Skyler Nielsen
San Jose,CA
Summary
From working on a family farm to extensive experience in Landscaping, starting as a worker in the field to the position of Grounds, Landscape and Recycling Manager at, San Jose State University, brings a wide berth of skill and knowledge to every job while tying it all together with a work ethic used to rise to any challenge . TRAQ Certified Arborist with the ISA who has worked to keep Urban forests safe and healthy for the communities that use them
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Landscape, Grounds and Recycling
San Jose State University
06.2024 - Current
- Supervise crew of 17 crew who perform maintenance of main campus grounds, athletic fields and golf complex
- Assigned and prioritized work orders for staff based on location and skillset
- Provide guidance concerning industry standards in horticulture and grounds maintenance
- Communicate with other departments and individuals in the University community to understand and resolve grounds related problems
- Perform tree assessments and provide guidance to staff on industry standards regarding tree trimming. For work above staff skillset, schedule and oversee contractor work. This includes writing Scope of Work and track to work through invoicing and payment.
- Work with Lead Groundskeepers to maintain inventory and order needed materials within budget of Grounds Department
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Controlled costs to keep department operating within budget.
Parks Operations Manager
City of Santa Fe
03.2022 - 06.2024
- Responsible for the daily operations of the parks department, including the maintenance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities
- Research blueprints, ordinances, memo's, and archives to make sure precedents are followed for consistency
- Developed and implemented plans and programs to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the parks
- Document and file documents and plans needed for Parks Department
- Acted as City Arborist in practice as the City of Santa Fe did not have a funded Arborist position. To perform this role I achieved my TRAQ qualification during my tenure.
- Supervised and trained a team of park attendants to ensure efficient park maintenance and customer service
- Monitored and responded to customer inquiries and complaints in a timely manner
- Monitored budgets to ensure the efficient and cost-effective use of resources
- Write and edit both interoffice and publicly disseminated communications concerning Park activities
- Work with groups like public engagement and historical to make sure these communications are in line with city standards
- Receive and distribute work orders and check to ensure they completed to department standards and on time
- Work with Municipal Tree Board to develop and implement improvements to City Tree maintenance with an ultimate goal of educating the public on proper tree care
- Develop and maintain relationships with local government, organizations, HOA's and businesses to create community partnerships
- Coordinate with special events, such as concerts and festivals, held in parks
Landscape Supervisor
University of California, Riverside
01.2017 - 02.2022
- Supervised a crew of 17 landscapers at the University of California, Riverside, ensuring adherence to schedule and budget
- Developed and implemented landscape maintenance plans for UCR main campus
- Supervised landscaping projects from concept to completion, ensuring jobs were completed on time and under budget
- Performed regular inspections of assigned properties to identify and address any landscape and horticultural issues
- Maintained and monitored inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies
- Created Scope of Works for outside vendors and ensured work was completed to campus standards
- Performed time studies using blueprints and specs for new or modified campus facilities to determine labor costs and overall cost of ownership for budget planning
- Interpret, distribute, monitor, and track work orders
- Verify that they are completed to proper specs
Lead Groundskeeper
Cabrillo College
02.2010 - 12.2016
- Maintained and improved landscaped areas, including mowing, edging, pruning, aeration, and fertilization of turf
- Operated and maintained tools and equipment, including mowers, tractors, sprayers, spreaders, and other landscape tools
- Planted, transplanted, and removed trees, shrubs, and other plants
- Monitored irrigation systems for proper operation and water conservation
- Supervised and trained staff in proper equipment maintenance, grounds maintenance, and safety procedures
- Prepared reports on grounds maintenance activities as needed
- Inspected grounds and facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards
Grounds Specialist/Gardner/Groundskeeper
Cabrillo College
04.2007 - 01.2010
- Proficient in the use of a wide variety of garden tools and equipment
- Maintained and improved athletic fields for Cabrillo College
- Prepared Fields for intercollegiate games and practices
- Operated and maintained a wide variety of lawn care equipment
- Maintained landscape around campus gymnasium
- Coordinated with Athletic Department to support games and events
- Assisted with maintenance of Campus swim facility
Education
Certified Arborist+TRAQ -
International Society of Arboriculture
Atlanta, GA11.2024
Coursework - Ornamental Horticulture
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA06.2020
Bachelors of Arts - US History
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA12.2002
Skills
- Microsoft Suite
- GIS/Tree Plotter
- Esri
- Kronos
- MUNIS
- Operate bucket trucks, scissor lifts forklift tractors and mowers
- Use of typical landscape tools like Chainsaws, hedgetrimmers, line trimmers; etc
Timeline
Manager of Landscape, Grounds and Recycling
San Jose State University
06.2024 - Current
Parks Operations Manager
City of Santa Fe
03.2022 - 06.2024
Landscape Supervisor
University of California, Riverside
01.2017 - 02.2022
Lead Groundskeeper
Cabrillo College
02.2010 - 12.2016
Grounds Specialist/Gardner/Groundskeeper
Cabrillo College
04.2007 - 01.2010
Coursework - Ornamental Horticulture
Mt San Antonio College
Bachelors of Arts - US History
University of California, Riverside
Certified Arborist+TRAQ -
International Society of Arboriculture
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