Assistant Horticulturist

GENERAL SUMMARY: Under supervision of the Horticulturist, maintain and enhance parks and grounds landscaping and floral displays; perform and maintain landscape grounds duties using hand or power tools or equipment; perform; supervise skilled horticultural tasks in greenhouse operations; and perform other duties as assigned. Workers typically perform a variety of tasks, which may include any combination of the following: trimming, planting, watering, fertilizing, digging, raking, chemical application, and sprinkler installation/repair.  

The ideal candidate possesses the ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values fairness, problem solving and development of partnerships; the ability to work effectively as a member of a team; and the desire to be part of an organization that values service, people, integrity, responsibility, innovation, and teamwork. 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves leadership responsibility and assisting the Horticulturist in greenhouse operation management and flowerbed and ornamental park areas, especially  high profile annual and perennial planting areas and baskets. Work duties require performing skilled tasks in the management and maintenance of annual and perennial plants, natives, shrubs and trees. Assignments are received in the form of oral and written work orders. The employee in this class must exercise discretion and independent judgment in directing and prioritizing the activities of temporary employees. Work is performed based on general or specific instructions of a lead worker or supervisor who inspects work while in progress and upon completion.

JOB DUTIES: 

• Assist Horticulturist to improve and enhance appearance and/or maintenance of landscaped areas. 
• Install plants such as shrubs, tree, perennials, and annuals to improve landscaped appearance.
• Treat plants and surface areas with protective substances.
• Prepare and apply chemicals for work application.
• Apply pesticides, and other chemicals in the care of landscape vegetation. 
• Prepare flower beds and landscapes.
• Maintain new planting areas.
• Maintain equipment and irrigation systems to ensure proper function.
• Irrigate plants, trees, lawns, etc.
• Prune trees and woody vegetation.
• Install equipment to protect or support trees.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment.
• Remove unwanted vegetation and debris from work sites.
• Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
• Dispose of trash.
• Assist in snow, ice removal, and mowing operations.
• Work according to safety first practices as posted and instructed. Abide by policies, procedures, rules, etc. associated with the City’s Safety Program.
• Respond to questions and service requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Biology - Knowledge of plant biology and common and botanical names of flowers, shrubs, grasses, and trees. 
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications.
• Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
• Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, safe work procedures and strategies to promote effective local operations including OSHA and ANSI laws, occupational hazards, and safety precautions applicable to equipment, building and grounds maintenance.
• Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, including physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Multilimb Coordination and Manual Dexterity - Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, crouching or kneeling; and holding or moving items with your hands.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Duties require sitting, standing, walking on uneven surfaces, climbing, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, grasping and repetitive motions; both near and far vision (with or without corrective device); lifting, dragging, and pushing supplies weighing up to 50 pounds; acceptable hearing (with or without corrective device) and safely work with power and noise-producing tools and equipment; and driving a motorized vehicle. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold, indoors and outdoors.  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Possession of an Associate’s Degree or coursework in Horticulture, Natural Areas Management, Landscape Design or related field. 
• Possession of or ability to obtain, within six (6) months from the date of hire/appointment, and maintain the following:
  1. Valid commercial driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsements
  2. Pesticide applicators license.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS: 

• Experience in an urban landscape planning, planting, maintenance and environment.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce and population 

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment. 

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt 

Our Commitment to You
The City of Dubuque is committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws. Our organization provides equal opportunities for all individuals, fostering a workplace that values innovation, collaboration, and work-life balance. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our growing community. In accordance with legal obligations our policies and practices are designed to ensure fair treatment and foster a respectful workplace where all are encouraged to apply.