SUMMARY: Under
general direction, performs duties associated with designing,
renovating and maintaining City landscapes; and performs related
duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL
FUNCTIONS:(Essential
functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may
include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other
characteristics). This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a
comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by
incumbents of this class.)
DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES:(which
are not
in any hierarchical order)
- Plans,
organizes and controls the work of assigned employees. Counsels
employees on job performance.
- Directs
the care and maintenance of soccer and baseball fields within the
City.
- Directs
the application of pesticides used on City grounds.
- Analyzes
City landscape sites to determine culture needed to maintain the
landscape or correct problems.
- Designs
new landscape areas or changes to existing landscape areas.
- Analyzes
landscape problems and determines workable solution(s).
- Inspects
and prepares report on landscape activity within the City.
- Prepares
product specifications and requisitions for pesticides, chemicals,
plant materials, fertilizers and other supplies required to
accomplish objective.
- Coordinates
large landscape projects ensuring materials, labor and equipment
are available and on-site as scheduled.
- Responds
to questions or complaints from the general public regarding City
landscapes.
- Investigates
prospective problems with insects, diseases or other maladies that
affect plants, grass, trees and shrubs. Takes action or recommends
a course of action to correct problem.
- Oversees
the work of contractors to ensure work is performed as specified in
the contract.
- Develops
and recommends fertilizer program for parks, athletic fields,
ornamental plants, and flowers.
KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge
of tools and equipment used in landscape design and maintenance.
- Knowledge
of Federal, State and local laws, and standards governing area of
responsibility.
- Knowledge
of the proper methods for applying pesticides and fertilizers.
- Knowledge
of theories, practices and principles of Botany, Ornamental
Horticulture and/or Entomology.
- Knowledge
of supervisory principles and techniques.
- Knowledge
of time management principles and techniques.
- Skill
in using equipment such as chemical sprayer, tractor, mower,
verticutter, aerifier, sod cutter, truck, weed eater, trailer,
roller, power fertilizer spreader.
- Skill
in identifying unsafe conditions and taking corrective action.
- Skill
in troubleshooting and assessing problems and determining most
effective corrective action.
- Skill
in communicating effectively with others both orally and in
writing.
- Skill
in dealing effectively with the general public.
- Ability
to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
those contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL
REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work
is normally performed in an outdoor setting with exposure to weather
conditions. Work involves frequent need to stand, walk, use hands to
finger, handle, or feel and occasional need to sit, climb or
balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, reach with hands and arms
and lift light objects (up to 10 pounds) and perform other similar
actions during the course of the workday. The City of West Palm
Beach promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through the use
of mandatory pre-employment drug testing.
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s
degree from an accredited college or university with a major in
Botany, Ornamental Horticulture, or Entomology and three (3) years
of experience as a Horticulturist, or any equivalent combination of
training and experience. A Restricted Chemical Spray License and
valid State of Florida Driver’s License are required.