SUMMARY

Working under the direction of the Riparian Supervisor and the Superintendent of Landscape & Horticulture, incumbent is responsible for all phases of maintenance tasks within the Riparian maintenance division of the Parks & Recreation Department. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with the City safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ability to interact with the public, City incumbents, and outside agencies with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism and the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Removes hazards from the river channel and river banks that include but is not limited to trash, logs, woody debris, and any other obstruction and/or hazard;
• Operates equipment safely; Equipment includes work boats, 6-ton knuckle-boom crane, one-ton trucks, brush chipper, and various forestry related hand and power tools;
• Identifies, removes, and controls invasive plants, shrubs, and tree species on river banks via herbicide applications, cutting, mowing, or various other techniques;
• Inventories and monitors invasive plants along riverbanks/riparian areas to ensure treatment effectiveness;
• Installation of native seeds, plants, bioengineering, and erosion control;
• Installs, maintains and removes City’s dock systems during recreational season;
• Assists with the planning and execution of volunteer events throughout the year including occasional weekends;
• Assists with planning special river events including occasional weekends and evenings;
• Utilizes various chemical agents and equipment such as but not limited to cleaning products, pesticides, and pressure washers;
• Performs various miscellaneous ground work and litter removal;
• Maintains professional working relationships with team members and management;
• Maintains accurate reports of daily work.
• Assists supervisor in the oversight of contracted services and projects.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other duties as required.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The incumbent is responsible to manage their performance in accordance with this job description and the performance expectations provided to them by management.  If at any time the incumbent is unsure of their role or specific responsibilities, it is the incumbent’s responsibility to refer to their job description and ask for clarification from their supervisor.  Management will work with the incumbent, as needed, to ensure performance expectations are clearly communicated and performance goals are achieved. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Ability to effectively lead and direct Seasonal Riparian Maintenance staff and volunteers.

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/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED;
• 2 years’ experience in natural areas restoration/management

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Fort Wayne’s waterways;
• Previous boating experience;
• Chainsaw operation and cleaning experience;
• Knowledge of Indiana and Midwest native and invasive species, plant identification, and ecology.
• Knowledge of ecological restoration techniques.
• Communicates effectively both orally and written;
• Works in an outdoor environment;
• Works in harmony with fellow workers and maintains good relations with park patrons;

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before customers or employees of organizations.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ration, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Incumbent is expected to carry out simple, repetitive, routine tasks.  Practical knowledge of the use of small hand tools and power tools preferred.  Incumbent must be able to follow simple oral instructions and understand the general work required in the maintenance of all park areas as required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Indiana Drivers’ License as required.
• Completion of Official Indiana Boating Safety Course within 1 year of hire date.
• Valid Class A CDL preferred, or the ability to obtain one within 1 year of hire date.
• Acquire State of Indiana Pesticide Registered Technician certification by passing the Core Exam within 1 year of date of hire;
• Acquire and maintain State of Indiana Pesticide Applicators License-Category 5 Aquatic Pest Management within 2 years of date of hire.

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 sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee lifts 75 pounds and carries the weight 25 feet. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Effort is exerted regularly for sustained periods where strain may be intense for frequent or moderate duration. Physical effort involves heavy lifting in a non-sitting position with high manual dexterity required.

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.

Incumbent is responsible for a variety of different operations to be able to complete assignments with accuracy required to protect tools, materials, and prevent injuries of others. The working conditions include moderate exposure to dust, grease, extreme temperature, pollen and grass clippings, hazardous materials or inclement weather with occasional exposure to hazardous work conditions.