Landscape Specialist I/II

About the role

The City of Del Mar Public Works Department is seeking a Landscape Specialist I/II. This position is open until the needs of the City are met, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. First review of applications will begin after close of business on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 5:30 pm.

Responsibilities

• Manages budgets and contracts including directing work of City contractors through their on-site supervisors, inspecting contractors work, requisitioning tools supplies and services, and reviewing invoices.
• Oversees vegetation clearing along public open spaces and City easements.
• Learns and participates in landscaping and irrigation activities such as the techniques and methods of maintaining plants, shrubs, clearing vegetation from street signs, lawns, athletic surfaces and irrigation systems, and other assigned areas.
• Completes arborist reports and risk assessments of City-owned trees; reviews and signs tree removal permits.
• Inspects Powerhouse Park Playground Equipment, Drinking Fountains, and surrounding area and pathways for any defects or risk management issues.
• Completes or contracts any necessary Playground repairs. Oversees periodic washdowns, clean-up, and sand replenishment of the Playground.
• Works with and directs the City contractors’ superintendents in resolving issues, complaints, and developing proposals to repair or improve facilities.
• Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in tree and landscape maintenance.
• Performs a variety of skilled troubleshooting, installation, and repair tasks involved in the maintenance and repair of irrigation, root control, and landscaping systems.
• Operates and uses a wide variety of hand and power tools.
• Performs grounds keeping and weed abatement duties at City-owned sites and facilities and oversees City contractors who may perform these duties.
• Cleans and maintains tools and equipment used in the field and shops.
• Documents work performed.
• Responds to questions and complaints from the public regarding repair work and main shutdowns; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• May lead the work of others as a project leader; oversees the work of assigned seasonal employees and contractors and verifies the work of assigned employees for accuracy.
• Performs playground inspections and oversees contractor and staff playground repairs.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school, or G.E.D. equivalent;
• Two (2) years of experience in tree and landscape maintenance or public works-related maintenance and construction work for Landscape Specialist I;
• Four (4) years of experience in tree and landscape maintenance or public works-related maintenance and construction work for Landscape Specialist II;
• A valid Commercial Class B California driver’s license, or ability to obtain within the first year of employment;
• International Society of Arboriculture Arborist Certification or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire;
• Pesticide Qualified Applicator's Certificate for Level II, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.