Horticulture Assistant

Position Summary

The Horticulture Assistant is responsible for assisting in the design, planting, care and maintenance of annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs to enhance and appearance within the City's parks, open space, public rights-of-way, and other properties under the City's control.

The Horticulture Assistant is expected to have an interest in horticulture and a willingness to learn about plant care and maintenance specific to Colorado’s Front Range. They should be eager to develop knowledge of proper plant selection, care techniques, and the use of tools and equipment. This individual should be dedicated and dependable, have a solutions-orientated mindset, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. Adaptability to change tasks and environmental conditions are important to success in this position. 

All team members are expected to adhere to the organizational values of ACTION! (Accountability, Change, Teamwork, Integrity, Opportunity, Now!) and are responsible for contributing to the achievements of the organization and department. Team members are expected to continue to grow professionally and to apply learning in their job setting.

Schedule: 4-10 hour shifts (April-October) and 5-8 hour shifts (November-March). Schedules may be subject to change.

 

Position Responsibilities

• Assist with a variety of miscellaneous horticulture duties including planting, maintaining, watering, inspecting, weeding, pruning and removing annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs within the City's parks and open space properties, on public right-of-way and other properties under the control of the City. 
• Prepare and maintain all annual and non-woody perennial/shrub beds.
• Conduct pest and disease inspections and assist with applying pesticides and fertilizers as directed by the Horticultural Technicians.
• Oversee the activities and assist with training of seasonal team members.
• Assist with record keeping relative to plant maintenance work.
• Assist in planning and purchasing of plant related supplies, materials and other specialized horticultural equipment.
• Responds to and assists with a variety of service requests.
• Performs snow removal and operations duties such as snow plowing, salting, and removal of ice and snow. Staff will be required to respond to snow removal during off-hours.

• Must be available for weekend and holiday duty or overtime when needed.
• Completes daily vehicle check, cleans and maintains equipment as necessary, and reports problems and incidents promptly. 
• Perform a variety of miscellaneous maintenance duties including trash pickup. 
• Assist forestry, open space, and parks maintenance teams as needed.

• Will be required to assist with weekend watering and may be required to assist with special projects and events. 
• Other duties assigned that are appropriate to the position.

 Education, Experience, and Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

General

• Knowledge of plants used in landscaping in Colorado’s Front Range including annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, shrubs and small tress and techniques of planning, planting, maintaining, treating these plant types and associated planting sites. 
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Recognize identify plants used in landscaping in Colorado’s Front Range and be able to identify, diagnose and treat diseased or infested plants. 
• Perform manual labor for extended periods of time and in all types of weather. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Mechanical

• Ability to maintain, repair, clean, and use tools, instruments, and devices. 
• Ability to operate light hand and power tools and heavy equipment.

Technology 

• Intermediate knowledge of software used by the City such as Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, timekeeping programs, and knowledge of Vueworks (the City’s asset management program) is a plus.

Communication

• Provide exceptional customer service to colleagues, members of the public and difficult customers. Must be able to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively both verbally and in written form.

Mathematical

• Multiplication, division, subtraction, and addition skills to determine quantities and spacing needed to for planting, reporting requirements, and data collection

Organization

• Ability to organize, prioritize, and record tasks.  
• Ability to adapt to changing job priorities and conditions.
• Ability to recall the timing of specific procedures and locations and effectively keep information regarding tasks and procedures organized.

Evidence Of Qualifications

Education and Experience 

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience in horticulture, landscaping, gardening, or a related field is preferred but not required. Training will be provided. 

License or Certification: 

• Possess a current and valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record. If moving from a different state, a Colorado license must be obtained within (30) days of hire.
• Background screen and preemployment physical is required.

Supervision Received 

Works under the day-to-day leadership of the Horticulture Technicians and the supervision of the Forestry and Open Space Supervisor. 

Supervision Exercised

Provides day-to-day guidance to seasonal employees. 

Independence Of Action

Work is performed within authorized limits prescribed by the supervisor and/or policy. Exercises independent judgment in selecting and interpreting information, handling deviations from standard methods, and resolving problems, including emergencies. Finished work is reviewed for attainment of objectives and adherence to deadlines. Supervisor is available to assist in solving problems.

General Information

Working Conditions   

• Work is primarily outdoors, performed in cold, hot, or inclement weather. Involves frequent exposure to noise levels that may cause distractions. May be exposed to confined work areas and to chemicals, fumes, cold, heat, dirt, dust, noise, wetness, solvents, oils, gases, and occasionally to electrical energy, humidity, and pesticides.  May work near traffic and occasionally will work around water and electricity.
• Must have ability to climb, bend, crouch, stoop, reach with both hands, carry, pull, push, or lift object weighing in excess of 50 pounds; intermittently sitting, standing and walking. Work requires the ability to hear, use of hands to fingers, and a high degree of manual skill.

It is the policy of the City of Wheat Ridge not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state, or municipal law unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification. The City of Wheat Ridge will consider reasonable accommodation for employment to qualified applicants upon request to the Human Resources Office.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.

Salary : $20 - $28