Crew Foreman - Landscaping & Forestry

City-of-Gaithersbur; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 73,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance benefits (medical, dental, 视

Paid time off

Retirement contributions

Student loan assistance

Work-life balance

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

City of Gaithersburg is seeking a Crew Foreman for the Landscaping & Forestry Crew in the Department of Public Works. You will supervise the crew, coordinate daily work, and ensure safety and quality in public landscapes, medians, and streetscapes.

Requirements include 5+ years in landscaping/grounds maintenance and 5+ years supervising crews; a Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement is required or obtainable within time frame; ISA Arborist credential preferred.

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant responsible experience in landscape installation and maintenance
• 5 years leading or supervising work crews
• Valid Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement (N) or obtainable within timeframe
• ISA Certified Arborist credential preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of the Landscaping & Forestry Crew
• Prioritize assignments and deploy workforce, equipment, and materials
• Plan weekly/monthly workload and forecast needs
• Maintain safety and compliance with MUTCD, OSHA, and City rules
• Provide mentorship and training to crew members
• Complete administrative tasks and reports
• Operate light and heavy equipment safely and efficiently

Skills

Crew supervision

Team leadership

Safety management

Equipment operation

Digital tools

Tools

VueWorks

Work management software

Job description

Applications are being accepted for a Crew Foreman position on the Landscaping & Forestry Crew in the Department of Public Works.

As a Landscaping & Forestry Crew Foreman, you will coordinate, oversee, and participate in the daily work activities of the specialized crew that creates, builds, and maintains streetscapes, landscaped medians, and other public facility landscapes for the enjoyment of all. The Landscaping & Forestry Crew maintains more than 91 properties, placing over 800 yards of mulch, planting 150 trees, and trimming more than 2,500 trees each year. The Crew Foreman provides advanced supervisory direction, technical oversight, project coordination, safety management, and quality control to ensure that work of the Landscaping & Forestry Crew is completed efficiently, safely, and in accordance with City standards. You may occasionally supervise multiple crews performing other Public Works functions simultaneously and may serve as an Acting Crew Supervisor when assigned.

You must have at least 5 years of relevant responsible experience related to landscape installation and maintenance procedures, grounds or tree care and maintenance, or closely related field; 5 years of demonstrated experience leading or supervising work crews including planning, organizing, scheduling, assigning, evaluating, and directing the work of subordinate personnel; have previous experience using tools, equipment, and vehicles commonly used in landscaping and grounds maintenance related work activities; and have demonstrated proficiency using digital tools and technology to perform job-related tasks (such as work management and performance management software, electronic timekeeping, etc.). You must possess (upon appointment or within 12 months of hire) and maintain a valid Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement ("N"); and other professional certifications/licenses are required upon appointment or must be obtained within a determined time frame - current ISA Certified Arborist credential preferred. (See the Crew Foreman I/II class specification for details regarding certification requirements for each level). You must be a positive team player and role model who can build and maintain cooperative working relationships with members of the work crew and management staff.

40 hours per week; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. This position may be filled at the Crew Foreman I or II level, depending on qualifications. Starting salary is negotiable within the anticipated hiring range (see below) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience, knowledge, qualifications, training, certifications, and skills proficiency of the candidate:

• Crew Foreman I - $73,000 - $80,000
• Crew Foreman II - $78,000 - $85,000

We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, excellent work/life balance, and opportunities for professional growth and career progression.

What you will do with us:

