What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulturist position at City of Virginia Beach?
Job Duties:
HORTICULTURIST - ORNAMENTAL duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Individual will assist and work directly in the execution of landscape and horticultural related duties with various community organizations and City teams
Oversee onsite nursery, hands on maintenance of municipal landscapes independently and with other team members through application of knowledge, practices, and principles of horticulture, landscape maintenance, and design
Identify plant diseases and recommend corrective action based on knowledge of plant biology, identification, propagation and culture
Apply pesticides and assist with trialing environmentally friendly pest and weed control options
Create landscape drawings/plans for projects
Utilize GIS Mapping software to plan and execute yearly fall and winter planting contracts and in- house planting projects
Select and recommend appropriate plant materials, procure, maintain, issue, inventory, and account for same
Coordinate and oversee contractual planting or other related landscape contracts, work closely with garden club and civic league representatives on various community projects and garden designs
Work closely with other teams within Parks and Recreation and other City teams to provide horticulture expertise, technical training, and implement landscape design plans
Lead various community groups in landscape and horticulture related projects
Provide presentations, horticulture walk and talks for a variety of community groups
*Note: Work is performed outside in all weather conditions including temperature extremes and involves lifting and carrying equipment/tools and materials weighing 50 - 75 pounds. *
Official City Job Description:
https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Horticulturist-00815.pdf
Working Conditions:
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.003694.1.pdf
Minimum Requirements:
MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years, including one (1) in a supervisory capacity, in the field of horticulture, utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Must have a current and valid drivers license. Must have or obtain within 90 days of employment, a valid Pesticide Applicators License from the State of Virginia.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned.
This position may be designated as a safety sensitive position and be subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.
Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City's operational status.
May require a Commercial drivers license.
Additional Requirements:
DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Not Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required
Attachments Required: None
Preferences:
- Knowledge and experience in the selection and care of a wide variety of plant material that is sustainable and can be utilized in public landscape applications
- Experience in landscape design and installation
- Experience utilizing GIS mapping software for the purpose of recording and tracking trees and/or plant material
- Horticultural experience and/or horticulture courses
- Supervision experience with 3 or more employees or volunteers for minimum 1 year in landscape management or horticulture field
- Integrated pest management experience
- Plant selection and purchasing experience
- Experience presenting horticultural and landscape training
- Experience working with and leading volunteers, community groups, garden clubs, etc., in horticultural or landscaping activities
Special Instructions:
This is an Alpha I position which requires reporting to work during periods of emergency or inclement weather, regardless of City's operational status.
Similar Job Titles: Horticulture Specialist, Municipal Horticulturist, Urban Horticulturist, Parks Horticulturist, Horticulture Coordinator, Landscape & Horticulture Specialist, Landscape Horticulturist, Landscape & Grounds Horticulturist, Municipal Landscape Coordinator, Community Horticulturist, Public Horticulture Specialist, Horticulture & Landscape Supervisor, Grounds & Horticulture Coordinator, Plant Health & Landscape Specialist, Environmental Horticulture Specialist, Horticulture Project Coordinator
- Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
- Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
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VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.
Salary : $44,678 - $69,243