Rich Bahlman
Vernon,NJ
Summary
To obtain a position to utilize the skills I have received throughout my work experience and education. Experienced Grounds Foreman with comprehensive knowledge in landscape design, project management, and maintenance. Strengths include effective team leadership, strong communication skills, and a keen eye for detail to ensure grounds are kept to high standards. Demonstrated ability in past roles to improve efficiency of operations while maintaining aesthetic appeal and safety standards.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Grounds Foreman
Bernards Township Department of Public Works
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
02.2019 - Current
- Lead nine groundskeepers, optimizing individual strengths for enhanced performance and efficiency.
- Utilize organic practices to maintain and improve all park fields and grounds.
- Supervise budget management for fields, equipment, operations, and protective gear.
- Analyze equipment specifications to elevate departmental efficiency.
- Operate tractors and lawnmowers for diverse maintenance tasks.
- Oversee daily operations and team performance in grounds maintenance activities.
- Coordinate landscaping projects to enhance public parks' aesthetic appeal.
- Train staff on horticultural techniques and maintenance best practices.
- Maintain records of pesticide applications according to state requirements.
- Coordinate with vendors to order supplies needed for groundskeeping projects.
- Perform regular assessments of irrigation systems; identify issues with sprinkler heads or valves and make necessary repairs.
- Analyze soil samples to determine optimal fertilizer mix for various plants and turf areas.
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of grounds maintenance personnel; provide feedback for improvement when necessary.
- Develop annual budget plans for all aspects of the facility's ground-keeping operations.
- Mastered the craft of treating fields pesticide-free to establish a safe place for kids to play.
Crew Chief
Bernards Township Department of Public Works
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
01.2016 - 02.2019
- Supervised and planned various road and right-of-way jobs, including paving and drainage.
- Instructed crews on snow removal, catch basin construction, signage installation, and fence structure maintenance.
- Operated heavy equipment such as loaders, backhoes, skid loaders, pavers, and blacktop rollers.
- Executed tree work and mowing tasks to maintain right-of-way aesthetics.
Truck Driver
Bernards Township Department of Public Works
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
05.2003 - 01.2016
- Performed maintenance and repair of blacktop on town roads.
- Executed snow removal and salting operations to ensure safety during winter months.
- Collaborated with team to complete work orders, concrete tasks, and catch basin repairs.
- Managed tree maintenance, cleanup, and removal activities for enhanced community aesthetics.
- Conducted drainage maintenance and repair to prevent flooding and water accumulation.
- Designed and maintained town signs along with truck lettering for improved visibility.
- Communicated effectively with town residents to address concerns and provide updates.
Education
Certification for Public Works Management Program - New Brunswick, NJ
Rutgers Leadership Program
New Brunswick, NJ11.2025
Leadership Program - Basking Ridge, NJ
Rutgers Leadership Program
Basking Ridge, NJ03.2016
Hardware and Software Upgrade and Technical Administration - Parsippany, NJ
Chubb Institute of Technology
Parsippany, NJ06.2002
Skills
- Team communication and collaboration
- Leadership and team-building
- Safety operations management
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Team building
- Project management
- Equipment maintenance
- Customer service
- Budget management
- Horticultural techniques
- Performance evaluation
- Heavy machinery
- Irrigation systems
- Plant identification
- Pest control
- Employee training
Certifications And License
- Certification of Public Works Management License
- NJ Commercial Pesticide Applicator License with categories that include right-of-way, turf, aquatic, and general household and pest control
- Fertilizer applicator's license
- Playground Safety Certification
Additional Classes
- Heavy Equipment Operation class
- Bucket Truck Safety
- Personal Protective Equipment class
- Flagging and Work Zone Safety class
- Chainsaw and Chipper Safety
- Defensive Driving class
Timeline
Grounds Foreman
Bernards Township Department of Public Works
02.2019 - Current
Crew Chief
Bernards Township Department of Public Works
01.2016 - 02.2019
Truck Driver
Bernards Township Department of Public Works
05.2003 - 01.2016
Certification for Public Works Management Program - New Brunswick, NJ
Rutgers Leadership Program
Leadership Program - Basking Ridge, NJ
Rutgers Leadership Program
Hardware and Software Upgrade and Technical Administration - Parsippany, NJ
Chubb Institute of Technology