Lead Public Service Worker - Landscaping & Forestry Crew

Lead Public Service Worker - Landscaping & Forestry Crew

Salary

Depends on Qualifications

Location

Public Works Department, 800 Rabbitt Road, Gaithersburg, MD

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

FY2026-01102

Department

Public Works

Division

Landscaping & Forestry (1341)

Opening Date

05/15/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Are you looking for a secure job with great pay and excellent benefits? Do you like physical work in an outdoor environment? Would you like to find a career, not just a job? You've come to the right place! We have two immediate openings for Lead Public Service Workers on our Landscaping & Forestry Crew in the Gaithersburg Department of Public Works.

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Candidates must have at least five years of relevant experience in commercial landscaping, grounds or tree maintenance, or other related field; demonstrated experience operating light and heavy equipment commonly used in performing routine construction and maintenance work safely and efficiently; and demonstrated experience using digital tools and technology to perform job-related tasks (such as tracking work orders, preparing reports, electronic timekeeping, etc.). At least two years of experience leading small work crews in maintenance/construction work is preferred. You must possess a valid Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement ("N") at the time of hire or agree to obtain your Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement within 12 months of your hire date as a condition of your employment. Training/equipment to assist you in meeting this requirement will be offered, and testing and licensing costs are paid for by the City.

40 hours per week; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the target hiring range ($57,000 - $64,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the relevant experience, knowledge, qualifications, training, certifications, and skills proficiency of the candidate.

As a Lead Public Service Worker on the Landscaping & Forestry Crew, you will be a front-line lead responsible for leading and participating in the work of a small, highly specialized team of workers 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. We are looking for a motivated, hard-working, and experienced individual who can serve as a front line leader while providing expertise and participating as a skilled member of the team. To be successful in this position, you must be a positive team player and role model with a "roll-up-your-sleeves" attitude, great communication and team building skills, and a safety driven approach to all projects.

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 training and professional growth/promotional opportunities.

Job Functions

What you will do with us:

• Lead small teams and assume the duties and responsibilities of the Crew Leader when designated; assist with limited planning of daily work schedules, materials, and equipment.
• Determine work procedures (within established guidelines); assist with assigning duties and coordinating daily tasks of the assigned crew.
• Monitor and inspect work in progress to assure conformance with instructions and ensure work schedules and quality standards are met.
• Verify and ensure work tasks are performed in a safe manner utilizing proper safety procedures and equipment; enforce safe work practices and work zone safety (traffic control/MUTCD standards).
• Utilize work management software to receive, update, and close work orders; produce simple reports and maintain accurate records.
• Train assigned personnel in safety, proper equipment use, and routine/specialized work procedures; assess skills and training needs to aid in their development.
• Encourage and develop responsibility and teamwork among subordinate crew workers; provide objective and constructive feedback to the Crew Leader/Supervisor regarding performance.
• 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]).
• Prepare and maintain proper traffic control and other safety measures in and around work zones; set up cones/signs/barricades per work plans.
• Maintain daily work records and prepare work reports, summaries, and inventory logs; document materials, labor, equipment, and services.
• Work independently on or lead special assignments or focused projects, as directed.
• Serve as an initial contact person during emergencies occurring during off-duty hours, as assigned; respond to emergency situations; participate in callback and overtime.
• Perform the full range of duties of the Public Service Worker and Senior Public Service Worker (Maintenance Worker) job classes, including but not limited to routine and trades-based tasks such as:
• Grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, landscaping, mulching, irrigation, playground upkeep).
• Rights-of-way maintenance (litter collection, leaf collection, brush/vegetation control).
• Snow and ice removal (plow, salt, shovel; clear sidewalks and public areas)

Key job responsibilities are outlined above; please click here to view the complete classification description for the Lead Public Service Worker position. The classification description indicates the full salary range established for this position to provide opportunity for growth and development (Grade 105 in the Citys FY 2027 Schedule of Salary Ranges).

