Gardener

The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is seeking an experienced Gardener to become part of a team that creatively develops outdoor spaces for the community's enjoyment! This position will maintain and manage the growth of the green spaces of Arlington County including the historic memorial rose garden.

Specific duties include:

• Operating small power tools and equipment to install and maintain landscape beds, natural woodland areas, and trees on streets and in parks;
• Monitoring the growth, development, and functionality of landscapes at County sites;
• Performing diagnostic horticultural work to monitor plant health, managing weeds and other pests;
• Driving various vehicles, including pickup trucks, trailers, and trucks;
• Maintaining the historic memorial rose garden at Bon Air;
• Maintaining the perennial and annual plants at the nursery and greenhouse.
• Providing technical horticultural information and advice to staff and the public on garden industry best practices and the science behind gardening, designing, and landscaping; and
• Collaborating with team members on landscape maintenance and installation, tree planting and tree watering program, and insect/disease control.

The ideal candidate will understand various types of plants, their uses, and cultural requirements, which includes understanding pruning guidelines, pest and disease management, soils and environmental requirements needed to maintain the health of plants. The applicant will also have strong interpersonal skills to facilitate a collaborative and team-focused work environment.

Minimum:

• High school diploma/GED; and
• Two (2) years of experience in landscaping, gardening, horticulture, or a related field.

Substitution: Additional years of experience in a directly related field may be substituted for the education requirement. A college degree in landscaping, horticulture or a related field may be substituted for the experience requirement.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Experience with plant material identification, including the uses and cultural requirements for trees, shrubs, and perennials;
• Formal horticultural training;
• Using an automated work order system;
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A or B; and
Possession of certification(s) from: Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS); International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP); Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA), and/or similar organizations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant must obtain and maintain a Virginia Registered Technician's License within six (6) months of hire;
• Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of placement in role. Any employee hired without this certification will be appointed as a trainee, until the certification is obtained. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record;
• Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test if applicable. The successful applicant will be subject to drug screening, at such times during employment, as required by the Department of Transportation (DOT);
• A pre-hire background check will be required, which may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information;
The work environment includes exposure to drafts, varying weather conditions of heat and cold, noise, dust, grease, and dirt; including extended periods of standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting light to very heavy objects and equipment.

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