Salary: $34.98 Hourly

Location : Bloomington, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 00706

Department: Parks & Recreation

Division: Parks Maintenance

Opening Date: 10/16/2024

Closing Date: 10/30/2024 11:59 PM Central

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Hours/Shift: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm

Description

The Horticulturist is responsible for performing highly skilled work in planning, design, and maintenance of landscape areas in the parks and green spaces. Work involves the planning and design of landscaped areas, including flower beds for the Zoo, parks, boulevards, golf courses, parking lots, etc. Work involves the organization, supervision, and maintenance of assigned areas and crews. Responsibilities include the supervision of both full and part-time staff and coordination with other City departments and committees.

Work is performed under technical independence under the general supervision of the Asst. Superintendent of Parks or the Superintendent of Parks within broadly established policies and procedural requirements. Work is reviewed through reports prepared, periodic or incidental inspections of jobs or upon completion to insure completion in accordance desired results.

Examples of Duties

This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervise and participate in the mowing, watering, weeding, seeding, spraying, and fertilization of assigned areas in safe and efficient manner. Prepares specifications, cost estimates, work write-ups, work orders and/or manpower/equipment usage reports as required. Analyzes assignments or problems; plans for methods, materials and tools needed; maintains or provides resolution of the assignment or problem. Such work may be performed on an independent assignment or with a work crew;
Develop and prepare landscape designs for the Zoo, parks, boulevards, parking lots, municipal golf courses, etc in accordance with City requirements. Supervise and participate in the implementation of prepared designs.
Assist other City departments in the review of proposed and existing landscaping efforts by private development to meet City requirements. Prepares specifications, cost estimates, work write-ups, work orders and/or manpower/equipment usage reports as required.
Install, maintain, and repair underground sprinkler irrigation systems throughout the parks and beautification areas.
Purchase materials and equipment repair parts within established City policies. Perform repairs and adjustments on equipment.
Operate specialized equipment, machinery and a variety of power and hand tools.
Assign, supervise and review the work of maintenance crews; train and provide work direction to crew members in the use of special maintenance equipment and in the application of turf care materials.
Perform Snow plowing and ice removal for in a safe and efficient manner.

Typical Qualifications

General Skill Levels

Knowledge of:
• Techniques and methods utilized in the maintenance of turf, flowers, plants, trees and shrubs.
• Native prairie grass maintenance and installation.
• Specialized tools and equipment used in horticultural and landscaping industry.
• Technique of drafting and landscape design.
• Design and maintenance of underground sprinkler irrigation systems.
• Occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions required when performing assigned work or in the handling of fertilizers and insecticides.
• Computer software system (s) and the ability to enter, retrieve and compile data.

Skill in:
• Planning, organizing and directing staff or contractors within the responsibilities of this position.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• The proper use and care of general and specialized tools and equipment used in horticulture and landscaping industry
• The operation of trucks, plows and equipment.

Ability to:
• Identify diseased or damaged plant material and recommend and perform corrective measures.
• Design landscape designs.
• Perform work independently or in a group under limited supervision.
• Plan, organize and direct a work crew within the responsibilities of this position.
• Ensure that proper on-the-job safety procedures are followed and safety equipment and procedures are properly and consistently used.
• Read and understand technical information and apply guidelines and regulations to operational situations.
• Communicate clearly, courteously and professionally with the public and all City employees sometimes in difficult or stressful situations.
• Understand and follow general oral and written instructions.
• Work evenings, nights and weekends as required and respond to emergency situations and snow operations.
• Receive work assignments through verbal, written, text or electronic means.
• Safely operate tools and equipment used in landscaping and irrigation.
• Operate assigned equipment in an independent and safe manner with a minimum of supervision.
• Maintain work records and logs.

Education/Experience:

Graduation from college or vocational school with special emphasis in horticulture, arboriculture, lawn maintenance and/or landscape design or an equivalent combination of experience and training which would provide the following knowledge, skill and ability. Experience preferred in the supervision of personnel and total implementation of beautification efforts from drawing board to completion.
Certificates and Licenses:
Possession and maintenance of a valid Illinois Class B Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement. Possession of a valid State of Illinois Urban Pesticides Applicator's License.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Traveling to in-town work sites and the ability to walk/work in variety of natural and altered ground surfaces which may be uneven, wet or slippery or sloped.
• Ability to sit/drive vehicles or equipment.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to enter, exit and safely operate motorized equipment.
• Ability to attending occasional training as required

Our employees are our greatest asset and reason for our success. As a full-time Local 699 - Public Works/Parks employee, you will receive a Total Compensation package including healthcare/wellness benefits, paid time off (PTO), insurance and retirement. Details below:

Healthcare/Wellness

Medical - choice between a lower deductible PPO, an HSA-compatible PPO, and an HMO
- All plans administered by BCBS
- 75% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s). Working spouse exclusion applies, however, to the Medical Plan

Dental - PPO

Administered by BCBS
50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)

Vision - PPO

Administered by VSP
50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)

Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Extensive Wellness program, including an annual Health Club Reimbursement Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - for assistance with work, health & life topics such as overall wellbeing, relationship management, workplace challenges, addiction, child/elder care resources, legal advice, financial guidance, nutrition & physical healthPaid Time Off (PTO)

Vacation, provided on the following dates
- 1 week at 6 months of service
- 1 week at 1 year of service
- 2 weeks at 2 years of service
- 3 weeks at 5 years of service
- 4 weeks at 11 years of service
- 5 weeks at 20 years of service

11.5 paid holidays each year

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving
Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year's Eve (1/2 day)

2 personal days provided each year Opportunity to earn a Wellness Day each year 1 sick day earned each month, up to a maximum bank of 90 daysInsurance

$50,000 Employer-provided benefit
Voluntary Life Insurance buy-up

Retirement

Automatic enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Pension - benefit details can be found
Voluntary retirement options available:
- 457 Account (similar to a 401k)
- Roth IRA
- Additional Voluntary After-Tax Contribution (VAC) plan via IMRF

Additional benefit details can be found within the union's

01

How many years of experience do you have that relates to this position?

<1 year
1-2 years
2-5 years
5-8 years
8 or more years

02

Do you have any experience with Parks or landscaping?

03

Do you have a valid State of Illinois Urban Pesticides Applicator's License?

04

How many years of Supervisory experience do you have?

<1 year
1-2 years
2-5 years
5-8 years
8 or more years

Required Question

City of Bloomington, IL jobs

Horticulturist