Equipment Operator - Horticulture

Horticulture Department

Under the close supervision of assigned supervisor, the employee performs basic equipment operation needed to accomplish the objectives and functions of the assigned City department. Employees in this position do not require a high degree of manipulative skill or previous work experience, in order to do an effective job. Employee operates light equipment and provides manual labor for the completion of projects.

In most instances, employees in this position are under close supervision so there is little opportunity to make mistakes of any consequence. Employee receives specific detailed instructions from supervisor. Work is performed under established procedures with frequent inspections during progress with a final inspection of completed work. Assignments that are repetitive in nature, once learned, may be carried out under normal supervision.

Employee performs routine maintenance inspections on assigned equipment, notifies supervisor of equipment failures, and may assist with repairs. Employee also performs other routine manual labor as assigned. This is an entry-level operator position. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment background check and random drug screens.

This job description is written generically in order to meet the requirements for several City departments. Duties listed are inclusive of multiple departments and may not apply solely to a specific department or division. 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.

• Drive and operate light equipment for the Department, including tractors, mowers, and light dump trucks.
• Maintain assigned areas and rights‑of‑way (ROW) by mowing grass, edging, and trimming bushes and trees.
• Operate small engine power tools including lawn mowers, chain saws, concrete saw, leaf vacuum, blower, and weed eaters.
• Load and unload materials and equipment.
• Drive City vehicles to job sites.

• Perform pre‑work safety inspections of assigned equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Ensure assigned vehicles and equipment are properly fueled.
• Monitor mileage and ensure vehicle receives scheduled maintenance.
• Report the need for equipment repairs to supervisor.
• Perform work or may assist crew leader or other repairmen with minor mechanical repairs.
• Cleans and washes vehicles.

• Perform road and ROW repair and maintenance activities.
• Use a chainsaw to cut trees and bushes from ROW.
• Collect debris and trash.
• Clear roads of fallen trees, limbs, and other items following storms or emergencies.
• Operate equipment to clean out drains, traps, and ditches.
• Construct molds and forms to work with concrete.
• Form and repair curbs, gutters, and sidewalks.
• Operate small engine power tools including lawn mowers and weed eaters.
• Use concrete saws and other drills and skill saws.
• Ensure proper signage is visible during assigned operations.
• Use hand tools such as saws, hammers, and shovels.
• Shovel asphalt, rocks, dirt, and other materials during road repairs and landscape work.
• Perform flagman duties, as needed, while on road maintenance or horticulture jobs.
• Pick up and pile brush, refuse and other materials.

• Assist with City special events such as placing barricades and barriers.
• Respond to calls during hurricanes, inclement weather, or other emergency situations.
• Perform other job‑related duties as required or assigned.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of one year of work experience operating light equipment in landscape maintenance or construction work; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
• Possess a current and valid driver’s license; ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within the six months of employment; must be insurable.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, or emergencies as…