Seasonal Horticulturist

Seasonal Horticulturalist - $20/ hour

The City of North St. Paul is accepting applications for a Seasonal Horticulturalist who will provide technical and other hands-on assistance in the Public Works Department. This is a part-time temporary position approximately May-October 2026.

General Duties:

Primary Duties include Installation, maintenance, and removal of annuals, perennials, plants, shrubs and trees at various garden sites and planter locations throughout the City with an emphasis on the downtown business area.

Position Summary

The Seasonal Horticulturalist focuses on all areas of horticulture and gardening; responsibilities include working on installation, care, and maintenance of flowers and other plant materials at various sites throughout the City. 

Essential Areas of Responsibility

• Installation, maintenance, and removal of annuals, perennials, plants, shrubs and trees at various garden sites and planter locations with an emphasis on the downtown business area.
• Ensure that all plants at these sites are adequately weeded, watered, pruned, and fertilized so as to remain healthy and attractive throughout the growing season.
• Performs other duties as needed or assigned.

Qualification Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 18 years of age or older.

Desired Qualifications

• Possess or pursuing a degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources or related field.
• Experience using GIS-based inventory software.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Some knowledge of the tools, methods and materials used in general landscape maintenance.
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment or ability to learn.
• Knowledge of various office equipment and software programs, including GIS-based applications.
• Skill to handle a variety of customer service situations and communicate with a variety of individuals.
• Ability to understand and follow oral or written instructions.
• Demonstrate courtesy and tact when working with the public and other staff.
• Ability to work independently and plan, organize and prioritize work tasks.

Safety

It is the responsibility of all City staff to promote and contribute to a safe work environment. This is accomplished by proactively identifying and correcting the unsafe condition, or notifying the appropriate personnel to address the problem. All employees shall follow all City and other applicable safety policies and procedures related to the job. Operates all equipment according to proper safety procedures and standards; does not exceed load limits, performance abilities and adheres to all traffic laws.

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.

While performing duties of this job, the employee regularly works outside in all weather conditions.  The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration.  The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is often loud.

Physical Demands

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and stand; and walk.  The employee frequently required to talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Expectation of Employee

• Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all Department policies and procedures in order to help facilitate compliance with such policies and procedures.
• Exhibits respectful and cooperative relationships with co-workers, City management, City Council, general public and City consultants and contractors in an effort to help establish, maintain and enhance North St. Paul’s reputation as a well-managed City.
• Demonstrates, by example, leadership, ingenuity, service excellence and integrity expected from all City staff as defined by our core values and code of conduct.
• Helps establish a team environment that encourages open communication and empowers staff to take ownership in position and organization in a manner that supports the vision and direction of the City and enhances employee satisfaction.
• Serves as an integral part of the Department team.

Schedule

The work week will consist of 20 to 40 hours of work, and may include occasional evening and weekend work as determined by the Public Works Supervisor or as required by the job. Position is seasonal and may end at any time at the discretion of the City. The position is also non-benefits eligible.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret detailed instructions, correspondence and procedural manuals, City policies, ordinances and contracts, state statutes. Ability to use grammar and spelling to communicate effectively orally, and in writing, to the City staff, City Council and general public.

Mathematic Skills

Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rates, ratios and percentages.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve and deal with practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral or other forms.