Foreman, Forestry

Summary of Duties: Under the immediate supervision of a Parks or Streetscapes Supervisor or a manager perform skilled and semi-skilled work related to maintenance and renovation of parks and recreation facilities, grounds, pathways, open space reserves, landscape, lakes, ponds and Streetscapes rights-of-way, neighborhood and Township entryways and medians, and cul-de-sacs and Intracts.

Essential Employee Responsibilities: During emergency conditions, subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane, or other emergency situation and are expected to perform emergency service duties, as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Respond and follow-up with resident’s request for services.
Act as the Foreman of works teams assigned to various parks/facilities/grounds maintenance and operational activities.
Responsible for direct supervision of Crew Leaders and Laborer, providing schedules, guidance, mentoring, and assistance in daily work activities.
Determine extent of work needed to be performs and assign duties to crew; determine necessary activities needed to complete the work; inspect the work in progress and upon completion; in some cases, may order materials/supplies to complete project.
Design and construct special projects as assigned.
Enforcement of the safety rules and assists in quality assurance of work activities. Assist in maintaining effective and efficient work production.
Observe field operations and maintenance contractor; report finding to contractors, supervisor, and managers.
Perform duties in support of development and maintenance of parks, grounds, sports fields e.g., mowing, edging, fertilizing, pruning trees and shrubs, clearing right-of-way areas.
Operate and maintain lawn mowers, lawn edgers, brush/tree trimmers and chippers, air compressors, power saws, backhoes, farm tractors, vehicles up to 26000 GVWR, various hand and job-related power tools.
Inspect, prune, and remove trees in cul-de-sacs, intracts, pathways, OSR, parks, medians, and ROW.
Basic landscape maintenance knowledge including turf care, bed maintenance, plantings, and disease treatment.
Knowledge of basic forestry practices as well as forest insect and disease identification, including cultural practices and risk management.
Gather and dispose of debris, weeds, grass, trees, shrubs, and plants.
Participate in emergency response teams.
May be required to work special events on nights, weekends, or holidays.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Specific to Forestry:

Conduct hazard tree inspections, Tree Risk Assessments (TRAQ), and other forestry-related inspections.
Serve as a technical resource for contractors by providing direction, clarification, and field support as needed.
Operate forestry tools and equipment and train staff in their safe and proper use, including chainsaws, chippers, and related equipment.
Oversee the maintenance, inspection, and safe operation of forestry machinery, including woodchippers, gooseneck trailers, skid steers, and other equipment.
Develop, schedule, and oversee routine forestry maintenance activities that enhance park trees and reserves.
Ensure all forestry work is performed in accordance with ISA and ANSI standards.
Maintain ISA certification or obtain certification within twelve (12) months of employment.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Coordinate and direct a crew of four or more employees. Responsibilities include functioning as a lead worker performing essentially the same work as those directed, and includes overseeing work quality, training, instruction, and scheduling work.

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 regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Conditions: 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock.

Disagreeable: Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental condition and/or hazards. The majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk and frequent physical effort is required.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Safety-Sensitive: This position is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug testing.

Minimum 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: High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).

Experience: Three (3) years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Advance knowledge, skills, and ability to place concrete, landscape, bridges, play equipment and perform skilled carpentry work.

Licenses and Certifications:  Must possess a Texas driver’s license within the first ninety (90) days of employment and meet the driver safety policy requirements.  Maintain ISA certification or obtain certification within twelve (12) months of employment.

Pre-employment Requirements: Pass pre-employment drug screening, pass background check, and eligible status on Motor Vehicle Report.

The Woodlands Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.