This is park management work at the deputy director level, directing the landscape operation division of Fairmount Park. The employee in this class is responsible for directing, through subordinate managers, the arboricultural, horticultural, floricultural, grounds maintenance, interpretive and landscape programs, and plans and coordinates these operations with other divisions of the Park. Work includes establishing goals and objectives for the operations and landscape management division and participating in the formulation and implementation of department policy. Establishing, maintaining, and improving relationships with community groups, volunteer groups, the business community, other city officials, contractors, and the general public are important aspects of the work.

Work is performed under the direction of the Executive Director. This employee may serve as acting director in the absence of the director and represents the Fairmount Park Commission on numerous executive boards and advisory councils.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

• The employee in this class is responsible for directing, through subordinate managers, the Landscape-Operations Division of Fairmount Park.
• The employee in this class must report to the Executive Director.
• This is a one-position class located in Fairmount Park.

• Directs, through subordinate supervisors, the work of a staff engaged in a variety of operations and landscape management functions, including horticultural, arboricultural, floricultural, motorized equipment recycling center, and landscape design, code enforcement, and environmental/interpretive programs; coordinates special events and emergency work; establishes long- and short-term goals and objectives for subordinate managers; defines responsibility areas for subordinate managers; determines staffing needs and establishes organizational structure.
• Plans and directs the activities of Park Managers and the Landscape Architect engaged in the preparation of proposals for submission to foundations to acquire private environmental and landscape programs; applies for appropriate federal and state landscape program grants; administers grants and trusts for compliance with technical and fiscal specifications.
• Plans and directs, through a subordinate supervisor, the activities of the Fairmount Park Ranger Corps in carrying out informational and interpretive programs, code violation enforcement and Park regulation enforcement in Fairmount Park.
• Directs the administration of the fleet management program of the Park; analyzes existing program to determine if changes or improvements are required; reviews vehicle and fuel usage reports to determine future needs and budget provisions; serves as liaison with the Office of Fleet Management.
• Plans and directs, through subordinates, the analysis of division work performance to improve productivity and management of division functions.
• Develops goals and objectives for programs; develops performance standards for program personnel; directs the activities of program personnel through subordinate supervisors; reviews goals and objectives formulated by subordinates and technical personnel; consults with other division heads to coordinate programs and services.
• Provides direction, guidance, and assistance to volunteer groups; attends meetings of local community, civic, and social organizations to explain programs and elicit support.
• Prepares, plans and proposes the budget for the operation and maintenance program, including landscape and interpretative areas; reviews operating budget requests prepared by subordinate managers.
• Confers with subordinate managers regarding work standards for each district; instructs subordinates of approaches or methods to take in order to work out satisfactory solutions to problems; reviews reports from subordinate managers and technical staff and takes corrective actions when necessary.
• Reviews plans and specifications; meets with landscape architect and private contractors to approve designs or make recommendations to change designs to meet park projects needs; negotiates contract terms with consultants.
• Develops, modifies and monitors a variety of arboricultural, horticultural, and grounds maintenance contracts; reviews contract requests and proposals.
• Confers with subordinate managers and reviews and revises work standards for each district.
• Meets with horticultural groups concerning special events; makes final decision on exhibits that may be presented in shows.
• Approves landscape architect designs; reviews and approves landscape designs with subordinate landscape architect; meets with consultants to approve major landscape design changes in projects.
• Serves as the commission representative regarding review of city-wide horticultural policy; serves as the Park's legal witness and technical expert; interprets horticultural practices to the media and others; serves as the emergency coordinator; coordinates special events; oversees the interpretive program area which provides programs concerning the natural environment.
• Serves on city-wide management team composed of Deputy Commissioners and/or department heads.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices, methods and equipment used in landscape management programs.
• the optimum condition for growing various plants, shrubs and trees, and of the material and equipment used in treating them for fungi, insects, and diseases.
• the practices and current developments in the field of arboriculture, floriculture, horticulture and environmental science.
• the methods, materials, tools and practices used in the maintenance and improvement of park grounds.
• the characteristics and most efficient use of a wide variety of mechanical equipment used in landscape management.
• supervisory methods and techniques.
• the principles and practices of administration.
• the principles of landscape architecture theory.

SKILL IN:

• planning and coordinating city-wide park operations and landscape management programs.

• read and interpret landscape plans and supervise their execution and maintenance.
• obtain contractors' compliance with street tree pruning and maintenance requirements.
• plan, organize, and review, through subordinate managers, the work of personnel engaged in various aspects of a horticultural program.
• exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting departmental policies and procedures.
• establish priorities and maximize use of a variety of resources to achieve program goals.
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

EDUCATION:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in horticulture, arboriculture, park and recreation administration or a related area.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

• Four years of grounds care, horticultural or arboricultural experience.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:

• Two years of administrative responsibility for the management, supervision and planning of work required for horticultural and arboricultural programs.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES:

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as Park Landscape Management & Operations Director.

PAY RANGE: EP28
Class Established: 5/1983

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 11/1995 ; Ad Board - 12/1995

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