction, training, and guidance to assigned Maintenance Worker I staff and other seasonal or temporary employees as assigned.
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Coordinates with Swan Harbor management and Parks & Recreation staff to ensure the facility is properly prepared for scheduled events, rentals, and public activities.
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Prioritizes work assignments based on event schedules, weather conditions, seasonal demands, safety concerns, and available resources.
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Operates, inspects, and performs routine maintenance on landscape equipment, power tools, and vehicles in accordance with established safety procedures.
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Responds to storm damage, emergency maintenance requests, and time-sensitive repairs to ensure the facility remains safe and operational.
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Assists with landscape maintenance and grounds operations at other Parks & Recreation facilities as operational needs require.
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Communicates staffing, equipment, material, and contractor needs to the Maintenance Division to support efficient project planning and execution.
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Maintains exceptional attention to detail to preserve the appearance and quality standards expected of a premier public event venue.
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Utilizes the department's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to create, assign, update, prioritize, and close work orders.
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Evaluates incoming maintenance requests, determines appropriate priorities based on safety, operational impact, and long-term planning considerations, and assigns work accordingly.
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Accurately documents labor hours, materials, equipment usage, and completed work to support budgeting, performance measurement, asset management, and audit requirements.
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Coordinates the procurement of materials and services in accordance with County purchasing policies by obtaining vendor quotations, evaluating pricing and quality, and recommending cost-effective purchasing decisions.
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Monitors inventory levels and manages consumable materials to ensure operational readiness while maintaining effective cost control.
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Performs other related duties as assigned.
Years of Experience:
Three (3) years' experience in grounds maintenance work
Years of Supervisory Experience:
Experience in a leadership capacity in grounds maintenance work
Education:
Possession of a high school or vocational-technical diploma or a GED certificate.
Certifications, Licensures, and Examinations:
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Possession of a valid Class "C" non-commercial driver's license with no more than three (3) points. Be advised this position requires a valid driver's license.
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Possession of a Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Public Agency Applicator Certification – Category 3 (Ornamental & Turf) is preferred at the time of hire and must be obtained within six (6) months of employment if not already possessed.
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Possession of an MDA Public Agency Applicator Certification – Category 5 (Aquatic Control) is preferred at the time of hire and is required within twelve (12) months of employment if the position is assigned aquatic herbicide application responsibilities.
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Possession of an MDA Public Agency Applicator Certification – Category 6 (Right-of-Way Weed Control) is preferred at the time of hire and must be obtained within twelve (12) months of employment if not already possessed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Knowledge of landscape maintenance principles and practices, including planting, pruning, mulching, turf care, irrigation, weed control, seasonal maintenance, and general grounds upkeep.
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Knowledge of plant materials, invasive species, herbicide application, pesticide regulations, environmental standards, and safe landscape maintenance practices.
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Knowledge of work planning, scheduling, inventory management, and resource coordination.
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Working knowledge of OSHA/MOSH safety standards and the safe operation and maintenance of landscape equipment, tools, and utility vehicles.
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Ability to inspect grounds, identify maintenance and safety concerns, prioritize work, and implement appropriate corrective actions.
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Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple work assignments, projects, and special events while meeting operational deadlines.
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Ability to maintain the high-quality appearance and presentation standards required of a premier public event venue.
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Ability to provide work direction, training, and guidance to assigned staff while promoting safe and efficient work practices.
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Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, vendors, County staff, and the public.
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Ability to use computers, mobile devices, work order management systems (CMMS), and Microsoft Office applications to document work, maintain records, and manage assignments.
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Ability to read and interpret work orders, schedules, site plans, equipment manuals, pesticide labels, and safety procedures.
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Ability to maintain accurate records of labor, materials, equipment usage, inventory, and completed work.
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Ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, adapt to changing priorities, and coordinate resources to meet operational and event-related needs.
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Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Safety:
Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.
Compensation:
Other compensation may include but is not limited to:
Overtime
Compensatory time
Shift Differentials
Benefits:
Harford County offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:
Health, Dental & Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation
Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
Generous Leave Package & Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Harford County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law.
