Gardener

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department mission is

"Together we connect and enrich our community through exceptional experiences."

The City of Raleigh is seeking a permanent part-time Gardener to join the horticulture team at Destination Parks (Dix Park, Pullen Park, Chavis Park and Raleigh Rose Garden.) This role supports the Parks Maintenance division by assisting with daily horticultural tasks such as planting, weeding, watering, pruning, and invasive plant removal. A passion for horticulture and a desire to learn through hands-on experience are essential. Strong customer service skills are required, as the Gardener may work with volunteers and engage with community members, garden clubs, and civic groups. This position requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team. As a new team member, you will be trained on how to safely operate small equipment and be required to use equipment such as string trimmers, blowers, edgers, pesticide application equipment and operate commercial vehicles and trailers under 26,000 pounds (non-CDL).

About You:
The ideal candidate for this part-time Gardener position at our Destination Parks is a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with a strong passion for horticulture and the role public parks play in enhancing community life. They have hands-on experience with landscape gardening and are eager to expand their knowledge of best horticultural practices. This person brings a positive attitude, works well both independently and with a team, and demonstrates excellent customer service skills when interacting with the public and volunteers.

About Us:
We play a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City through our extensive parks system, which includes over 220 parks and 117 miles of greenway trails. We are honored to support and contribute to the mental and physical well-being of our community. Our vision is to bring people to parks and parks to people. Therefore, we strive to bring the benefits of greenspaces to people in an equitable manner.

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department seeks a diverse workforce to deliver our mission and vision. We seek candidates that have a passion for providing exceptional customer service and a commitment to serving others.

• Perform routine horticultural tasks such as weeding, watering, planting, pruning, and fertilizing

• Assist with soil preparation, soil testing, and invasive plant removal
• Learn and apply best horticultural practices through hands-on experience
• Apply necessary pesticides safely and according to departmental policy and state law
• Provide gardening advice to community members, garden clubs, and civic groups
• Collaborate with and help coordinate and lead volunteers on large-scale gardening projects
• Work independently with minimal supervision, while also contributing as part of a team
• The role may require assisting with cleanup and repair during inclement weather

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.

License 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 License, or the ability to acquire within 90 days of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic horticultural practices, including planting, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, soil preparation, and invasive plant removal

• Strong customer service and communication skills to interact with the public, volunteers, and community groups
• Work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively as part of a team
• Perform strenuous outdoor work in various weather conditions and lift heavy materials as required
• Willingness to learn and safely operate landscaping tools and equipment, including string trimmers, blowers, edgers, and trailers

• Attention to detail and strong work ethic with a self-motivated, proactive approach to tasks

ADA and Other Requirements: 
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, 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 frequent exposure to hazardous physical conditions (such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibration, etc.); frequent exposure to atmospheric conditions (such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, etc.); frequent exposure to hazardous materials (such as chemicals, blood and other body fluids); frequent exposure to environmental conditions (such as disruptive people, imminent danger, or a threatening environment); and moderate exposure to extreme temperatures, movement restrictions, intense noise and travel. 

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 : $18 - $29