Job Details

The City of Overland Park has a full-time Horticulture Specialist I (Arboretum) position available in the Parks and Recreation Department.

SUMMARY:

The Horticulture Specialist performs a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to planting, growing, and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, and trees at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Assist in greenhouse production management and plant inventory database support. Assists with special events as needed. Assists in emergency operations, including snow removal and storm clean up as required.

RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Assists with work tasks and programs with volunteer groups. Assists with training staff gardeners and volunteer gardeners in proper techniques. Indirectly manages staff and volunteers involved in greenhouse plant production and nursery plant maintenance.
• Plans, organizes and participates in planting, maintenance and care of trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, in keeping with established work plans. Supports botanical labeling and keeps records of plantings and work activity. Designs, plans, and oversees seasonal and perennial flower plantings. Assists in maintaining a plant database.
• Assists in developing, planning and participating in horticultural educational programs related to the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Develops and maintains the daily, weekly and annual garden calendar and activities.
• Performs landscaping maintenance to include: mulching, weeding, watering, grading and fertilizing.
• Maintains, inspects, repairs, lubricates and cleans equipment and tools per manufacturer specifications listed in equipment manuals. Follows proper storage, maintenance and use techniques according to City policies and procedures.
• Assists with the planting, removal and maintenance of landscape beds including shrubs, perennials, annual flowers and trees. Works with hand tools, string trimmers, backpack blowers, chemical sprayers, water tanks and pole saw.
• Applies pesticides utilizing appropriate sprayer or spreader to ornamental areas. Sprays in accordance with proper safety procedures and weather conditions. Read and follow Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information and product labeling.
• Assists in City emergency operations, including snow removal and storm clean up as required.
• The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• The employee must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Basic education or additional equivalent experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record.
• Must obtain a valid class A commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsement within 6 months after employment.
• Possession of a Commercial Pesticide Applicators license, 3A or ability to obtain within 6 months from date of hire.

EXPERIENCE:

• Horticulture - six months to one year experience in landscape/horticulture maintenance, arboriculture or an equivalent level of experience.

SKILLS:

• Analytical skills, including research skills, ability to interpret data, ability to conceptualize, ability to analyze information, and ability to write formal recommendations based on findings.
• Attention to detail.
• Basic mathematical and accounting skills.
• Computer software - database creation/maintenance skills.
• Computer software - spreadsheet skills.
• Computer software - word-processing skills.
• Human Relations/Interpersonal skills.
• Project management skills, including organization, coordination of duties, and/or accomplishment of goals.
• Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.
• Written and oral communication skills.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Diplomacy and judgment.
• Ability to train and guide others.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to carry out assignments through oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work in a hectic environment with many interruptions.
• Ability to analyze and recommend possible solutions.
• Ability to learn and understand PC software applications.
• Alpha and numeric recognition.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to make and receive phone calls.
• Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Ability to distinguish smells.
• Ability to operate power and/or hand tools.
• Ability to operate City vehicles.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Exposure to loud noises.
• Exposure to heights.
• Hand and eye coordination adequate to input computer.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and transport 25 feet.
• Ability to push/pull up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to bend, reach, stand, stoop, push and pull.
• Exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, gases, and sprays.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect)

• Direct: None
• Indirect: Gardeners, Horticulture Interns, Temporary & Part-time Employees and Volunteers.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

No City residency requirement.

Must successfully pass a background check, drug screen, physical exam and essential functions test.

Normal Work Hours: Variable schedule - full time (mgr to provide more details)

Salary Range - GRADE A: $18.89 - $20.99 Per Hour

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Benefits: Full-time

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States and proof of eligibility must be provided if selected for hire.

EO/M/F/D/V