Under the general supervision of the Horticulture Supervisor, the employee is responsible for the care and maintenance of City parks, grounds, and rights-of-way (ROW) ensuring they are free from unseemly or overgrown vegetation and present a superior look throughout the City. The employee receives daily instructions and guides an assigned crew as a crew leader while performing landscaping/horticulture duties. This job is a fully qualified, fully functioning, and experienced gardener within the job family. Employee exercises judgment in ensuring the safety of assigned crew. Work is performed under established procedures with regular inspections during progress and final inspection of completed work. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.  A person with a disability which is covered by the ADA must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Landscape Maintenance and Horticulture Activities. The employee performs duties with the landscape maintenance of City-managed properties and horticulture assets to ensure a pleasant and attractive appearance.
 

1. Acts as a work lead for routine and special projects.
2. Assists in developing and coordinating the service routes for landscape maintenance crews to ensure regular coverage of all City areas.
3. Follows the planting schedule for annual and perennial plants and shrubs in seasonal plant and flower change overs.
4. Plants trees, shrubs, and flowers at correct depths.
5. Detects imperfections in the landscape, whether it be litter, improper grass mowing, or improper pruning; takes corrective action.
6. Detects and treats fungus or insect growth on flowers and shrubs.
7. Prunes and trims trees and shrubs as directed, in a manner approved by the International Society of Arboriculture.
8. Maintains existing irrigation systems.
9. Mixes and applies fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides according to manufacturer’s directions and schedule.
10. Lays sod; plants bushes, shrubs, and trees as assigned.
11. Inspects grounds to ensure safety of the public and fellow workers; notes possible safety hazards or causes of injury acts to report/correct issue.
12. Maintains City rose garden ensuring roses are properly trimmed, weeded, and sprayed weekly.
13. Ensures plants do not have dead leaves, flowers, or stalks in beds.
14. Ensures plants are properly watered.
15. Replaces soil in beds when needed.
16. Loads and unloads equipment, debris, and material.
17. Assists in litter pickup throughout the City.
18. Drives vehicles to and from job sites.

1. Operates power equipment and hand tools to maintain the City’s property and ROW.
2. Mows grass and edges around beds and other obstacles.
3. Operates small engine power tools including lawn mowers, chain saws, leaf vacuums and blowers, pole saws, and weed eaters.
4. Operates a bucket truck and boom truck to support tree trimming.
5. Conducts daily safety check prior to use of each piece of equipment.

1. Performs pre-work safety inspections of equipment and performs preventative maintenance; greases, check fluids, tire pressure, gas, and gauges.
2. Ensures assigned equipment is fueled.
3. Reports equipment maintenance status to supervisor.

1. Assists with Sanitation crews if needed and assigned.
2. Assists with City special events such as placing barricades and barriers.
3. Assists with traffic control as assigned.
4. Responds to emergency calls during hurricanes, inclement weather, or other emergency situations.
5. Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

1. Possess a high school diploma or GED.
2. Minimum of three (3) years of work experience in ornamental landscaping; two (2) years of experience as a City Gardener I; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of job.
3. Possess a current and valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain this license within six (6) months of hire; must be insurable.
4. Ability to obtain and maintain ADEM certification for pesticide and herbicide spraying.
5. Ability to work overtime, weekends, or emergencies as needed.
6. Ability to travel throughout City to perform job functions.
7. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
(* Can be acquired on the job)
 

1. *Knowledge of City rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
2. *Knowledge of City geography, horticulture beds, and systems.
3. Knowledge of ornamental grasses, trees, shrubs, and plants.
4. Knowledge of ornamental landscaping methods and techniques.
5. Knowledge of soils and plant reactions to proper soil, water levels, light, and chemicals.
6. Knowledge of different types of chemicals, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides to appropriate species.
7. Knowledge of how to apply chemicals correctly.
8. Knowledge of horticulture and irrigation methods and techniques.
9. Knowledge of traffic control methods and procedures.
10. Knowledge of landscape maintenance equipment and tools.
11. Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention.
12. Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing.
13. Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, the general public.
14. Listening skills to understand and follow verbal instructions.
15. Physical skills, strength, and coordination to perform required tasks.
16. Hand/eye coordination skills to operate various machinery, power, and hand tools (i.e., chainsaw) and make fine adjustments.
17. Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.
18. Ability to act as a crew lead and provide guidance and direction.
19. Ability to work well with co-workers.
20. Ability to work under minimal supervision.
21. Ability to interact with the public in a calm and courteous manner.
22. Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve issues with the plants.
23. Ability to recognize plant diseases and insects.
24. Ability to measure and mix chemicals correctly.
25. Ability to correctly apply mulch.
26. Ability to determine appropriate watering cycles for plants.
27. Ability to properly prune different types of plants at appropriate points (according to species).
28. Ability to work in all weather conditions.
29. Ability to climb on top of and crawl under various vehicles as required.
30. Ability to lift and move objects greater than 50 lbs.
31. Ability to operate a two-way radio/communication device.
32. Ability to use various power and hand tools.
33. Ability to remain alert when operating vehicles and equipment.
34. Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
35. Ability to read maps.
36. Ability to drive.