Gardener

The City of San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) is looking for people who want to make San José a better place to live. Our mission is to connect people through parks, recreation and neighborhood services for an active San José. ActivateSJ, PRNS’ latest strategic work plan, is committed to establishing healthy communities that inspire belonging by following the guiding principles of stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity and public life. 

The Department creates and activates thriving places where people live, work, play, and learn, which include 48 community centers, 10 regional parks, 203 neighborhood parks, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, 290 playgrounds and almost 63 miles of trails, programs and services that touch the lives of individuals and families in our community. We take a fun approach to public service, and value the public’s trust. Our team is collaborative, supportive, and innovative. We are a fast-paced organization that takes decisive action after thoughtful planning. 

For more information, please visit activatesj.org.The total salary range for the Gardener classification is $76,044.80-92,497.60 annually. The actual salary shall be determined by the final candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The Parks Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services is recruiting to fill multiple full-time Gardener positions. Under direct supervision of the Parks Facilities Supervisor, Gardeners are responsible for performing various gardening and grounds keeping duties in parks, municipal grounds, and trails within a Regional Park or Park District. Candidate must be willing and able to work weekends, holidays and/or other shifts as needed.

Duties of the Gardener position include, but are not limited to:

• Inspecting shrubs, trees, and various landscaped areas for insect/disease problems and fertilization requirements and applying fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and other chemicals as needed.
• Planting, cultivating, irrigating and transplanting required for turf, plants, shrubs, and trees.
• Operating and maintaining cleanliness, security and safety of a broad range of equipment such as; tractors with attachments, various types of trucks, backpack blowers, turf sweepers, lawn rollers, aerators, dethatchers, mowers, power edgers, sprayers, rototillers, power augers, power sod cutters, power brush cutters, fertilizer spreaders, and other equipment and hand tools used in grounds maintenance.
• Assisting visitors to public areas with basic information and directions as requested.
• Providing lead direction to classifications such as Groundsworker, Maintenance Assistant, and court referred program participants, volunteers and interns.
• Duties will also include preparing routine reports (oral and written) and data entry using work order system.

Education: Successful completion of high school, General Education Development (G.E.D.) Certificate or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience: Three (3) years (6,240 hours or more) of semi-skilled horticultural work.

Acceptable Substitutions: Three (3) years (6,240 hours or more) performing a variety of gardening tasks that include planting, applying herbicides and pesticides, pruning/shaping of trees and shrubs.

Licenses or Certificates: Possession of a valid California Qualified Applicator’s Certificate (QAC) within one (1) year of appointment. Possession of California Driver's License, Class C. As a condition of employment in some designated positions, possession of a valid State of California Class A or B driver's license with applicable endorsements may be required in the performance of job duties.

Competencies
The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history. Desirable competencies for this position include:

Job Expertise - Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

• Ability to perform skilled gardening work and the ability to utilize various tools and power equipment to maintain horticultural areas.
• Ability to perform minor repairs and servicing of irrigation systems, including programming of controllers and timers.
• Knowledge of irrigation system layout, including identification of quick couplers, backflow valves, and other valves on site.
• Ability to recognize insects, plant diseases and noxious weeds and knowledge of their control. Ability to apply pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals as recommended and to interpret chemical labels and operations manuals.

Communication Skills - Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.

Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.

Customer Service - Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.

Leadership - Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.

Multi-Tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously; has handled a wide variety of assignments in past and/or current position(s).

Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills - Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Selection Process
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidate whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical/writing exercise.

Background Check: Candidate will be required to undergo a background check, including a criminal history records check, before being considered for a position.

If you have questions regarding the duties of the positions, please contact Lisa Diebolt, Division Analyst at lisa.diebolt@sanjoseca.gov.

If you have questions about the duties of this position, the selection, or hiring processes, please contact Employee Services Analyst, Jessica De Vera at jessica.devera@sanjoseca.gov.   

Salary : $76,045 - $92,498