Qualifications

What you will need to be considered:

• Be hard working, dependable, responsible, punctual, and safety conscious
• Ability to deliver excellent customer service with a positive attitude.
• Be able to work cooperatively with others and contribute to a successful team effort.
• High school diploma or equivalent (desirable).
• At least 5 years of relevant skilled experience/specialized training in landscape installation and maintenance procedures, grounds or tree care and maintenance, or closely related field.
• At least 2 years of experience leading small work crews (preferred).
• Have demonstrated skill and ability safety operating a variety of light and heavy equipment and maintenance and repair tools/equipment.
• Ability to prepare simple reports and give, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Solid computer/technology skills using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel), specialized department-related recordkeeping and reporting software applications, and other applications appropriate to assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Be able to perform moderate to heavy manual labor over extended periods of time, possibly under adverse weather conditions.
• Valid drivers license and safe driving record (required). (Must possess Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement ["N"] at time of or within 12 months of hire.)
• A valid, unexpired Medical Examiners Certification/DOT physical card (may be obtained during pre-employment medical examination and must be maintained throughout employment).
• OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training (required upon appointment/promotion or must be obtained after hire within timeframe established by the Department upon hire).
• Basic flagging/work zone safety certification (required; may be obtained through the City upon hire).
• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (required; may be obtained through the City upon hire).
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to follow safety precautions and work procedures.
• 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.
• Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, and aerial/bucket lifts from various heights and/or in confined spaces.
• Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties.

Additional Information

Interested applicants must submit an online application to be considered.

Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged. Positions will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applications are received or all hiring decisions have been made.

These positions are non-exempt which means an individual in the position is eligible for overtime compensation under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Citys personnel regulations. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.

Successful candidates 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 hr@gaithersburgmd.gov.

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.

The City of Gaithersburg offers its full-time employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and professional lives. Employees are eligible on their first day of employment (unless otherwise specified). We provide employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

HEALTH BENEFITS

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - employer pays 85% of premium in each tier
• Multi-tiered coverage options (single, single + spouse, single + child, single + children, family)
• Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans)

Medical Insurance

• CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Wellness Initiatives

Dental Insurance

• Sun Life Indemnity Plan
• Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings
• Basic or Enhanced Plans offered

Vision Insurance

• National Vision Administrators
• Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings

RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS

• Eligible for immediate enrollment in all plans upon hire
• 401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employees annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years
• 401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employees annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years
• 401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years
• 457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only)

PAID LEAVE

• Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service)
• Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual)
• Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually)
• Family Care Leave (up to 8 weeks in rolling 12-month period for eligible employees) to care for newborn/newly adopted/newly placed child or family member
• Holidays (11 holidays observed each year)
• Volunteer Service (12 hours granted annually)
• Jury duty, bereavement leave, military leave (as needed)

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans
• Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Long-Term Disability & Workers Compensation Insurance
• Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly)
• Language Learning Program (through Babbel)
• Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees)
• Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service)
• Healthy Lifestyle Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program
• First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
• Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs
• Credit Union
• Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts
• Direct Deposit (required)

Click on the link below to view general information about the benefits available.

Summary of Employee Benefits (pdf)

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and may be used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information ("see resume" is not acceptable) may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within your application?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you at least 18 years of age as of the date of this application?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have at least 5 years of relevant skilled experience in landscape installation and maintenance procedures, grounds or tree care maintenance, or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have at least 2 years of experience serving as front-line lead for small work teams?

• Yes
• No

06

Please list the relevant light and heavy equipment you have experience using [see examples in the job posting] and indicate your proficiency level with each (basic, intermediate, advanced, etc.).

07

Do you possess a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL)?

• Yes, Class A CDL
• Yes, Class B CDL
• I do not possess a CDL

09

If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please indicate the State in which the license was obtained, expiration date, and any endorsements or certifications you currently possess.

10

List any other relevant current professional certifications, licenses, or other credentials that you possess. Include the date completed or attained.

11

Are you able to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to follow safety precautions and work procedures?

• Yes
• No

12

This position may require the ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, and aerial/bucket lifts from various heights. If hired for this position, do you agree that you will be able to fulfill these expectations?

• Yes
• No

13

This position may require the ability to work in confined spaces. If hired for this position, do you agree that you will be able to fulfill these expectations?

• Yes
• No

14

How did you first learn about this employment opportunity?

• City of Gaithersburg Website
• Job Interest Card Notification
• Indeed
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Other Website
• Social Media
• Friend or Relative
• I am currently a City employee
• Other

Required Question

Employer City of Gaithersburg

Address 31 South Summit Avenue

Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20877

Phone 301-258-6327

Website http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/government/job-opportunities