Horticultural Assistant

Primary Purpose

This position performs horticulture duties in support of landscape development and maintenance throughout the City Parks system and grounds.

Under direct supervision of Parks Horticulturist. Supervises seasonal park horticulture laborers and volunteers.

• Maintains flowering beds including both perennial and annual plants by planting plant materials, mulching, fertilizing, applying pesticides, pruning, and removing dead plant material.
• Maintains tree plantings to include pruning, mulching, fertilizing, pesticide applications and dead/decayed tree removal.
• Implements plans and strategies for maintenance and improvements to lawn and turf areas.
• Assists other park maintenance division personnel in conduct of special events as required.
• Supervises work activities of seasonal horticultural assistants and volunteers assigned to assist with landscape related activities.
• Conducts operations related to the maintenance of grounds, including mowing, aeration, fertilizing, seeding, and general grounds upkeep.
• Waters a variety of plant material utilizing various methods including hoses and water tanks.

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED
• Three or more years of related or equivalent experience in installing and maintaining landscapes preferred
• Valid Driver s License

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Effectively organizes and prioritizes work.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to learn the methods and standards of park operations.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public.
• Have strength and dexterity to operate a variety of equipment and tools.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for short distances.
• Must have good hand to eye coordination.
• Ability to perform tasks at or above head height for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work from heights, and climb and descend a ladder a minimum of four steps.
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles per day.
• Ability to stoop, bend, climb, kneel, and crawl as needed to adequately perform maintenance of parks.

Works primarily outdoors in all weather conditions. Exposure to dust, ice, snow, heat, rain, and physical hazards associated with working in this environment. Exposure to pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

• Single and double axle trucks and trailers, Sprayers
• Backpack and hand held blowers, String trimmer
• Log chipper, Light and heavy-duty tractors, skid steers
• Hand tools such as rakes and shovels, Pruning tools
• Two-way radio, Tillers, Chain saw, Front cut mowers

Note: This Job Description is not intended to limit the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee may be required to perform other duties as assigned for the effective operation of the department.