Horticulture Specialist – City Of Pueblo

Title of the Job: Horticulture Specialist

Location: Pueblo, CO

Job Description: DESCRIPTIVE STATEMENT:The Horticulture Specialist is a non-exempt position under the general supervision of the Parks Maintenance Supervisor. The Program Coordinator-Horticulture serves as the functional and programmatic specialist in garden cultivation, management and landscape design for the City’s flower and ornamental landscaping beds, medians, and streetscapes.This job description is an overview and is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the functions and tasks required of the position.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for managing and developing all City flower and ornamental landscaping beds including planning, landscape design, researching appropriate plant species, soil management, planting, trimming, pruning, monitoring and controlling insects, fungi, diseases and unwanted vegetation by the application of mechanical, pesticides, and/or herbicides on City properties
• Maintains and cares for roses, perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, trees, and shrubs
• Operates a variety of landscape equipment such as mowers, tiller, trimmers, chainsaws, sprayers, trenchers, CDL vehicles, and related equipment
• Creates and develops the budget for the flower and ornamental landscape beds
• Utilizes various word processing, spreadsheet, communication, research, and presentation programs available to the department
• Creates and presents training classes to other staff on the proper management and maintenance of flower, plant materials, and ornamental landscape beds in the City
• Represents the City in various interest and stakeholder groups with similar missions
• Acts as a lead worker and will supervise and assign work to other employees and various volunteer groups

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS:

• May oversee the work of various employees assigned to him/her
• Willingness to learn and take courses/classes to improve technical skills and general supervisory ability
• May perform the duties of similar classifications of an equal or lower pay grade

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical standards an employee must meet in order to perform the essential job duties with or without a reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to:

• Lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls equipment and supplies weighing up to 75 pounds, frequently lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Frequently stands, kneels, and walks for prolonged periods of time to observe for safety hazards and perform daily functions
• Frequently reaches above the shoulder while trimming
• Uses manual dexterity to manipulate supplies, tools, and equipment
• Uses visual acuity to read operating manuals and instructions, safely operate a vehicle and equipment, identify hazards, and perform daily functions
• Frequently performs activities requiring a full range of body movements including sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, crawling, twisting, and balancing

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:This position requires:

• Knowledge and application of horticultural practices and methods that are involved in the planning, research, soil preparation, planting, trimming, growing, and caring of flowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and trees
• Knowledge and ability to develop and manage City annual and perennial flowers, ornamental grasses, vines, groundcover, shrub and tree maintenance programs in flower and ornamental landscape beds located in parks and citywide streetscapes
• Knowledge and ability to create and present training programs on horticultural principles including proper management and maintenance
• Knowledge and ability to use and operate power tools and equipment used to care for and maintain the flower and ornamental landscape beds including, but not limited to landscape edger, tractors, mini excavator, sprayers, fertilizer spreader, tiller, turf mower, dump truck, chainsaw, trencher, assorted hand tools, and related equipment
• Knowledge of current word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, communication, and research applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and internet browsers
• Ability to prepare budgets, landscape/planting bed plans, statistical reports, presentations, letters, memos, and training materials
• Ability to lead and supervise other workers of a lower classification
• Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle
• Ability to work successfully with and provide good customer service to supervisors, other City departments and employees, other public agencies, private interest stakeholders, and the general public
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to successfully perform the essential duties of the Park Caretaker l classification
• Ability to perform all the job duties in a safe manner

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:In addition to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, the position requires:

• A high school diploma or GED
• An associate degree or two (2) year horticultural related certification from an accredited college or university
• Two (2) years of successful, documented paid experience in horticulture practices to include the practical use of knowledge involved in planning and developing planting plans, installation of plants, soil management, pruning, weeding, fertilization, diagnosis and treatment of flowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs diseases, insect infestations, or other problems, services that directly relate to horticulture
• At least one (1) year supervisory or lead work experience
• A valid driver’s license at the time of application, and a valid Colorado driver’s license within 30 days of employment

• License restrictions that may hinder your ability to drive on City business, such as an interlock, will be cause for disqualification
• During the course of employment, a valid license must be maintained, and the employee must notify the City immediately upon changes to the status of their license

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:This position is primarily performed in an outdoor environment and is subject to work in and around traffic, severe weather conditions including rain, snow, and wind. Works around heavy equipment and is exposed to noise, dust, gasses, fumes, moving parts, heights, dangerous chemicals and conditions, and other dangerous conditions. The incumbent must be willing to work overtime, weekends, and holidays, if situations dictate. Employees in this position are subject to callouts for emergencies and perform step-up assignments. This position will be required to perform heavy lifting. All required licenses and certifications must be maintained throughout the term of employment. Failure to obtain or maintain licenses and certifications may result in demotion or termination.In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications at the time of application, within twelve (12) months of appointment, the employee must:

• Obtain and maintain a valid Colorado Class “B” Commercial Driver’s license
• Obtain the Dept of Agriculture Pesticide Supervisor’s Certification
• Obtain one of the following:

• CSU Extension service, Master Gardener Program
• Green CO Best Management Practices
• Associated Landscape Contractors of America aka PLANET
• International Society of Arboriculture
• Or other organizations in the Green industry

Due to Federal and State Criminal Justice System access requirements, classifications that access and maintain criminal justice information may also be required, as a condition of employment, to not have been convicted of and/or have pending charges of a felony or misdemeanor crime that would deny or otherwise restrict access to criminal justice information. This requirement applies to all existing City employees as well as external candidates seeking to fill positions that meet the given criteria.BENEFITS:
The “Benefits” hyperlink at the top of this (online) job posting provides a summary of the benefits associated with this position.CIVIL SERVICE EXAM: 12/23/2024
Please note that the Civil Service Commission may use a Training & Experience (T&E) evaluation of your application to establish an eligibility list for this classification.BENEFITS PACKAGE FOR FULL-TIME CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEESThe City of Pueblo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time classified positions, delivering quality and value to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. From paid holidays and personal holidays to accruing vacation time, City employment lets you plan for your future, stay healthy and maintain a quality work/life balance for you and your family.As a PERA member, you contribute a percentage of every paycheck to PERA in exchange for a lifetime defined benefit, or pension.Comprehensive and affordable to meet your health and wellness needs.The City offers opportunities for professional growth with and potential promotional opportunities and lateral movement within the City. Many employees also enjoy benefits such as . The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides important employee support services.Paid leave and time off are provided for vacation, sick, personal days (2), FMLA, funeral and injury leave.

Company Name: City Of Pueblo

Salary: $58226.04 – 76177.68 per year

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