Horticulturist job description

Under direction, is responsible for coordinating and performing technical work in all phases of a horticultural program of a City Department. May exercise direct supervision over assigned staff.
Work Schedule

6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Monday - Friday

Essential Job Functions

* Directs care and maintenance of gardening and horticultural operations at assigned City Department through on-site inspections and evaluations.
* Assists in the preparation of preliminary horticultural budget and budget for assigned areas, and monitors expenditures against budget allotments.
* Fertilizes turf, flowers, and trees (includes extensive use of chemicals) and monitors area for pests and disease; includes occasionally lifting and carrying supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
* Speaks to garden clubs, schools, etc.
* Prepares schedules and programs for development and progressive maintenance of landscaped areas;
* Schedules the planting of trees, shrubs, and annual and perennial flowers for use on City properties.
* Makes recommendations for programs providing pesticide consultation.
* May supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
* Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

* Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
* One (1) year of experience in horticulture or related field.
* Must be licensed through the Texas Department of Agriculture or Structural Pest Control Service as a pesticide applicator within six (6) months of hire.
* Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

* Pesticide Applicators License

* Knowledge of irrigation systems

Applicant Information

* If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.
* Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
* Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
* Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Knowledge of horticulture, floriculture, arboricultural, agriculture, and agronomic skills and practices.
* Knowledge of principles and practices applicable to the administration, management, planning, and maintenance of horticultural planting operations.
* Knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in horticultural operations/services.
* Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective public relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
* Ability to carry out scientific and statistical analysis of horticultural problems.
* Ability to maintain accurate records and make comprehensive reports.
* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
* Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.
* Working conditions are both in an indoor and outdoor environment.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden-all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

At Winterthur, employment is more than just work. The Winterthur employee is offered a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission "to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]" and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.
JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Garden Horticulturist is responsible for implementing effective horticultural techniques, e.g., planting, pruning, and weed control in all assigned areas. Knowledge of plants, the cultural requirements as well as the design principles used in the Winterthur Garden and Estate is expected. They will assist in the curatorial duties of plant identification, plant selection, and documentation of design intent and also assist with plant records (documenting plant additions/deletions), labeling and yearly inventory. They will manage horticulture interns and volunteers in their areas and work with teams as needed in the Winterthur Garden and Estate.

This position is responsible for ensuring all work is conducted in a manner fostering Winterthur aesthetic/environmental stewardship initiatives. The Horticulturist is considered essential personnel and will help with weather emergencies i.e. snow removal, hurricane cleanup as requested as well as work 2-3 rotating weekends a year. They will participate in Winterthur events and outreach programs such as leading tours.

Compensation: $17.73 - $19/hr commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Including, but not limited to, medical, dental and vision insurance; generous paid time off; 403(b) with employer match for eligible employees; free general admission to the museum and grounds for yourself and immediate family; discounts in museum store and cafe.

Responsibilties:

1. Garden Section Management: Performs all horticultural tasks, such as pruning, mowing, mulching and weeding/weed control for health and aesthetics of the area. Scope of work performed on woody shrubs, turf and herbaceous plants. Specific duties as they relate to a particular garden area, such as water feature maintenance or timely work in an event location. Daily/weekly path clearing maintenance including snow removal. Periodic site maintenance such as cleaning benches and signs. Work performed both individually and within a team and/or within the department. Basic knowledge of area irrigation system.

2. Design Aesthetic: Collaborate with management to discern and document the design intent of garden areas and prepare maintenance plans to preserve that design intent. Work to enhance the plant collection and seasons of interest within the concepts of the design intent of the area. Conduct all horticulture activities in an environmentally responsible manner.

3. Documentation: Participate in team/departmental planning and garden documentation. Document all garden changes using Landscape Modification Forms. Assist in yearly mapping and plant record updates. E-mail correspondence within/outside of institution.

4. Programming/Events: Create and present lectures, demonstrations and provide tours for Winterthur guests and other institutions. Participation in Garden/Winterthur events. Can occur outside of normal working hours.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Experience: High School Diploma with 6 years horticulture-related experience

Preferred Experience: Bachelor's degree in Horticulture or related field, with 2+ years in Horticulture and experience with Public Horticulture

Work Schedule: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM Monday - Friday with 2-3 rotating weekends per year.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Strong working knowledge of plants and horticultural practices with desire for continued education and collaboration with other institutions.

2. Ability to express ideas clearly orally and in writing; good interpersonal skills

3. Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite systems

Essential Functions:

1. Ability to work with manual shift vehicles/various large and small power equipment--mowers, backpack blower, weed eater, bobcat-and to stand, kneel, and bend for long periods of time.

2. Able to traverse uneven ground/inclines

3. Work outdoors in all temperatures/conditions

4. Exposure to biting insects, poison ivy, herbicides and fertilizer

5. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in order to operate Winterthur vehicles

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JOB SUMMARY: Performs specialized landscape maintenance functions as part of a Horticulture team in addition to having knowledge in the botanical names of all common trees, palms, and shrubs; ability to install shrubbery, foliage, trees; ability to understand the nomenclature of all common foliage; ability to make decisions.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

+ Responsible for maintenance of shrub, vine, ground cover and turf maintenance, including decision making on method, timing, and tools.

+ Responsible for culture and care of specialty crops including roses, topiaries, and foliage plants.

