PARK GROUNDS IMPROVEMENT SUPERVISOR I

Rooted in knowledge, rising with integrity — guide the crews who work for our city's canopy. The Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Urban Forestry, Horticulture Services Branch is seeking a leader to oversee the beautification and maintenance of City-owned property along roadways, sidewalks, and public spaces by coordinating crews and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in a timely manner.

About the Role

This position coordinates operations through subordinate supervisors, supports contract and budget administration, and ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with professional standards. You will also supervise staff by preparing performance evaluations and, when necessary, conducting investigations related to disciplinary actions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, assign, and coordinate arboriculture crews island-wide; supervise multiple crews and projects to ensure safe and efficient operations
• Supervise work through subordinate supervisors and ensure efficient use of staff and equipment
• Monitor contracts and inspect contractor and developer work for quality and compliance
• Investigate incidents, accidents, and public complaints; prepare reports and recommendations
• Assist with budgeting, procurement, and resource planning
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, licensing, and certification requirements, and the proper use of equipment
• Coordinate with City departments, contractors, agencies, and community organizations on projects and improvements

Nursery and Landscape Section (2 vacancies)

• Plan and coordinate nursery and grounds maintenance programs for parks, streetscapes, and public spaces, including high-visibility areas such as Kuhio Beach and Queen Kapiolani Garden
• Develop and improve landscape maintenance practices, with emphasis on irrigation systems
• Conduct and oversee experimental programs to evaluate new and adaptable plant species
• Research and evaluate fertilizers, insecticides, and other treatments to support plant health and landscape sustainability

Arboriculture Section (1 vacancy)

• Determine appropriate methods and specialized equipment (e.g., cranes, chippers, stump removers) for tree maintenance operations
• Monitor tree maintenance contractors; inspect work quality and issue corrective actions as needed
• Assess tree health, structural conditions, and risk factors, including disease, infestation, and storm damage
• Respond to hazardous tree emergencies, including off-hour situations

Special Working Conditions

• Handle and apply chemicals, including working in areas treated with chemicals
• Work independently in remote or mountainous locations without access to drinking water, restrooms, or electricity
• Work evenings or weekends for pesticide/herbicide application, specialist projects, events, or emergency response
• Serve as a Disaster Response Worker during declared emergencies
• For Arboriculture Section: Work Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• For Arboriculture Section: Respond to emergency work in inclement or extreme weather
• For Arboriculture Section: Work under or near fallen trees, near roadways in low-visibility conditions, around live electrical lines damaged by fallen trees, in off-road conditions, and after hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Benefits

• Generous time off (up to 21 vacation days, 21 sick leave days, and holidays)
• Comprehensive health coverage
• Retirement plan
• Career development opportunities

View details about all available benefits at https://www.honolulu.gov/dhr/benefits/.

Requirements

At the time of application, you must be a citizen, national, or permanent resident alien of the United States or a non-citizen eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment.

Education

Equivalent to graduation from a regionally-accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in agriculture, horticulture, or a related field.

Substitution: Work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Such experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and analytical ability normally gained from the attainment of a bachelor's degree.

• Four (4) years of professional work experience, in any occupation, may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.
• Four (4) years of general work experience (does not need to be professional level) in planning, coordinating, supervising grounds maintenance activities or arboricultural activities (i.e., Grounds Keeping Supervisor, Tree Trimming Supervisor, Supervising Nursery Worker, or equivalent) may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.

Education Verification: Education information must be listed clearly on your application. If available, attach a legible electronic copy of your diploma, official transcripts, and/or applicable foreign credential evaluation to your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education.

Experience

Two (2) years of supervisory experience involving responsibility for a program overseeing the:

• Propagation and cultivation of various plants, shrubs, and trees; and/or
• Care, maintenance, and beautification activities for parks, gardens, streets, malls, or other landscaped areas.

Skills

• Knowledge of horticultural and arboricultural principles and practices
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and supervise arboriculture and grounds maintenance operations
• Experience overseeing tree pruning, trimming, transplanting, relocation, and removal activities
• Knowledge of proper plant, tree, and shrub care techniques
• Ability to identify and assess plant pests, diseases, and tree health issues
• Experience supporting budget development, resource allocation, and equipment planning
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate employee training programs
• Skill in training, mentoring, and directing employees in arboricultural practices and workplace safety procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively through clear and concise oral and written instructions
• Skill in preparing reports, maintaining records, and documenting operational activities
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, stakeholders, and the public

License Requirements

Prior to Appointment:

• Valid Hawaii State driver's license (Type 3/automobile)
• Current State Department of Transportation medical examination certificate
• Hearing Conservation Test (conducted during the pre-employment medical examination)

Prior to Completion of Probation:

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A or B
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certificate
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential
• Certificate for Commercial Applicator of Restricted Pesticides (for the Nursery and Landscape Section only)

The above-listed licenses/certifications must be maintained on a current basis thereafter.