Gardener

Job Description

The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR)(DPR) is seeking an experienced Gardener to become part of a team that creatively develops outdoor spaces for the community's enjoyment! The Gardener will prepare, install, and maintain landscape beds, plants within parks, streetscapes, gardens, facility grounds, and public areas.

Responsibilities

Specific duties include:

• Operating small gas and battery powered tools and equipment to install and maintain landscape beds, natural woodland areas, and trees on streets and in parks;
• Monitoring the growth, development, and functionality of landscapes at County sites, including assisting with planning new landscape areas;
• Performing diagnostic horticultural work to monitor plant health, managing weeds and other pests using mechanical methods and pesticides ;
• Driving various vehicles, including pickup trucks, trailers, and CDL trucks;
• Maintaining the historic memorial rose garden at Bon Air;
• Maintaining the perennial and annual plants at the nursery and greenhouse.
• Providing technical horticultural information and advice to staff and the public on garden industry best practices and the science behind gardening, designing, and landscaping; and
• Collaborating with team members on landscape maintenance and installation, tree planting and tree watering, and insect/disease control.
  
  

The ideal candidate will understand various types of plants, their uses, and cultural requirements, which includes understanding pruning guidelines, pest and disease management, soils and environmental requirements needed to maintain the health of plants. The applicant will also have strong interpersonal skills to facilitate a collaborative and team-focused work environment.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• High school diploma/GED; and
• Two (2) years of experience in landscaping, gardening, horticulture, or a related field.
  
  

Substitution: Additional years of experience in a directly related field may be substituted for the education requirement. A college degree in landscaping, horticulture or a related field may be substituted for the experience requirement.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Experience with plant material identification, including the uses and cultural requirements for trees, shrubs, and perennials;
• Formal horticultural training;
• Using an automated work order system;
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A or B; and
• Possession of certification(s) from: Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS); International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP); Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA), and/or similar organizations.
  
  

Special Requirements

• Please attach a Resume to your application.
• Employee must obtain and maintain a Virginia Registered Technician's License within six (6) months of hire.
• Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of placement in role. Any employee hired without this certification will be appointed as a trainee, until the certification is obtained. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
• Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test if applicable. The successful applicant will be subject to drug screening, at such times during employment, as required by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
• A pre-hire background check will be required, which may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
• The work environment includes exposure to drafts, varying weather conditions of heat and cold, noise, dust, grease, and dirt; including extended periods of standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting light to very heavy objects and equipment.
  
  

Additional Information

Work hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The employee may be required to work some weekends and evening hours and must be available for emergency callback and hold-over.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Click here to learn more about our commitment.

As an Employer of Choice, Arlington County offers a generous benefits package. For more information, click here .

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.