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Position: Maintenance Foreman
Reports to: Superintendent of Maintenance and Security
Department: Park Operations
Type of Position: Full-time, Exempt
Posted: November 4, 2009

In 2007 the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway opened to the public as the long-awaited benefit of Boston’s mega-project, the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, also known as the “The Big Dig”.  Families, workers and visitors can now walk through the Greenway’s plazas, enjoy its gardens and gaze at the changing fountain displays.  With the demolition of the overhead highway that stood for fifty years, neighborhoods are being physically and psychologically rejoined to one another, to downtown, and to Boston.

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, is a private non-profit corporation founded in 2004. As the steward of this new urban parkland, it is dedicated to raising broad-based support to ensure standards of excellence in the design, sustainability and use of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

Position Description

The Maintenance Foreman shall assist in the efficient, effective, sustainable and safe maintenance of hardscape elements and support systems i.e., paving, walls, benches, fountains, sculpture installations, electrical and lighting elements, site accessories and other resources being managed by the Greenway Conservancy. 

The Maintenance Foreman will be responsible for the public's safety as it relates to maintenance work.  Consistent with the methods used in plant care by the horticulture department, the Maintenance Foreman shall maintain hardscape elements in first-class condition utilizing advanced sustainable practices. 

The Maintenance Foreman will implement sustainable practices that reduce use of non-renewable resources, minimize environmental impact, and connect people with the natural elements of the Greenway's environment.  Ability to maintain safe water quality in the fountains in the Greenway is required.  Ability to operate and program computer controlled fountain and lighting systems is required.  The Maintenance team will be seen as the resource for knowledge of hardscape materials and elements for ongoing projects and related educational programming. 

The ideal candidate will have a high level of mechanical ability and be able to work collaboratively with fellow colleagues to learn, develop and implement the hardscape maintenance program for the Greenway.  The Maintenance Foreman will serve as a model for safety, lead by example and mentor staff in conduct and in the proper stewardship of the Parks. This position supervises full-time seasonal employees, apprentices and interns, volunteers, and contracted staff.  This position will assist in the review and supervisory conduct of maintenance staff on a daily and annual basis. It is important that the Foreman be able to work with people who possess various abilities and understanding of Maintenance. 

The Maintenance Foreman will be part of the mentoring program for our young workforce as they participate in the apprenticeship program. Workforce training is an important aspect of the management role and will be shared with staff in the Education Department.  This is a full-time (5 days a week), year-round position.  The Maintenance Foreman will be able to respond to frequent after-hours events and programs including snow removal on an “on-call” basis.  Work schedule will include some weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

This position reports to the Superintendent of Maintenance and Security.  The primary task areas are outlined below:

• Assist in establishing the Maintenance Department’s goals and priorities for the season and the year based on long-term maintenance schedules and plans as well as immediate issues.  Assist in developing and managing an annual budget to provide for all goods, services, and staffing needed to meet these goals and objectives.  To represent the department’s interests within the Conservancy and to outside organizations. 
• Perform a variety of maintenance tasks as well as direct other maintenance staff and contractors in the repair, reconstruction, maintenance and cleaning of all hard surfaces ( paving, walls, site furnishings, artworks), systems (electrical, plumbing, irrigation, fountains, water features, high pressure fog technology, specialty lighting, computerized control systems, etc.) and structures (including Greenway office(s), facilities, and workshops) to ensure that they are kept in first class condition.  Experience with and ability to maintain sophisticated fountain systems that include water filtration and proper analysis and use of chemicals, compressors and computer controlled programming is required.  Demonstrate excellent technical skills needed for maintaining the above.  Train field staff in technical skills as needed.
• Serve as a leader for the maintenance staff; providing a good example for others to follow and ensuring good morale. 
• Assist with the management of the maintenance and repair of all Conservancy vehicles and equipment to ensure that they are in top condition. 
• Work closely with various departments as well as other organizations on special events projects, other park-wide issues and the Conservancy’s overall priorities.
• Assist in implementing, in conjunction with Conservancy staff and consultants, workable and design sensitive solutions for park system problems which may emerge in the operation of the parks.
• Assist in the management of subcontractors and participate in the snow and ice removal process, including the use of plows, snow shovels, “ice breakers”, snow blowers and de-icing spreaders on an emergency and non-emergency basis during weekdays and weekends (24/7, year-round).
• This position requires the ability to work weekends, nights and holidays on an as-needed basis.

Additional Responsibilities

Perform other duties as required in the scope of the job as designated by the Director of Park Operations and Superintendent of Maintenance and Security.

 

Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of seven years of maintenance experience.  Must have excellent communication (both verbal and written in English), interpersonal, organizational, technical, mechanical and analytical skills. 

The Maintenance Foreman must be capable of working additional hours, under pressure and independently as necessary as well as handling a diverse range of responsibilities.  Demonstrate the ability to work as a team member of the maintenance department maintaining positive work relations with fellow crew members.  Must be able to operate all tools, vehicles, and equipment required for use by the Maintenance Department. Must be on call for participating in emergency snow removal at all times.  Ability to interact with all levels of management and staff is essential.  Registration (or ability to become registered) as a Massachusetts Certified Pool Operator is required.  Good computer skills as outlined above are required.  Must have a valid US driver’s license. 

Successful candidate must provide references, agree to a background check and be able to gain CORI certification.  This position is exempt as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by March 1, 2010 to info@rosekennedygreenway.org or mail your information to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, 185 Kneeland Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. No telephone calls, please.