Horticulturist

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Employment Type

Job Summary

Are you a seasoned horticulturist with a knack for crafting and maintaining vibrant floral and landscape areas? The City of Olathe is seeking an experienced individual to join us as a Horticulturist. This position plays a key role in planning, planting, and nurturing greenery in public parks, medians, and buildings across the city. If you are enthusiastic about elevating outdoor spaces and possess a solid foundation in horticultural and irrigation practices, we invite you to be a vital part of our efforts to create and sustain beautiful environments in Olathe that enhance the quality of life for our citizens!

The City of Olathe offers competitive compensation and benefits, including tuition reimbursement, eight weeks of paid parental leave, and an onsite health clinic providing free onsite physical and behavioral healthcare for employees enrolled in the City’s medical coverage.  You can check out the full benefits package online.

PAID CDL TRAINING PROVIDED

STARTING SALARY: $21.75 - $24.08 per hour (depending on qualifications)

For more details, review the full job details and requirements below.

​The Horticulturist designs, plants, and maintains floral and landscape areas in City parks, medians, and buildings. They participate in maintenance operations and activities as well as perform a variety of technical tasks relative to horticulture and landscape maintenance for the Olathe Parks Division. Work performed varies with seasonal changes.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads and assists in horticultural tasks and maintenance associated with floral and landscape installation in a manicured public setting; participates in the design of floral and landscape beds. Assists with seasonal needs such as snow removal.

• Repairs and maintains irrigation systems; participates in housekeeping duties, grounds and building maintenance.

• Trains and oversees seasonal employees in horticulture techniques and methods; verifies work for proper method, technique, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.

• Applies pesticides as required under Integrated Pest Management practices to control weeds, insects, pests, and diseases; keeps detailed records of chemicals used.

• Assists with administrative duties including ordering and purchasing supplies and maintaining work records. Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, contractors, and businesses.

Qualifications

Experience: One year of horticulture experience is required. Must be eighteen years of age or older.

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred as well as a two-year degree or additional specialized training related to landscape maintenance.

Licenses & Certifications: A valid driver's license and favorable driving record are required. A Class A commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement as well as a Pesticide Applicator’s Certification in Category 3A (ornamental) and 3B (turf pest) are required within twelve months of hire. Additional specialty certification in assigned area may be required.

Environmental or Physical Demands: The Horticulturist works outside in a variety of weather and environmental conditions such as wind, sun, rain, pollen, dust, allergens, and other elements.  This position requires the ability to frequently traverse uneven outdoor areas, perform physical activities that require considerable use of one's arms and legs moving one's whole body to climb, lift, balance, walk, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl while handling materials. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 80 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently.  May drive or ride from site-to-site multiple times throughout the day.  Must be able to work in distracting situations including high volume traffic areas and city medians.