Horticulture Technician 1

POSITION GOAL: Provide operational support promoting high levels of horticultural interest through the care and maintenance of garden and park areas.

REPORTS TO: Park Services Supervisor

DIRECT REPORTS: None

Level 1 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for care and maintenance of designated garden areas, monitoring and evaluating gardens and plant populations.
• Identify, plan, implement and oversee maintenance of garden areas including planting, irrigating, removing invasive species, applying fertilizers and pesticides, raking leaves, trimming grass, edging beds, amending soil, hedging and pruning all types of plants.
• Clean facilities and vehicles; perform custodial work including trash and litter pick up as necessary.
• Perform landscape maintenance including mowing, trimming, weeding, watering, planting, pruning, and weed control. 
• Design and maintain seasonal plant displays; assist with acquisition of plants used in garden displays. 
• Represent Metroparks Toledo at meetings, trade shows, and community events.
• Lead garden tours and answer gardening questions for visitors and the general public. Collaborate with horticultural associate organizations based at the botanical garden.
• Assist with event setup, management, and take-down.
• Safely operate power tools and equipment including all-purpose vehicles and high-volume pesticide application sprayers.
• Apply pesticides and herbicides safely and keep accurate application records.
• Work with volunteer program staff to create volunteer opportunities and effectively use volunteer resources; conduct volunteer workdays in designated garden areas. 
• Direct the work of and provide training for seasonal staff, interns and volunteers in professional gardening techniques.
• Abide by the Metroparks Way.
• Other park district duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED: Irrigation equipment, greenhouse equipment, high and low volume chemical dispensing systems, park vehicles, power tools, all-terrain vehicles, and other outdoor equipment. Computers, Microsoft products, audio-visual equipment, office equipment, cameras.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Alternates to the following position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Education: High School diploma; Associate’s degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, natural resource management, environmental science or related field preferred. 

Experience: Some to experienced level of hands-on horticulture experience. Some to experienced level directing volunteers or leading group activities.

Level 1 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best management practices for horticultural and grounds management excellence.
• Able to identify a wide variety of plant species and articulate an understanding of garden maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of proper operating and maintenance procedures for gardening tools and utility equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to solve problems.
• Time management skills – ability to adjust priorities daily and seasonally.
• Certification or ability to obtain, and maintenance of state herbicide/pesticide Commercial Applicator’s license, Core plus two categories (5 and 6a) within 90 days of employment. Must be able to communicate well in written form, prepare reports and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate verbally with the public and with staff in a professional manner.
• Presentation skills.
• Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to promote a safe work environment; understanding of maintenance-related safety regulations.
• Basic knowledge of computers and ability to use Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of deadlines.

Behavioral Characteristics

• Willingness to support Metroparks mission, operating principles, goals, and objectives.
• Ability to get along well with others and work as a part of a team.
• Ability to learn and put to use new skills and knowledge.
• Comfortable working with a multicultural team and garden audience.
• Commitment to promoting continuous improvement through innovation and supporting change.
• Commitment to fulfilling work responsibilities in a reliable and timely manner.
• Willingness to learn and put to use new skills and knowledge.
• Dependable with a high degree of integrity.
• Able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Always treats people with respect and consideration without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, social or economic status, etc.
• Ability to be flexible in daily operations, adjusting to changing conditions and solving problems.
• Demonstrates appropriate level of responsibility for safe use of equipment; avoids damage or loss of resources through negligence or recklessness.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Schedule: Tuesdays - Saturdays, 6:00am - 2:30pm 
• May require business use of personal vehicle.
• Requires frequent bending and stooping occasional moderate lifting up to 35 lb. Must be able to move about over uneven ground; use hands for holding and grasping objects.
• Outdoor and indoor work in all weather conditions; exposure to outdoor dust and pollens.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer