Horticulturist

Horticulturist

Department: Parks & Recreation Reports to: Horticulturist Supervisor

Summary: Under basic supervision, performs pesticide and herbicide control in the City's parks, sports fields, and landscaped areas. Performs activities related to the enhancement, health and aesthetics of ornamental landscape planting to City parks.

Essential Functions: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspects, identifies, and eradicates noxious pests, insects, plant diseases, and weed conditions around City parks and grounds; monitors City grounds and turf, and identifies and corrects problems attributable to insects, disease, nutrient imbalances, soil issues, vandalism, and weather extremes.
• Performs pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control practices.
• Assists with the planning of horticultural spray and pest eradication programs; assists with design and redesign of landscape areas; estimates job costs and quantities of materials needed.
• Recommends addition of specific plant materials and redesign of landscaping areas.
• Responsible for safely storing chemicals and supplies used in spraying programs; assists with the ordering of required chemicals and supplies; maintains accurate records of chemical inventories and usage.
• Maintains production of trees at City tree farm; maintains and propagates greenhouse plants.
• Assists with setup and cleanup for special events; cross-trains in a variety of skills.
• Operates vehicles and equipment in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.
• Completes daily work log, incident and accident reports, and requisitions for supplies and materials.
• Works on assigned projects, and makes appropriate decisions based on work experience; notifies supervisors of repair problems beyond the scope of authority.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; reports problems and emergency situations; recognizes, avoids, and reports unsafe acts, conditions, accidents and injuries.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School Diploma or GED required. One (1) year of related experience required.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in maintenance of parks.
• Methods, tools, and equipment used in parks and grounds maintenance.
• Federal, state, and City safety rules and regulations, occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Proper use and storage of hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
• OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals.

Skill in:

• Diagnosing maintenance problems on turf, trees, and landscape areas.
• Operating and maintaining tools and equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Identifying mechanical problems, and making basic adjustments and repairs to tools and equipment.
• Identifying plants, pests, agronomy diseases, and unsafe conditions.
• Following safe work practices.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

License and certification requirements: A Valid Driver's License is required. Pesticide Applicator license is required within one (1) year of hire; additional technical training and certifications may be required for some incumbents.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed indoors, outdoors, and at City facilities; requires moderate physical efforts, and the ability to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects; may be exposed to safety hazards and dangerous tools and equipment; safety precautions must be followed, including use of safety equipment. City approved safety shoes must be worn. Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 pounds.