Positions in this level supervise grounds and/or utility personnel in the development and care of grounds, nursery/greenhouse.  Positions may also manage and participate in planning very large and complex gardening and grounds maintenance programs, supervising four or more employees.  To be a very large and complex gardening program, the following four of the five must apply: 

1. Acreage in gardener care, planted in lawns, shrubbery and flowers 40 (or more) acres.
2. Greenhouse operation 4,000 sq. feet or more.
3. Nursery operation 2 acres or more.
4. Paid full-time staff (Grounds and Nursery Specialists) 4 or more.
5. Average number of non-paid institutional residents used in gardening program during season 10 or more.

Supervises assigned personnel in mowing, fertilizing, irrigating, and maintaining lawns, gardens, shrubs, trees, and greenhouse or nursery functions; 

Supervises leads; 

Determines cost and availability of work materials needed by reading plans and blueprints, inspect project progress; 

Assists in the development of departmental budget; 

Plans landscaping projects, including use of fill dirt and decorative rock walls, terraces and other arrangements; 

Formulates and submits for administrative approval annual operating plans for a very large program of grounds maintenance, gardening, greenhouse and nursery operation; 

Supervises number of gardeners, temporary employees, inmates and patients; gives technical gardening and floricultural assistance; evaluates work of subordinates; 

Supervises operation of a greenhouse used in propagation and care of bedding plants, flowers and shrubs.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position. 

Positions typically require two to four years experience in gardening, grounds maintenance, nursery, parks, or related activity; at least one year must have been lead or supervisory experience.