Nature of Work
This is very responsible technical position requiring expertise in horticulture, plant management and plant maintenance. This position provides management and supervision to work crews that perform planning and coordination of the installation of both annual and semi-annual flowers and plants throughout the city. This position provides plans and specifications for construction of planters and planter beds along with guidance and supervision on how to repair and maintenance all plants and plant materials city-wide. This position also oversees the maintenance and related activities of city parks, city grounds and facilities, and related recreational structures and equipment. Activities associated with the job include bidding, selecting, and planting seasonal flowers, maintaining the plants, shrubs, and trees on city lands and selection and planting on new flowers, shrubs, and trees, supervises mowing and weed eating of parks and other recreational facilities while ensuring the timely collection of trash and other debris from common areas and picnic facilities and ensuring the proper preventive maintenance and upkeep of all machines and equipment. Additional activities include overseeing and assisting with the preparation of buildings and pavilions for special public events and inspecting playground equipment to ensure the safety of the public. Job related duties require considerable knowledge in horticulture of flowering plants, trees and shrubs, grounds maintenance and public park facility operations, considerable supervisory experience, considerable experience working for a recreation department or landscaping company and performing routine and preventive maintenance activities, ability to effectively supervise and direct the activities of assigned personnel, strong interpersonal, organizational and decision making skills and sufficient strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions. Job performance is evaluated by the Assistant Director of Parks in coordination with the Director of Parks and Recreation. This evaluation includes a thorough review of the effectiveness and coordination of parks and recreation maintenance operations and activities, ability to effectively supervise and direct the activities of staff and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures, skill in operating mowing and grounds maintenance equipment and performing routine and preventive maintenance activities and organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills.
Illustrative Examples of Work
- Provide a high level of proficiency and knowledge related to horticulture practices related to plants, shrubs, and trees in the management, maintenance, and long-term care.
- Provides plans and specification for construction of planting beds, plant selections, and provide expertise needed for proper installation.
- Develops specifications and bid documents for annual flowers, reviews bids, and makes recommendations for purchase.
- Assists with the maintenance of attendance records, time sheets and other payroll records for assigned personnel.
- Ensures the timely and thorough completion and submission of accident reports in the event of work related accidents and/or injuries.
- Oversees the mowing of grass in softball fields, baseball fields, common areas and other park and recreation facilities according to seasonal needs.
- Supervises weed eating around fences, trees, shrubbery, flower beds etc. to enhance the appearance of public parks and recreational facilities.
- Supervises the planting of trees, shrubbery and flowers in parks, around recreational facilities and in flower beds according to seasonal needs.
- Periodically inspects playground equipment and grounds to ensure the safety of the public and schedules routine and/or emergency repairs when necessary.
- Supervises routine preventive maintenance practices and minor repairs on lawn equipment and machinery.
- Supervises the collection of trash and other debris from playing fields, parks and recreational facilities and other public areas.
- Supervises the preparation of buildings and pavilions for special events and activities by setting up chairs and tables, emptying trash receptacles, etc.
- Supervises the cleaning of restrooms, shelters and other recreational facilities when required.
- Performs related duties as required.
Necessary Requirements of Work
Associate Degree (Bachelor Degree Preferred) in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field, with three (3) years’ experience, considerable supervisory experience required. Certification in Horticulture and considerable experience in plant management and maintenance preferred, along with proficient knowledge to performing lawn maintenance and/or landscaping duties which includes ornamental plants and trees; ability to effectively supervise and direct the activities of staff in accordance with established policies and procedures; sufficient strength and agility to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions; strong organizational, interpersonal and decision making skills; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience to provide the following knowledge, abilities and skills:
- Thorough knowledge of the safe operation of machinery and equipment utilized for lawn maintenance and landscaping activities including commercial mowers, weed eaters, tractors, edging equipment, bobcats, backhoes, etc.
- Thorough knowledge of trees, ornamental plants and flowers, and landscaping best practices.
- Thorough knowledge of the proper use and application of pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers and grass seed.
- Thorough knowledge of the safety precautions and recommended first aide practices associated with frequently utilized equipment, machinery and chemicals including Safety Data Sheet information.
- Thorough knowledge of the tools and practices associated with maintenance activities including turf maintenance, irrigation, masonry, carpentry, plumbing and minor electrical repairs.
- Thorough knowledge of park operations including registration requirements, site capacities, rental fees and operational rules and regulations pertaining to public conduct.
- Considerable knowledge of established personnel policies and procedures including the maintenance of payroll records, reporting of accidents and injuries, etc.
- Considerable knowledge of effective supervisory techniques and practices including the selection, evaluation, motivation and discipline and/or discharge of staff.
- Ability to effectively plan and coordinate park and recreational facility maintenance activities according to seasonal variations and demands.
- Ability to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job in a variety of weather conditions.
- Ability to effectively supervise and direct the activities of assigned personnel in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Ability to interact effectively with co-workers, local civic groups, league officials and the public.
- Ability to safely operate all machinery and equipment utilized on the job and follow existing safety precautions.
- Skill in the use of power equipment and machinery utilized on the job including mowers, weed eaters, tractors, edging equipment, fertilizer, pesticide and insecticide sprayers, chalking and dragging equipment, etc.
- Skill in the use of hand and power tools used to perform light maintenance activities including painting, carpentry, plumbing and minor electrical repairs.
Necessary Special Requirements
- Possession of a valid Tennessee Drivers license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
- Possession of an herbicide/pesticide certification or the ability to obtain within six months of hire.
Physical Requirements
- This is medium work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects
- Work requires climbing, balancing, stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping
- Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
- Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels
- Visual acuity is required for depth perception, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities
- The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions and oils.
The City of Pigeon Forge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions, including those that are federal or state sponsored, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. The City is committed to complying with both Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d). The City is a Drug-Free Workplace, and all applicants are subject to a background check, driving history check, and baseline physical in accordance with City policy.
Deadline to apply: Thursday, August 27, 2026