• Lead, coordinate, oversee, and participate in the daily work activities of the Landscaping & Forestry Crew and other crews performing other Public Works functions.
• Prioritize daily assignments; organize work crews; ensure workforce, equipment, and materials are effectively deployed.
• Assist with planning weekly/monthly workload, staffing needs, equipment deployment, and material forecasting.
• Utilize work management software to manage work orders, track progress, document outcomes, and ensure accurate data entry.
• Maintain detailed daily work logs, material usage records, labor documentation, equipment reports, and digital entries using work management software.
• Establish, set up, and maintain proper safe work zones in compliance with Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards.
• Conduct bi-weekly safety meetings, toolbox talks, and training sessions.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and hands‑on training to crew members and Crew Leaders.
• Enforce safe work practices, proper personal protective equipment use, and adherence to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and City safety regulations.
• Conduct and document safety inspections, equipment checks, and facility/yard inspections.
• Coordinate and lead special projects requiring complex planning, advanced problem‑solving, and multi‑crew coordination.
• Respond to service requests; assess site conditions; determine staffing, equipment, and work methods needed.
• Serve as an Acting Crew Supervisor when assigned and support supervisory‑level decision‑making as needed.
• Encourage teamwork and accountability among crew members and maintain a productive, respectful work environment.
• Supervise, evaluate, and provide guidance and technical assistance to subordinate crew members; perform ongoing feedback to staff.
• Participate in the selection, hiring, and orientation of new crew members.
• Complete administrative tasks including performance documentation, training records, safety documentation, and project reports.
• Operate light and heavy equipment to perform routine construction and maintenance work safely and efficiently (e.g., pickup with trailer, small dump truck, small bucket truck, boom truck, Trackless sidewalk tractor and all attachments, walk‑behind and ride‑on mower, line trimmer, leaf loader, chainsaw, chipper, plate compactor, small skid steer loader, light attachments, backhoe with front bucket [inside yard]).
• Supervise/monitor proper care and maintenance of all tools and equipment used in performing crew operations and other Public Works functions.
• Lead and participate in snow and ice removal efforts and respond to emergency situations.
• Provide excellent service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.

Key job responsibilities are highlighted above; please view the complete classification description for the Crew Foreman I/II position. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for each position in the City’s FY 2027 Schedule of Salary Ranges to provide opportunity for growth and development (Grade 108 for Crew Foreman I, Grade 109 for Crew Foreman II).

What you will need to be considered:

• At least 5 years of relevant responsible experience related to landscaping/forestry/grounds maintenance and at least 5 years of demonstrated experience leading or supervising work crews.
• Proficiency coordinating and supervising multiple crews simultaneously, enforcing safety standards, advanced equipment operation, and staff supervision and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and develop staff; plan, lead, and complete special projects; conduct bi‑weekly safety meetings; and perform and maintain safety inspections and associated records.
• Experience using tools, equipment, and vehicles commonly used in performing landscaping/forestry/grounds maintenance operations.
• Demonstrated proficiency using digital tools and technology to perform job‑related tasks (work management software [e.g., VueWorks], performance management software, electronic timekeeping, etc.)
• Valid, unexpired Medical Examiner's Certificate/DOT physical card (may be obtained during pre‑employment medical examination and must be maintained throughout employment).
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• The following are required upon appointment or hire in the Crew Foreman I position or must be obtained after hire/appointment within the time frame established by the City as a condition of employment:
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement ("N").
  • OSHA 10‑Hour Safety Training.
  • Basic flagging/work zone safety certification.
  • Obtain and maintain at least two landscaping/forestry related professional certifications – ISA Certified Arborist credential preferred.
  • Complete at least two supervisor‑level training courses recognized by the City.
  • To be considered for hire/appointment at the Crew Foreman II level, other certifications are required upon appointment (see class specification).
• Ability to work cooperatively with others and lead and contribute to a successful team effort.
• Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor over extended periods of time, possibly under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to follow safety precautions and work procedures.
• Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, and aerial/bucket lifts from various heights and/or in confined spaces.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when required; and to return to work when designated to be on call for emergency situations or repair work and/or snow and ice removal.
• Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties and responsibilities.

Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered:

• A complete online application
• Current resume (attached to the online application)

Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. The Crew Leader I/II positions are non‑exempt which means an individual in either position is eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the City’s personnel regulations. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.

If not already a full‑time employee in the Department of Public Works, the successful candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment criminal background investigation and medical examination including drug/alcohol screening. The City has established an alcohol‑free, drug‑free, and smoke‑free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre‑employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing.

For more information about the position, contact the Department of Public Works at 301.258.6370 or publicworks@gaithersburgmd..gov. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at 301.258.6327 or [e-mail].

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 12 months.