Purpose: Responsible for the maintenance of Reston’s parklands and the management of the Garden Plot program. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Environmental Resources Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the operation of five community gardens (360 plots) including: communicating with Garden Coordinators on maintenance and plot issues, coordinating garden plot availability, conducting quarterly plot inspections, and working in collaboration with Office Administrator on billing.

2. Identifies and removes invasive plants; maintains removal sites.

3. Installs plants and maintains planting sites, which may include watering.

4. Responsible for management of wildlife habitat, fencing, and species monitoring.

5. Restores and maintains meadows and woodlands.

6. Monitors and maintains garden plots.

7. Removes refuse, garbage and foreign objects from natural areas.

8. Identifies property boundaries, encroachments and violations relative to natural areas. Installs property posts.

9. Leads Habitat Heroes, Scouts, and other public service/Volunteer projects. Some of these projects require weekend work.

10. Designated Emergency Service Personnel, participating in snow removal operations.

11. Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and abide by established policies and procedures.

12. Cleans and performs routine maintenance on equipment and tools.

13. Utilizes GPS & IPad for remote strip inspections and other duties.

14. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

15. Effectively communicates with residents regarding natural area subjects.

16. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directly supervises seasonal employees in the Environmental Resource Division.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience – Associates Degree required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred plus two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Some experience, training, and/or education in ecological principles, horticulture, nature, or landscape is preferred with the ability to obtain Pesticide license. Has previous knowledge to identify invasive and native plants in the Northern Virginia area/plant zone.

Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and have a basic understanding of ArcGIS applications

Other Skills and Abilities – Requires basic knowledge of horticulture and associated tasks; ability to organize work and perform duties independently; skill in operating wood chipper, tiller, small tractor, and stake-bodied trucks; and skill in leading the work of others. Requires the ability to communicate effectively and ability to adapt to adverse weather conditions. The ability to obtain company certification/approval to operate chain saws, bobcats, and bush hogs is desirable.

Other Qualifications – Must be 18 years old or older. Requires a valid driver’s license and good driving record. A minimum of a Registered Technician Pesticide Certification, or the ability to acquire certification within three months of employment is required. Attendance of annual continuing education courses to maintain a Registered Technician Pesticide Certification.

Decision-Making & Independence Exercised: Describes the level of authority and/or responsibility to make decisions, develop and revise policies & procedures, make official commitments on behalf of the Association, etc.

Employee usually follows established procedures and guidelines at all times; may provide consultation or expert advice to management or the public.

Tools, Equipment & Machines Used: Requires frequent use of various hand tools, power landscaping tools, and operation of motor vehicles. May use tractor, bobcat and chainsaw.

Contacts: Frequent contact with members, volunteers, and other Department staff.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be comfortable working outdoors. This job is performed in an office setting as well as outdoors either alone or with other people. There may be exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes, dirt, and pesticides. Some exposure to lakes, streams, and ponds. Occasional weekend work may be required.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, bend, talk and hear, and may frequently be required to lift and/or move objects up to 80 pounds.