Public Services Foreman - Parks and Grounds

SUMMARY:   Under the general direction of the Assistant Public Services Director, assists with planning and directing the operations and activities of the Township Public Services Department, which includes township's parks, athletic fields, recreational facilities, cemeteries, building and grounds and any other duties assigned by the Public Services Director, the Assistant Director, or the Township Manager.  Supervises work concerned with carrying out public services operation and maintenance activities as well as various administrative tasks.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following.  

• Performs athletic field and grounds maintenance including mowing, aerifying, topdressing, seeding, sodding, trimming, field painting, irrigation and turf care, fertilizing; spray chemicals including insecticides, herbicides, soil conditions and related chemicals; follow proper safety precautions.

• Performs daily operational activities, inspections, maintenance, servicing, cleaning and repair of the 1) water/wastewater systems, including hydrant painting and repair, coordinates water service installation and repair, meter/transmitter installation and replacement; 2) valve turning and replacement; 3) buildings and grounds, parks and facilities (including athletic fields and facilities), cemeteries, non-motorized pathways and other facilities including painting, mowing, leaf pickup and cleaning; and 4) the mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and other components of the meter station, elevated storage tank, and wastewater lift stations.

• Assists in planning work projects, preparing work schedules, outlining work assignments, and completing necessary reports; Assists in formulating, reviewing, and modifying standard operating procedures to improve quality and quantity of work, solve problems and reduce costs.

•  Performs inspections and documentation of projects to determine conformance with plans and specifications.    

• Provides lead supervision as assigned, by supervising and coordinating work crews engaged in daily operation activities including parks, cemetery, grounds, and similar projects.

• Trains staff in the use of equipment, work operations, maintenance, servicing, and repair of the:  1) buildings and grounds, 2) parks and facilities (including athletic fields/facilities), 3) cemeteries, and 4) other related activities.   Gives technical advice and assistance to employees with difficult or unusual tasks. Ensures OSHA/MIOSHA safety practices are followed by self and others in various work operations.

•  Works with residents, contractors, and others regarding recreational facilities, and cemeteries in normal, problem solving, or emergency situations. 

• Observes or anticipates malfunction of operating problems, taking corrective action, or notifying superior of condition.

• Maintains liaison with other utilities in staking lines for service cuts. 

• Responds to before and after normal business hour calls for emergency service or other call-out activities.

• Operates and adjusts a variety of field equipment and tools.   May be required to operate backhoe, trucks, welding equipment, air compressors, air hammers, tapping machines, and other equipment. 

• Performs water sampling, records, and reacts properly to results.

• When assigned to the cemeteries, maintains, services, and repairs the Township’s cemeteries and related facilities; prepares sites for funerals, including opening and closing graves and directing traffic; and shows plots to customers and answers questions related to burials.

• Provides backup for absent department staff’s responsibilities.

• Performs snow removal functions.

• Performs other work as assigned.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and TRAINING:

• Two (2) year college degree with additional courses in mathematics, engineering, turf management, drafting, and plumbing.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience in work involving construction and maintenance of sidewalks, water and sewer utilities, parks, and grounds (including athletic fields/facilities), and cemetery facilities.
• Michigan S-4 Water Distribution Certification, required by the State of Michigan, to operate the Township’s water distribution system.  Must retain certification classification throughout the duration of employment with the Township.      
• Must have or able to obtain pesticide certification within one year of employment.
• Possess a valid State of Michigan Operator’s/Driver’s License.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Ability to comprehend and complete tasks based on verbal and written directives.
• Communicate with confidence, tact, and discretion verbally, via phone, and in writing with department directors, co-workers, customers, and contractors.
• Ability to lead and direct staff effectively, maintain discipline, promote harmony, exercise sound judgment, and cooperate with employees.
• Skill in reading charts and gauges and in maintaining operation records. 
• Ability to work efficiently with minimum supervision.
• Working skill in performing a variety of maintenance and repair tasks.
• Intermediate skills in systems such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, managing files and records, operating office machines, Microsoft Office Products, and SCADA.
• Good knowledge of equipment, tools, material, and techniques used in the maintenance, repair, and installation of the water/wastewater distribution system.  
• Good knowledge of the equipment, safety practices, and basic principles and functions of electrical and mechanical equipment. 
• Working skill in operating a variety of pumping and control equipment.
• Skill in performing water sampling procedures.
• Good working knowledge and ability to operate and maintain irrigation systems, basic lawn tools and equipment including lawn mowers, leaf blowers, line trimmers, and various hand tools.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  The work requires physical exertion such as climbing, sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting of objects weighing more than 50 pounds, and moving in areas of difficult or dangerous access.  Also, this work requires physical mobility, dexterity, and full range of motion; normal sensory abilities including vision, hearing, touch, and smell; and operating vehicles in all weather and lighting conditions is required. Lastly, this work requires the ability to comprehend and complete tasks, based on verbal and written directives; relay information and instructions correctly; and make decisions in emergency and pressure situations.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described are representative, but not limited to, those encountered while performing essential functions of this job classification.  While performing the functions of this job, the employee is exposed to confined spaces, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high, precarious places, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, extreme cold or heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of vibration, hazardous materials, and irate citizens.  The work environment involves moderate risks with exposure to potentially life-threatening situations requiring a full range of safety and other precautions.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A competitive hourly rate of $28.45 - $40.70 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.
• Trainings and access to a fitness facility to keep your mind and body healthy.

 

HOW TO APPLY:

• Send a letter of interest, resume and application to KSherwood@ght.org; Applications may be found at:  https://ght.org/departments/human-resources/employment-opportunities/
• Application deadline:  March 14, 2025, or until filled.