Lead Horticultural Support Technician (12897, Grade 18)

Description

• Do you consider yourself a knowledgeable horticulturist or landscaper?
• Are you experienced and talented at leading small groups of staff on projects?
• Are you proficient in operating tools and equipment utilized in landscaping?

If this sounds like you, The Montgomery County Department of Parks-Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division is the place you want to be! We are currently seeking a motivated, skilled Landscape Technician to perform a broad range of landscape design, installation and maintenance projects for the HFEE Division. This position reports directly to the Horticulturist. Go to our website to learn more about the work of the HFEE Division: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/visit-nature/

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area. Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4525 to request accommodation.

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Examples of Important Duties

Project Leadership and Training

• Leads staff performing project-based landscape work in parks, community gardens and nature centers.
• Trains and teaches park employees in accurate work methods, horticulture techniques, and plant knowledge.
• Leads the tree stump grinding program involving data management, training, and physical removal of stumps with equipment.

• Assists in selection of plant material for projects; develops simple design plans; orders plants for projects.
• Prepares planting sites, plants and transplants trees, shrubs and herbaceous plant material.
• Performs maintenance by pruning and watering trees, shrubs, and herbaceous material; removes competing weeds, mulches trees and beds.
• Observes plant growth, diagnoses diseases, pests and resolves plant problems; identifies effective treatments utilizing integrated pest management principles.

• Operates skid-steers, dingos, backhoes, stump grinders, and tractors with attachments; tree spades, trucks/vehicles, and other specialized horticulture, landscape and nursery equipment.
• Utilizes a variety of hand and power tools used in landscape maintenance, expertly and safely.
• Performs preventive maintenance and minor repair on equipment used in the course of work.

Working Conditions:

Works in indoor and outdoor settings. Occasionally exposed to inclement weather, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors, and fumes from fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides; and exposure to wildlife and potentially harmful insects (i.e. bees, hornets, wasps) and traffic hazards and noise. Maintains situational awareness, adheres to established safety procedures, takes precautions and wears personal protective equipment to minimize potential hazards to self. As required, subject to call back for emergencies and occasionally work overtime, evenings, and weekends. Ability to stand, walk, crouch, kneel, bend or squat for considerable periods of time; lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 49 pounds.

Very competitive and flexible benefits programs available!

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture, Forestry or any related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in landscaping, gardening, greenhouse, nursery or horticultural support work including leading a crew of workers.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
• Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
• Contingent upon area of assignment, some positions in this class may require within 12 months of placement in the position: (a) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements; (b) Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide applicator certification; (c) Maryland Department of Agriculture Fertilizer Applicator certification.
• Pass Commission medical examination.

Supplemental Information

Classification Specification Lead Horticultural Support Technician

May be subject to drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.