Seasonal Specialist - Horticulture

The Seasonal Specialist - Horticulture position is responsible for assisting with plant propagation and care in the greenhouse, greenhouse housekeeping, planting, weeding, deadheading, watering, and fertilizing garden displays throughout the City. This position is physically demanding in nature with exposure to extreme weather conditions. Most positions work four 10-hour days during the week (Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday) however hours may vary with possible weekend, holiday, and special events.

Positions will begin after April 14th and last through October 10th.

Benefits as a result of working in this position, you will:

• Learn new skills in greenhouse production, landscaping and horticulture industry
• Learn how to operate a variety of machines used in parks maintenance including a variety of hand tools and light equipment
• Enhance the customer service of patrons by providing excellent displays and products.
• Work outside with extraordinary Colorado views
• Enjoy free access to City of Westminster Recreation Facilities

The full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate.

The City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).

This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational, and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing, and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space, and trails. This position works toward the accomplishment of the department’s mission: Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.

GENERAL COMPETENCIES
Job Specific – Every employee in this position must be able to:

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of practices used in ornamental plant production, planting and garden maintenance
• Operate equipment such as weeders, electric blowers and hedge trimmers, hand tools, tillers and pick-up trucks
• Demonstrate understanding and importance of safety rules and procedures
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Demonstrate the ability to take care of equipment and tools
• Work independently and in a team environment and show initiative to complete tasks
• Assist the public and City staff in a friendly and helpful manner establishing effective working relationships
• Work in a high-use public facility environment

All employees are expected to provide excellent customer service, communicate in an effective manner both verbally and in writing, display professionalism and integrity, work efficiently, effectively and accurately, work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, solve problems, display good judgment, take ownership for delivering a high-quality product or service, have regular and punctual attendance, and effectively handle emergency situations.Essential Job Functions, Duties, Responsibilities, and Tasks
1. Assist with greenhouse plant production which may include the following:

• Seed sowing and seedling transplanting, vegetative propagation, up-potting, monitoring plants for insects and diseases as well as watering needs
• Communicating observations to supervisor
• Planting annual and perennial plugs as well as poinsettia plugs
• Greenhouse sanitation chores: keeping floors free of weeds, benches free of plant debris, work spaces clean and organized

2. Assist with the City’s annual and perennial gardens which may include the following:

• Preparing gardens with soil amendments, rototilling, weeding, mulching with gravel
• Planting gardens
• Routine garden maintenance: weeding, deadheading, edging, watering, fertilizing
• Trash removal from gardens

3. Possess a valid driver’s license and maintains a safe driving record (for those approved to drive)
4. Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion.Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and Certifications
Required:

• Must be at least 16 years of age to apply, must be 18 for most positions; limited positions are available for applicants ages 16 and 17

Preferred:

• Valid driver’s license and maintenance of a safe driving record
• Previous experience in one or more of the following areas:
  1. Greenhouse production
  2. Landscaping
  3. Gardening
  4. Ornamental plant and weed ID

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.

Physical Requirements
This position requires a moderate degree of physical stamina and strength, including the ability to: 

• Frequently sit, stand and walk on uneven terrain
• Occasionally squat, bend, kneel, twist, climb, balance and reach over head
• Occasionally lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds
• Frequently use hands and fingers for fine manipulation; occasionally use light and firm grasp
• Occasionally step up and down to enter and exit vehicles and climb ladders; constant actuate mechanism to safely operate heavy equipment and vehicles
• Frequently see objects up close to perform office tasks and far away to observe activity for safety hazards or problems
• Constantly use hearing to interact with guests and staff and recognize trouble outside of view
• Occasionally use sufficient physical strength, stamina and agility to perform emergency work in various capacities

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is constantly performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to sometimes extreme summer heat. 

Required Materials and Equipment
Operates light equipment such as pick-up trucks, horticultural hand tools, rototillers, water equipment, pruners, and other equipment as necessary. Depending on the project, may also utilize small tools such as hammers, shovels, saws, measuring tape, levels, drills, and power tools to complete assigned responsibilities.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must be legally entitled to work in the United States and must successfully pass a criminal background check, reference check, and substance screen. There may be additional pre-employment requirements depending on the nature of the position.
We are a caring, courteous, team-oriented organization committed to public service excellence. Employees thrive in a culture that is respectful, professional and diverse. Our work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees. Westminster is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $17 - $21