Seasonal Horticulture Technician

Job Summary

This position has the responsibility to assist in managing and maintaining the landscape and public spaces of Boone County Fiscal Court and Boone County Parks.

Major Essential Duties

• Care of annual floral displays including beds, urban street trees and park entrances.
• Maintenance of shrubs, vines, ground covers and turf including decision making on health evaluations, care methods and appropriate timing of necessary treatments. 
• Diagnosis of plant nutrition and pest control needs including proper applications of fertilization and herbicides as well as documentation of appropriate record-keeping according to Local, State, and Federal guidelines. 
• Landscape revitalization including removal and installation. 
• Knowledge of hand/power tools as well as heavy equipment necessary to complete projects such as, but not limited to, loaders; tillers; and mowers. 
• Assists in snow removal utilizing brushes, blowers, and walk-behind snow machines on walkways/drives as well as plow vehicles (non-CDL) in parking lots and on roadways. 
• Helps to plan, develop and evaluates a comprehensive based park-management program. 
• Trains and evaluates staff on proper landscape maintenance methods and techniques. 
• Oversee staff safety requirements, ensuring that all staff are properly trained in their areas as well as on all necessary equipment. 
• Continually develops and motivates staff members through training, evaluations, and regularly scheduled mentor opportunities to excel in their development and advancement. 
• Prioritizes, prepares and assigns daily and weekly work schedules. 

Minor Essential Duties

• Support snow and ice removal efforts using assigned equipment.
• Assist with setup and support of special events or seasonal displays.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and task oversight to entry-level Landscape Technicians and seasonal staff.

Relationships

• Reports to the Parks Landscape Supervisor.
• Works collaboratively with fellow technicians, supervisors, and Parks leadership.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• Ability High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on landscape maintenance or horticulture experience required.
• Experience interpreting plans, operating heavy equipment, and working independently preferred. 
• Valid Kentucky driver’s license required.
• Kentucky Commercial Pesticide Applicator License preferred, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Language Skills

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English.

Mathematical Skills

• Basic math proficiency required 

Reasoning Skills

• Ability to identify and solve basic operational issues.
• Capable of interpreting technical and instructional information 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Kentucky driver’s license required.
• Kentucky Commercial Pesticide Applicator License preferred, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Other Knowledge and/or Skills

• Strong knowledge of plant identification, soil health, and turf management.
• Ability to perform diagnostic assessments and recommend plant care solutions.
• Skilled in the use and maintenance of landscaping equipment and irrigation systems.
• Ability to read and interpret landscaping plans, layouts, and work orders.
• Strong communication skills and ability to mentor others.
• Must be self-motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision.

Manual Dexterity

• Regular use of hands and fingers for detailed horticultural tasks and operation of power tools.
• Requires ability to operate complex equipment with precision.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to walk, bend, lift, and work on uneven surfaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work in outdoor environments in all weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Outdoor fieldwork in extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow is required.
• Noise levels vary based on equipment usage.
• Weekend, early morning, or holiday hours may be required during peak seasons.

Comments

• Must display the following:
• Positive communication
• Objectivity 
• Willingness to solve problems
• Commitment to serve the county’s best interests
• Adherence to the applicable provisions of the Department Rules and Regulations, the Personnel Policy Manual, the Boone County Administrative Code, the Kentucky Revised Statutes, and any other procedures, rules, regulations, and polices set forth by appropriate authorities
• Must be neat in appearance 
• Must be 18 years or older
• Personal integrity and no felony convictions

Ability to maintain confidentiality when required