+ Responsible for bedding plant selection, care and layout.

+ Performs diagnosis of plant nutrition and pest control needs; fertilization and herbicide.

+ Performs landscape rehabilitation, including demolition and installation.

+ Heavy equipment operation i.e.: JCB front end loader

+ Identify need for and provide supplemental water with manual operation of automatic irrigation zones and hand watering.

+ Maintains equipment in proper running order.

+ Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.

+ Perform other duties as assigned.

SCOPE: Responsible for performing basic horticulture functions including: All shrub and tree installations, maintenance of all foliage, detailing and clean-up. In addition, being able to operate manual irrigation valves and support watering efforts. Being accountable to spot deficiencies in the landscapes and identify pests. Furthermore, having good decision making skills and strong leadership qualities.

EDUCATION: High school degree or GED is required. Associate's degree (AA) in Horticulture or equivalent from two-year College or technical school is preferred. Successful completion of 6 courses as listed below for Valencia Community College Horticulture Program or equivalent training is preferred:

HOS 1010 Introduction to Horticulture

ORH 1510 Ornamental Plant Materials I

ORH 1511 Ornamental Plant Materials II

SOS 2101 Soils and Fertilizers

ENY 1007 Principles of Entomology

BOT 2501 Plant Physiology

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Florida Driver's License required. One of the following certifications is preferred: Florida Certified Nursery Professional or Florida Certified Landscape Technician, Landscape Maintenance Operator, Certified Arborist.

EXPERIENCE: One year of landscape maintenance experience is required. Five to seven years experience of landscape maintenance in upscale commercial, residential, or resort environment or other horticultural enterprise is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Annual Care

Install, remove, deadhead, fertilize. Process includes repetitive loading, unloading and transporting trays of annuals. Bed preparation is digging and lifting shovels of soil, use of wheelbarrow, operation of tiller, grading with rakes using force. Includes maintenance of hanging baskets and container plantings.

Requires alternate reaching, lifting, carrying, balancing, stooping, stretching, and gripping of hand tools. Trays of annuals, sometimes weighing over 15 pounds, are unloaded from nursery racks up to eight foot high. Tiller requires lateral control of heavy vibration. Unloading of debris into dumpsters requires overhead lifting.

Mowing

Policing area for debris, operating walk-behind or riding mower and operating 22 lb. Backpack blower for clean up. Also includes operation of stick edgers and weed eaters for detail trimming.

Process includes repetitive reaching, lifting, stooping, stretching and gripping. Blower is carried on the back, and requires balance and strength. String trimmers and stick edgers require controlled outstretched arm movements for extended periods. Mower use includes gripping of hand brake or driving mechanism.

Tree Pruning

Using hand loppers, pole pruners, chain saws and other tools to selectively remove branches and unwanted growth form trees. Cleanup of debris includes loading, transporting, and unloading into dumpsters.

Involves constant and repetitive overhead reaching, lifting and gripping with force, while maintaining balance. Also, stooping, lifting and pulling are required. High-reach, bucket truck, ladders, and climbing are means of access requiring balance and strength. Otherwise pruning is conducted from the ground with extension tools of effectively increased weight.

Shrub Pruning

Operating hand or power equipment to selectively cut plant material at varying heights, followed by clean up of debris.

Method includes very repetitive reaching and gripping, and raking, lifting and bagging of debris. Debris bags are also loaded, transported, and unloaded into dumpster by lifting weight overhead.

Fertilizing and Seeding

Operating fertilizer spreader or carrying bucket (25 lbs. or higher) and over-seed with annual grasses.

Loading fertilizers into mechanical spreader or container for manual distribution routinely requires controlled lifting of 50 pound bags. Manual distribution involves maintaining balance, careful stepping, and stooping simultaneously.

Mulching

Loading, unloading and spreading mulch in plant beds.

Repetitive shoveling, forking, and lifting of debris. Controlled movement of loaded wheelbarrow is often required, as well as lifting, shoveling or forking old mulch well overhead into dumpsters.

Raking and Sweeping

Using hand rake to gather materials.

Forceful pulling and pushing, and lifting of debris.

Sod Work

Remove sod, prepare planting area, and install sod. Carry and stack pallets.

Operation of sod cutter requires substantial strength for controlled lifting and turning of equipment. To remove sod, force is used with shovel, and lifting is required to transfer pieces for disposal with shovels or pitchfork. Base is often prepared with manual addition of sand by shovels as well. Pallet handling requires strength and overhead lifting.

Equipment Maintenance

Cleaning, preserving finishes, checking fluid levels, lubricating.

Physical lifting and carrying of gasoline and grease in 5 gallon commercial containers is required. Repetitive force is needed for correct operation of grease guns and other methods of lubrication. Protecting equipment finishes involves repetitive circular motions with pressure.

Plant Replacement

Digging and removing plants, digging and installing new plants.

Substantial repetitive use of shovels and spades is required, with lifting above the head necessary in many instances. Strength and control with the arms is needed for power auger use. Containerized plant material is manually carried in to new planting areas, and larger material transported on dolly or cart must be carefully lifted and placed with control.

Watering

Connecting and dragging water hoses for hand watering.

Forceful control and lifting of weighted hoses and watering cans is required, using outstretched arm movements for extended periods of time.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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