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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR - Horticultture Technician Horticulture Technician Page 1 Council Approved 10/18/2021 Revised 7-2023 City of Waukee JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Horticulture Technician Reports to: P&R Facilities Manager Dept/Div: Parks & Recreation/Parks Direct Reports: None Pay Grade: N26 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt JOB PURPOSE: Under the general direction of the Parks & Recreation facilities Manager, coordinates all horticulturist tasks within the City infrastructure. Performs a variety of maintenance for annual and perennial beds and recommends design and ordering of plant materials, maintenance of equipment and application of chemicals (fertilizers & pesticides). Documents all horticultural maintenance needs and assigns the daily work direction and guidance of seasonal employees. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.) 1. Plans and implements horticultural and landscape establishment and maintenance needs including planting, mulching, watering, fertilizing, weed control, trimming and perennial cutbacks and pruning within all City parks, municipal facility grounds, and street medians. 2. Performs tasks to make sure areas are kept clean and in an aesthetically pleasing manner around municipal buildings, parks, sidewalks, trails, playgrounds, and other spaces within the City infrastructure. 3. Operates various vehicles, construction equipment, maintenance equipment, assorted hand tools and power tools. 4. Develops annual plans for new and existing annual, perennial and shrub plantings on city properties, researches plant varieties and provides input as requested. 5. Detects and identifies pest infestations and applies herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides. Maintains daily work records including pesticides and fertilizer applications. 6. Coordinates and participates in tree inspections, planting, pruning and removal. 7. Provides employment related input, training, daily work direction and guidance of seasonal staff. 8. Assists in maintenance and repair of park facilities including mowing, cutting of brush, and trimming of trees, landscape maintenance, watering, weed eating, and trash pick-up. 9. Coordinates landscaping contracts and periodically inspects the work performed by the city’s landscaping contractors. 10. Operates various types of snow removal equipment including but not limited to shovels, snow blowers, and plows for City owned parking lots/sidewalks, park trails, etc. as directed. 11. Keeps equipment, shop and storage areas clean and well-maintained. 12. Assists with budget creation. Purchases supplies and plant materials and maintains accurate record of accounts. 13. Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned. SUCCESS FACTORS: 1. Ability to identify tree species rated to Midwest hardiness zones 4-5. 2. Knowledge of insect and disease problems associated with trees and shrubs in the Midwest. 3. Create and participate in a team environment. 4. Display honesty, trustworthiness, dependability and respectfulness at all times. 5. Display willingness to listen and learn. 6. Show initiative to seek other work upon completion of a task. 7. Perform work in a safe manner complying with all applicable safety rules, regulations and procedures while protecting self and all others from injury. 8. Work efficiently and safely with little direct supervision. 9. Understand and internalize the importance of seeking resolution to problems and concerns by bringing them to the direct attention of supervisor in a timely manner. 10. Uphold the Waukee Parks & Recreation Mission Statement with integrity and professionalism. Horticulture Technician Page 2 Council Approved 10/18/2021 Revised 7-2023 11. Attentive to the City’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City policies and procedures ensuring that all work performed meets those standards. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Associates degree in horticulture, forestry, landscaping, or closely related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred. 2. One year of work-related experience. Additional years of experience beyond the minimum may be interchanged for the Associates degree at the rate of one year of additional experience for each year of the required education. 3. Commercial pesticide applicator certification in category 3O – Ornamental pest control, 5 – Aquatic pest control, and 6 – Right-of-way or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. 4. Must reside within a 30 minute radius of the City limits due to the need to respond to emergency calls in a timely manner to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Waukee. 5. Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License and meets the requirements of the City’s motor vehicle policy. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 1. Able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. 2. Requires frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, handling, dexterity, talking, hearing, near and far sight acuity, depth perception, color vision field of vision, concentration, judgement, and writing ability. 3. Intermittent climbing, balancing, crawling, feeling , and smelling. 4. Able to maneuver in undeveloped areas on uneven surfaces for up to one mile in various types of weather. 6. Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic devices and handwritten) in English with other employees, vendors, and the community. WORKING CONDITIONS: 1. Frequent exposure to weather, extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid conditions, noise intensity level, moving mechanical parts/hazards, dirt/dust, odors, and other environmental conditions. 2. Intermittent periods of standing, walking, and sitting. 3. Position requires travel within and outside of the City which imposes common travel hazards. Safety Hazards:  Electrical hazards  Traffic hazards  Chemical hazards  Hazards associated with moving mechanical parts on heavy and light equipment. The City of Waukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages prospective employees and job incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.