What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulture Specialist - Grounds position at Georgia state government?
NORTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Horticulture Specialist-Grounds
Job Code: 60760
Revised: 03/19/2025
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Description: The Horticulture Specialist is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of outdoor spaces, encompassing tasks like planting, mowing, trimming, and installing/repairing irrigation systems. To plan, develop, implement, evaluate projects, and monitor progress towards completion. The position serves directly under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor and/or Manager.
Major Duties:
· Oversee and assess the grounds of the Clarkesville Campus.
- Plants new flowers, trees, grass, hedges, and bushes.
- Develops and maintains watering schedule for new and existing flowers, trees, grass and bushes.
- Maintains gardens and lawns, including mowing, trimming, pruning, raking, and weeding.
- Waters plants and lawns and adds fertilizer as needed.
- Installs outdoor lighting and sprinkler systems.
- Remove snow, ice, and leaves as needed.
- Loads and unloads equipment and tools into work vehicles.
- Drives work vehicles to and from sites.
- Adheres to all safety precautions.
· Maintains and enhances existing flower beds, mulch beds, shrubs, trees
· Designs and installations, under the direction of the Grounds Manager, new planters, flower beds and landscaping additions.
· Guides other groundskeepers in applicable procedures and techniques for environmental practices.
· Other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
· Proficiency in Windows applications (Word, Excel), Internet, and Outlook
· Knowledge of different grasses and the requirements for fertilizer, water and weed control
· Knowledge of grounds keeping and horticulture practices
· Knowledge and skilled in heavy equipment operations-loaders, excavators, tractors, ride-on & stand-on mowers, etc.
· Ability to identify stress on lawn and take corrective actions
· Knowledge of safety guidelines
· Skill in planning and organizing projects
· Skill in interpersonal relations and effective problem-solving methods
· Knowledge of personnel budget practices
· Ability to work with minimal supervision
· Oral, written, and communication skills
Driver’s License Requirement:
· Must have a valid GA driver's license, clean MVR and be able to be insured under NGTC insurance policies
Preferred Requirement:
· Education- Horticulture diploma/degree
· Work Experience- 3 years
Physical Demands:
· Ability to perform physical activities, such as, but not limited to, lifting heavy items (up to 50 lbs. unassisted), bending, standing, climbing and walking
· Ability to withstand a variety of indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.
· Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; reaching above shoulder level; fine finger dexterity.
Travel Requirements:
· Occasional travel to other campuses using state vehicles.
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
North Georgia Technical College is an equal opportunity employer. All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the person is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution’s ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.
The following persons have been designated to manage inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Dr. Fran Chastain, Dean of Student Support and Engagement, Title IX Coordinator, Clegg Center 212, (706) 754-7855, fran.chastain@northgatech.edu and Kay Carroll, Student Support & Accessibility Services Coordinator (Section 504), Clegg Center 214, (706) 754-7828, kay.carroll@northgatech.edu at 1500 HWY 197 N, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
