Horticulture Maintenance & Ops Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team proudly manages and cares for all ornamental landscapes within the 210+ parks, facility areas, and greenway system Trailheads within the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation park system. We are also responsible for tree planting and care, natural area management, and landscape design and installation. The Horticulture Maintenance and Operations Technician typically works with a Horticulture Specialist within an assigned area of the park system.

You will perform horticulture maintenance and installation. You will also assist the Horticulture Manager and Specialists in other areas including equipment operation and maintenance, OSHA compliance and safety training, and record-keeping. This position also performs routine maintenance activities in any of the maintenance areas. The preferred candidate will possess a NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for this similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at the other locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don t miss this opportunity to apply!

We are seeking someone who exhibits these qualities:

• Hard-working and self-starting.
• Successful as a member of a team.
• Seeks out new learning opportunities and professional growth.
• Substantial plant knowledge and passionate about horticulture.
• Has training and education in best management practices including integrated pest management (IPM), soil preparation/management, and plant selection.
• Interested in exploring more sustainable practices in the profession of park horticulture and landscape management.
• Associates or 4-year degree in Horticulture, Botany, or Biology preferred.

• Perform setup, breakdown, and cleaning during events.
• Perform routine and non-routine cleaning services to restrooms and rental facilities.
• Remove limbs and debris; blows leaves off sidewalks and greenways; clears mud and water from greenway tunnels after storms, and mow and trim ball fields.
• May assist in manual labor as needed such as brick laying, pipe laying, painting, carpentry, and other construction tasks.
• Layout measurements and line ball fields and assist in performing field maintenance.
• Operate power mowers, chainsaws, brush cutter, edger and clippers, power washers, ATVs, litter vacuum, and other equipment used in facility maintenance, landscaping, roadside maintenance, and right of way cleaning.
• Open park gates and removes trash.
• Assist repair technicians in duties.
• May operate light equipment such as utility vehicles, tractors, mowers and dump trucks.
• May serve as a lead on a small work crew, community service workers, volunteers and/or part-timers.
• May receive, sort, and package materials.

Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to area of assignment

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: N/A

Computer

Skills:

General knowledge of applicable computer programs

Licenses and

Certifications:

Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges. Depending on area of assignment- may require Class A or Class B CDL

Knowledge:

• Light equipment used in maintenance, grounds keeping, and construction.
• Occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe operation of this equipment.
• Safe work practices and hazards associated with work.
• Use of the tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in the maintenance activities.

Skills:

• Filling out daily work sheets and other required forms.
• Light trucks, small tractors, mowers and similar automotive equipment.

Abilities:

• Adaptability:
  Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Collaboration:
  
  Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Commu…