Horticulturist

Performs intermediate professional work overseeing the care and improvement of public grounds and beautification program medians, shrubs, trees and plants. The work includes planning and carrying out all horticultural practices in a manner which is consistent with industry standard practice. Work is performed under general supervision.

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that may threaten the area, the employee will be required to perform emergency duties as directed.

(Note: The listed duties are illustrative only and are not intended to describe each and every function, which may be performed in the job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)

Supervises the planting, transplanting, fertilizing, trimming, spraying and general care of plants and trees in roadway medians and parks and on County owned and maintained properties.

Oversees the propagation of plants by cuttings, seeding and grafting; supervises the planting of flowers and shrubbery beds in roadway medians and assists in other County owned properties.

Oversees monitoring of maintenance contracts on County roadway medians and irrigation systems.

Develops a long-range landscaping maintenance program.

Develops and follows a weekly schedule of work to be performed.

Instructs employees in horticultural techniques and methods.

Inspects all supplies delivered to ensure proper quality and condition.

Prepares beautification program maintenance budget forecast; budgets and monitors same.

Performs work related to this job description as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
(Note: The knowledge, skills, and abilities identified in this class specification represent those needed to perform the duties of this class. Additional knowledge, skills and abilities may be applicable for individual positions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Knowledge of forestry, landscaping, and horticulture as applied to medians, parks and grounds.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of landscaping, turf grass maintenance and tree pruning.

Thorough knowledge of the species of grass, flowers, shrubs and trees grown in the area, their planting time and their environmental requirements.

Knowledge of the principles for the safe use of fertilizers and pesticides in public areas.

Skill in the use of equipment used in horticultural maintenance.

Ability to work from a plan to install plant materials and hardscape to specifications.

Ability to train/direct maintenance workers, volunteers, temporary employees and interns.

Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.

Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Botany, Forestry or closely related field and two (2) years of experience managing landscape or plant program.

Additional qualifying education and/or experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted one for the other on a year for year basis.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License

Must possess certification as an Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture within six (6) months of hire.

Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) Certified Horticulturist within twelve (12) months of hire.

FNGLA Landscape Designer preferred.

Florida Department of Consumer Services Pesticide Applicator License within six (6) months of hire.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)

Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)

Ability to sit for long periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily outdoors.

May require attendance at night meetings and/or outdoor meetings.

Stay Connected: Opt In for Text Message Updates
During the application process, you may choose to receive SMS notifications regarding your application status. Message and data rates may apply. Participation is optional and can be managed at any time.