What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gardens Program Assistant position at City of Kearney?
Description
Under general direction, assist with planning, organizing, implementing, facilitating and coordinating of park volunteers, horticultural programs, and tours. Assist with seasonal landscape maintenance within the parks under general direction. Work varies, requiring interpretative judgment within prescribed standards and procedures.
Essential Functions
Oversee and promote the volunteer gardens program within the community. Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers for garden-related projects and events. Establish, and maintain the volunteer software system. Coordinate volunteers and facility user groups to prepare parks prior to and during special events. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with park visitors, responding to inquiries and providing information about garden programs and amenities. Provide users with general Gardens information as requested. Assist in maintaining and cultivating park plantings through appropriate horticultural manual maintenance (watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, etc.). Maintain landscape, related hardscape, and facilities with maintenance and renovation. Assist in identifying and treating potential pest and diseases with integrated pest management and applications of herbicides and pesticides if necessary. Perform overtime as required and other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
Assist with the supervision of seasonal workers and volunteers in field work as assigned.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Assigned projects are performed properly and efficiently. (Daily)
Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
Coordinate and assist in developing educational programming and tour opportunities. (Daily)
Develop, apply and maintain knowledge of the current methods of effective volunteer programming. (Daily)
Apply and maintain knowledge of the current landscape methods, construction, equipment, materials and tools to effectively maintain landscapes. (Daily)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Moderate, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force to constantly move
Climbing/Balancing: Climbs inclines and ladders, uneven surfaces, balance required
Walking: Extensive amount required
Stooping/Bending: Frequently
Stand/Sit: Sit about 20 percent of the time
Reaching: Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: Adequate to perform essential functions
Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential functions
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Moderate need to express ideas by means of spoken word
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently operates vehicles, equipment and tools requiring moderate ability
Manual Dexterity: Frequently operates equipment and tools requiring manual ability
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/EXPOSURES:
Inside/Outside: Work inside and outside (primarily outside)
Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Equipment noise
Hazards: Frequent exposure to chemicals, fertilizers, equipment, vehicles, sharp objects and height
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Frequent exposure to dust; occasional exposure to fumes and odors
Infectious Diseases: Low exposure
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to read and comprehend written material.
Ability to listen and apply information and instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand mathematical concepts to include basic arithmetic.
Ability to evaluate, develop, and execute possible courses of action
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
High school diploma/GED with experience in grounds maintenance, nursery or landscape work. Bachelor’s or associate degree in horticulture, education, communications or related field preferred. Experience with Microsoft Office desired. Must possess a valid Nebraska driver’s license and the ability to obtain an EPA pesticide applicator’s license within 12 months of hire.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
None.
Supplemental Information
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:
Light equipment, utility vehicles, mowers, weed whips, hand and power tools, chain saw, tree spade, seeder, strayers and two-way radio.
REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2025 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.
Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plan includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. Employee spouses’ who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City’s health/dental insurance.
Health/Dental (4 Tiers)
- Single Coverage $ 77.35 biweekly
- Employee Spouse Coverage $165.24 biweekly
- Employee Dependents Coverage $131.49 biweekly
- Family Coverage $192.74 biweekly
IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.
Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.
Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.
Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.
Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).
EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.
Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.
Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.
Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 – 14; 160 hrs years 15 . New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.
Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.
Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.
Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.
Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.
Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.
Salary : $300
