The City of Roanoke is seeking a Landscape Gardener to perform skilled landscape and turf maintenance including planting, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, watering and spraying a wide variety of flowers, bulbs, hanging baskets, shrubs, trees, ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses and other types of plant material as well as mowing, weed-eating, edging, leaf mulching, aerating, fertilizing, and seeding turf and lawn areas. The successful candidate will install and renovate landscapes and turf; assist in transplanting/propagating seedlings, cuttings, slips and plants in a greenhouse and/or field beds, including preparing soil as directed by supervisor; possess strong plant identification, characteristic and maintenance knowledge; keep parks, greenways and green spaces clean by removing fallen limbs, debris and trash; and operate heavy and light equipment for snow/ice removal. They also must have some knowledge of the operation of a wide variety of mowers, industry specific power equipment and vehicles; the ability to skillfully operate and do routine daily service and maintenance on this equipment is preferred; be able to learn to operate other equipment such as front-end loader, forklift, bobcat and tractor; the ability to perform word processing, record keeping and report preparation on a computer and effectively use basic office equipment including computers, calculators, copiers, cell phones and mobile radios; and the ability to work independently or as team member.
Associates degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field preferred or horticulture certification from applicable program, or experience and/or training in horticulture, landscape maintenance or related field; or equivalent combination or education or experience is required. Must be able to obtain a Class B Commercial Learner's Permit License with air brake and tanker endorsements prior to starting work, and be able to obtain a full CDL license within 3 months. Must be able to obtain a Registered Technician Spraying License within 3 months and the Fertilizer Applicator Certification within 12 months.
The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.
To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.
This is a non-exempt position.
SUMMARY
Performs skilled landscape and turf maintenance in parks, greenways and other city properties.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Performs skilled landscape maintenance (planting, renovating, pruning, weeding, cleaning, mulching, watering and fertilizing) on a wide variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, grasses, ground covers, perennials and annuals
- Possess strong plant identification and maintenance knowledge at different phases and growth
- Assists in transplanting/propagating seedlings, cuttings, slips and plants in a greenhouse and/or field beds, including preparing soil
- Applies pesticides, herbicides and insecticides as directed and completes required documentation
- Performs skilled turf maintenance including mowing, weed-eating, edging, aerating, fertilizing, seeding and leaf mulching
- Assists in cleaning park, greenway and other city property by removing trash, limbs, debris, mud, etc
- Performs routine minor facilities and equipment maintenance
- Operates a wide variety of mowers, industry specific power equipment and vehicles.
- Operates heavy and/or light equipment during snow/ice removal operations
- Assists in the set-up/tear down for city events in parks, greenways and other properties
- Must be able to effectively operate basic office equipment including computers, calculators, copiers, cell phones and mobile radios
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
May supervise seasonal staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Associates degree in horticulture, plant science, or related field preferred or horticulture certification from applicable program, or experience and/or training in horticulture, landscape maintenance or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondences, and memos. Ability to write correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to citizens, and other employees of the organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to calculate fertilizer and pesticide application rates. Ability to calibrate spraying equipment correctly.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions as well as landscape drawings and plans. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Minimum Class B Commercial Driver's Learner's Permit with Tanker Endorsement
Must be able to obtain, within 6 months, a Registered Technician Pesticide License
Must be able to obtain, within 1 year, a Fertilizer Applicator Certification
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
This is a job description and not an individualized position description. A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
