NBS-Grdnr-PKM Seasonal Gardener

SALARY: $17.00/per hour

POSITION SUMMARY:

Works with Horticulturist to plan and maintain landscape and container plantings and invasive species control throughout VPA parks and properties, as well as along St. Joseph River. Performs other duties as assigned. Reports to Horticulturist.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Not a supervisory role. May be asked to lead volunteer groups.

SCHEDULE: M-F, Spring/Summer 6:30 AM-2:30 PM, Fall/Winter 7:00 AM-3:00 PM

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Weeds landscape beds and native plantings, including natural areas

• Prunes landscape shrubs and small woody plants as needed

• Mulching of landscape beds

• Regular watering of container plants; supplemental watering of un-irrigated landscape beds

• Leaf blowing and removal

• Trash clean up, as necessary

• Keeps records of daily work logs

• May require use of ladders to access sites

• Maintains hand tools and equipment

• Weed eating and brush cutting, as necessary

• Maintains positive attitude with the public

• Safely drives city truck to and from worksites

• Ability to learn new landscape procedures and best practices

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as assigned.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent education.

• Two years of experience in grounds maintenance and plant care, with emphasis on weed identification.

• Ideal candidate familiar with native and invasive plant species identification.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of city streets is a plus.

• Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in grounds maintenance.

• Ability to frequently work independently and to complete activities according to work schedule.

• Ability to lift heavy objects, walk, crouch, and stand for long periods of time, and to perform physical labor.

• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees, and the public.

• Ability to work near water?s edge.

• Ability to care for ornamental and native plants.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:

• Valid Driver?s License required.

• Willingness to obtain Registered Technician pesticide applicator?s license preferred.

EQUIPMENT:

Truck, trailer, hand saw, pruners, chain saw, backpack sprayer, miscellaneous hand tools, and iPad.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works in highly precarious places and is often exposed to wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, except when operating power equipment.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management?s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.

REQUIRED:

Pre-Employment Drug Screen

Employee Background check

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer