Job Information
City of Tacoma WA Grounds Maintenance Crew Leader in Tacoma, Washington
Grounds Maintenance Crew Leader
Salary
$37.99 - $43.98 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
5041-24
Department
City of Tacoma - CITY WIDE LIST
Opening Date
05/02/2024
Closing Date
5/20/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
Tacoma Public Utilities & The City of Tacoma are currently seeking experienced grounds maintenance workers with strong leadership skills to oversee the daily activities of grounds maintenance workers and other assigned staff. Duties also include interaction with the general public, cultivation and care of lawns, flowers, plants, trees, and ornamental shrubbery, right of way maintenance, operation and maintenance of a variety of tools, equipment, and vehicles. Some aspects of the job will require the proper use and disposal of pesticides.
If the below list of personal traits sounds like you, then you are just the type of person we are looking for to join our team as a Grounds Maintenance Crew Lead.
Excellent attendance
Enjoy working both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather conditions
Great customer service
Enjoy leading work crews as part of a team effort
Enjoy physically demanding and a variety of job tasks
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Heavy manual labor may include lifting up to 50 lbs without assistance and/or over 75 lbs with assistance, digging, climbing and walking long distances with equipment or tools.
Outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions.
Incumbents in this classification are exposed to noise, chemicals and dangers of working in the vicinity of energized objects such as high voltage lines, transformers and generators.
May be required to drive heavy equipment over steep and rugged banks, canyons and in the vicinity of heavily traveled roads.
Qualifications
Two Years experience as a Grounds Maintenance Worker AND
- Graduation from a two-year college with major course work in horticulture or grounds maintenance, or Certificate of Completion of a specialized grounds maintenance program from a vocational technical college and two years of experience in the care of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns and in the care and maintenance of gardening tools, equipment and facilities.
OR
- Four years of professional experience in the care of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns and in the care and maintenance of gardening tools, equipment and facilities.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement (http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/cdl.html) prior to completion of probation with maintenance thereafter. After hire, employee must obtain appropriate endorsement(s) required by the department prior to completion of probation with maintenance thereafter.
Flagging Certification by completion of probation with maintenance thereafter
First Aid and CPR Card by completion of probation with maintenance thereafter
Valid Public Pesticide Operator's License
May be required to obtain additional endorsements as appropriate with maintenance thereafter
May be required to obtain a Backflow Testing Certificate with maintenance thereafter
Knowledge & Skills
Technical aspects and application of grounds maintenance and landscape construction, practices and procedures
Current health and safety regulations governing chemicals and equipment utilized in grounds maintenance and landscape construction work
Plant species and planting techniques
Standard practices, materials, methods and tools utilized in propagating, raising and caring for plants, flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns
Current symptoms, methods of control and treatment of plant disease and insect pests
Types of soil required in propagating and growing varied plants and types of fertilizer and methods of use
Installation and maintenance of irrigation and lawn sprinkling systems and other facilities
Proper use and maintenance of tools and equipment used in grounds maintenance activities
Principles and practices of supervising the daily activities of assigned grounds maintenance workers and other assigned employees
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
Prepare and maintain routine records and reports using proper oral and written communication skills
Estimate labor and material costs
Calibrate and operate spray equipment safely
Understand and follow oral and written directions
Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations
Lift heavy objects in awkward and confined spaces, using proper lifting and rigging techniques
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Perform heavy manual labor
Meet schedules and time lines
Operate, service and make minor repairs on equipment
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.
The City of Tacoma
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.
Propelled by significant developments such as the University of Washington Tacoma, the Tacoma Link light rail system, the restored urban waterfront of the Thea Foss Waterway, the expansions of both the MultiCare and Franciscan health systems, and a significant influx of foreign direct investment in its downtown core, Tacoma has evolved considerably since the 1990s.
Tacoma boasts the state's highest density of art and history museums, and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city's vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome has endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry.
A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views.
Tacoma's natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location – just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense's premier military installation on the West Coast – only adds to Tacoma's desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raq0BPuNa3M)
Interested individuals must complete the online application and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.
Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application, to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of three components: an assessment of responses to the Supplemental Questions on this job application, a written examination and an oral examination.
TESTING PROCESS:
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions scored as the Experience and Training Test.
Those who pass the Experience and Training test with a minimum score of 70% or higher will be placed on an Eligible List for hiring consideration for a period of one year. Any vacancy that comes up within the one year period of time will draw from candidates on the Eligible List for potential interview selection.
Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a pre-employment background check, a pre-employment medical exam, drug screen and physical ability test, and references check. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Teamsters Local 117.
Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.
Questions regarding this announcement may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 before the closing date.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01
The City of Tacoma has a technical requirement that employees filling classified roles be residents of the City at the time of their original appointment to a classified job. However, there is a process to request a waiver of this requirement from the Civil Service Board if we identify an outstanding candidate who is a nonresident. Not residing within the City of Tacoma is not an automatic disqualifier and everyone is encouraged to apply.
I understand that the City will request a waiver for me if necessary
Not applicable, I'm a City of Tacoma resident
02
The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
Yes
No
03
Have you graduated from a two-year college with major course work in horticulture or grounds maintenance, or Certificate of Completion of a specialized grounds maintenance program from a vocational technical college and two years of experience in the care of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns and in the care and maintenance of gardening tools, equipment and facilities? OR Do you have four years of professional experience in the care of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns and in the care and maintenance of gardening tools, equipment and facilities?
Yes
No
04
Are you able to obtain your Washington State Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement within 9 months?
Yes, I currently have a CDL
Yes, I have the ability to obtain a CDL within 9 months
No, I am not able to obtain a CDL within 9 months
05
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions 6-13 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. You must describe when and where you received your experience and/or training and what work was performed. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT refer to your resume in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to the questions asked. For questions 6-13, make sure you describe your position, including your roles in the position, key activities, level of responsibility and the number of years' experience in that capacity. Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 6-13.
Yes
No
06
In 200 words or less, what Interests you in being a Grounds Maintenance Crew Leader?
07
In 200 words or less, please describe in detail training you have received as it pertains to grounds maintenance and/or landscape construction. Include all relevant certifications, or on the job training and the agency and dates in which you received the certification or training.
08
In 200 words or less, please describe in detail what specialized equipment you have operated related to the grounds maintenance and/or landscape construction. List equipment, employer(s) and date(s) relevant to operation.
09
In 200 words or less, if you have/were in a leadership position, please describe how you organized the workload, set objectives and check in with employees.
10
In 200 words or less, please describe a specific time when you worked with an inexperienced person and started them down a road of accelerated development. What did you do?
11
Please describe your specific experience supervising or leading a work group or team. Please Include job title, employer, dates of employment and number of personnel you supervised. If you have no experience, please type N/A.
12
In 200 words or less, what is your leadership philosophy?
13
In 200 words or less, what are your professional goals in 5 years?
14
Please tell us how you first learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Internet search
Professional organization
Military organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
LinkedIn
TTEP (Tacoma Training and Education Program)
Indeed
Facebook
Instagram
Government Jobs
NWPPA
Outreach Event
15
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
16
If you are a military veteran, did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member 4 copy, for review for Veteran's Preference eligibility?
Yes
No
Required Question
Agency
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.cityoftacoma.org
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