ECOLOGY PROJECT SUPERVISOR 7359

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class supervises a Town program of leaf recycling, educational organic gardening for the community and the cultivation of plants for the landscaping of public properties. The operations directed may include sites for the collection and composting of leaves, community gardening plots and greenhouses and nurseries. The incumbent works cooperatively with other Town departments in planning and carrying out the landscaping of parks, recharge basins, areas along Town roads and other public properties. Responsibilities may include the development and presentation of information to the public concerning the project. Supervision is exercised over equipment operators, skilled horticultural workers and laborers. Performance is reviewed by an administrative superior through consultation, periodic conferences and written reports.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Supervises the activities of equipment operators and laborers engaged in the collection of leaves for recycling, the building and turning of windrows for the composing process and the shredding of the resulting compost;

Organizes and supervises a community gardening program on Town property; directs the preparation of the soil for the gardens; provides information to the users on organic gardening techniques;

Supervises skilled horticultural workers and laborers in the planting and cultivation of plants, flowers and shrubs in a greenhouse and nursery operation;

Works with other Town departments in the planning and implementation of landscaping projects in Town parks and other properties; provides compost and plants for such projects from the ecology site;

Develops informational material on leaf composting and organic gardening techniques and speaks to community groups concerning the benefits of the recycling program;

Prepares budget requests, based on the labor, equipment and supply needs of the project operations;

Consults with representatives of other agencies and jurisdictions on methods of improving the leaf recycling program, expanding the uses of the compost and developing related experimental projects.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques of leaf composting; thorough knowledge of the growth characteristics and basic care requirements of flowers, plants and shrubs; good knowledge of the operating characteristics of the tools and equipment used in the composting process, in landscaping work and in the operation of a greenhouse; ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of subordinate personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to make accurate estimates of labor, equipment and materials and to keep accurate records; ability to make, interpret and work from technical sketches and plans; ability to prepare informational material for the public on the benefits of the ecology project and techniques of gardening and composting; ability to address community groups on the ecology project and to maintain good public relations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a standard senior high school and six years of experience in horticultural or landscaping work, including two years in a supervisory capacity.

NOTE: Additional relevant education in the field of horticulture and landscaping from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years. Additional education may not be substituted for the supervisory experience required.

10/27/76

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR2/28/03