GARDENER

GARDENER INTRODUCTION

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, performs those landscaping tasks necessary to meet landscape contract specifications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

*1. Maintains landscapes of assigned landscape contracts.

*a. Mows turf areas using a variety of mowers including -push mowers, walk-behinds, riding mowers, tractor with bush-hog.

*b. Trims turf areas using a variety of small equipment including - string-trimmers and sidewalk edgers.

*c. Trims shrubs for health, shape, and safety using e.g. hedge trimmers and loppers.

*d. Prunes trees for health, shape, and safety using e.g. pole pruners, chain saw, loppers.

*e. Mulches, weeds, cultivates, edges tree rings and other mulched areas using e.g., spades, wheelbarrows, cultivators.

*f. May apply chemicals including fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides using e.g., push spreader, backpack sprayer, tractor with spreader. Must be able to clearly document according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture requirements each time chemicals/fertilizers are applied.

*g. Removes debris from turf, mulch, and paved areas as needed using e.g., rakes, push and backpack blowers, tarpaulins.

*h. Plants and maintains seasonal color displays using e.g. trowels, bulb drills, shovels, hoses.

*i. Other duties as assigned.

*2. Assists in planning and executing landscape operations.

*a. Helps choose appropriate plant material for various locations.

*b. Prepares planting areas by such means as grading, tilling, adding soil amendments, removing existing vegetation using e.g., pick, shovel, tiller, tractor, chain saw, rakes.

c. Plants various types vegetation such as sod, bulbs, perennials, shrubs, and trees using e.g., pick, shovel, and augers.

*d. May perform minor landscape construction projects e.g., installing metal edging, installing strip drains, building short steps, etc.

*e. May perform snow-removal tasks such as shoveling, operating a snow thrower, plowing, spreading ice-melting chemicals.

*f. Other duties as assigned.

*3. Work with, assist with supervising, and assist with training assigned crew members consisting of adults with and without differing abilities.

*4. Other duties as assigned.

*Essential Functions

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent must be able to stand 34%, walk 33% and sit 33% of the work time. These requirements are necessary to operate riding mowers to cut and trim grass, plant vegetation, rake, shovel, etc. He/she must be able to lift/carry 60 pounds and push/pull 100 pounds, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and handle, in order to load and unload materials and equipment; must be able to alert oneself to safety hazards and have a method of communication so those around can understand and respond; must be able to see and tell colors, as driving and operating power equipment is required. Due to the nature of work, occasionally heavy lifting is involved, require lifting and handling of heavy equipment. Lifting materials such as flats, mulch, fertilizer, lime, seed and related items weighing up to 60 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in landscape work including experience with planting, mowing, pruning trees and shrubs, and using a variety of landscape-related equipment such as mowers, tractors, and small, gas-powered equipment required. Prefer applicant to have had one (1) year supervising two or more people. Applicant must have a valid driver's license. Should have a reliable mode of transportation to work site. Must be self-motivated, and, able to run the assigned crew in the foreman's absence.