Destination Parks Gardener

PRCR plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City. A wide range of facilities and programs spread over 220 parks and 120 miles of trails supports the social, cultural, mental and physical well-being of the citizens.  The Parks Department is committed to hiring all kinds of talent to build a diverse workforce and is guided by the vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People.

The ideal candidate for our Gardener position must be self-motivated and can work alone and as part of a team. As a Gardener for our Destination Parks, the candidate must have passion for public service, is capable of conducting all aspects of horticultural maintenance and is highly motivated playing an integral role in preserving and beautifying these landscapes. The primary role for this position is to provide horticulture and landscape maintenance at the Destination parks. Destination Parks are composed of four parks, including Dix Park, Pullen Park, John Chavis Memorial Park, and the Raleigh Rose Garden.

Dix Parkis one of the newest parks in the City of Raleigh Parks system and consists of 308 acres currently in the developmental phase.  Dix Park consists of the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, the Flower Cottage, the Stone Houses and the Gipson Play Plaza, that is tentatively scheduled to open in the spring of 2025.

Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina established in 1887, is the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the United States.  Sitting on more than 66 rolling acres Pullen Park is comprised of several historic and popular destination sites.  

The Raleigh Rose Garden boasts over 1200 roses and 60 varieties with hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and antiques. It is a popular site for weddings and shares the property with the Raleigh Little Theatre and outdoor amphitheater.

John Chavis Memorial Park, located in the heart of downtown, consists of a new central plaza with an integrated water feature, renovated former carousel house, and a large playground for variety of ages and abilities. The existing park amenities also include a historic Herschell carousel, baseball field, outdoor walking track with multipurpose field and 3 picnic shelters.

Work Hours:
Monday - Friday; 7:00 am - 3:30 pm however work hours are subject to change. This position will be required to work some weekends and to lead and coordinate volunteer projects. This position may be required to respond after hours during inclement weather events or other unforeseen emergencies. 

• Proper pruning formal boxwood hedgerows and rose culture 
• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor plants for pests and diseases and apply appropriate treatments to protect plant health
• Operation of all types of equipment associated with turf and landscape maintenance 
• Coordinate the planting and maintenance of flowers, perennials, tropical, shrubs and small trees
• Researching and recommending plant species selection
• Submission of required documentation associated with daily tasks and herbicide applications into work order database
• Coordination with the Horticulture Supervisor and City Horticulturist to design, layout and install new landscape beds as well as renovate existing beds
• Traditional grounds maintenance tasks including litter pick up and trash removal
• Inspecting trees and plants and monitoring for signs of disease or pest presence
• Leading maintenance staff and volunteers assigned to assist
• Participating in emergency responses

Supervisory Responsibilities: 
This position may indirectly supervise full time positions, part-time positions, volunteers and may be required to serve in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Crew Supervisor.Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or GED and four years of related experience

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire 
• North Carolina Public Operator Pesticide Applicator's License or the ability to acquire within 45 days of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of annual plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees
• Plant identification, site, soil and environmental needs, hardiness zones, water, nutrition and maintenance associated with horticulture
• Attention to detail to sustain high quality and aesthetics expected at all park and surrounding sites
• Excellent communication skills with a positive attitude to work with the Horticulture Team, other city staff, outside entities and volunteers
• Time management, punctuality, dependability and the ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Landscape design, installation, renovation and maintenance, disease and pest control, and fertilization
• Extensive plant knowledge and other cultural practices

ADA and Other Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Heavy Work:
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in both the field and in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions (such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, etc.); moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as disruptive people, imminent danger, or a threatening environment); and frequent exposure to intense noise.

Note:
This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Salary : $42,357 - $68,480