General Environmental Technician 3 - Floriculturist (GSD)

City of Detroit•Michigan, MI

About The Position

Under general supervision, the General Environmental Technician 3 (Floriculturist) performs a variety of tasks related to propagating, cultivating, caring for, and exhibiting native and tropical plants in greenhouses, buildings, and park areas. Work is performed in greenhouses, conservatories, and outdoors, with exposure to seasonal weather conditions and pesticides. The role may include supervising a small group of helpers, assigning and instructing workers, and inspecting their work. Specific job duties may vary by position, and incumbents may be asked to perform other job-related tasks.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of experience in grounds maintenance and landscape and/or greenhouse work.
One year of supervisory experience.
Valid State of Michigan operator license; employees may be required to operate a motor vehicle when necessary.
Obtain a valid State of Michigan Commercial Pesticide Certification within six months of entry into the classification, in Core, 3B (ornamental), 7E (interiorscape), and 6 (right of way) categories.
Knowledge of propagation and cultivation of native and tropical plants.
Knowledge of greenhouse methods used to protect plants from diseases, insects, and pests.
Skill in planting and propagation, including seed germination, plant division, and leaf, stem, and tip cuttings.
Ability to observe plant growth and detect insects, disease, watering issues, and other plant-health concerns.
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Mechanical aptitude, initiative, industriousness, and dependability.
Ability to interact effectively with the public and others with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to meet physical demands that include frequent lifting, bending, and resting on knees.

Nice To Haves

Preferably, completion of two years of college coursework in horticulture, floriculture, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Plant seeds; make cuttings and grafts; layer and set out plants, bulbs, and tubers.
Pot and repot plants; cultivate, fertilize, and water plants.
Prune shrubs and vines and collect seeds.
Regulate temperatures in greenhouses and conservatories.
Lay out and plant flower beds, and cultivate, mulch, and edge them throughout the season.
Carry out plans for arranging flowers for shows.
Supervise a small group of helpers performing plant-care tasks, including preparing soil, watering, fertilizing, cultivating, pruning or cutting back plants, setting out or storing bulbs and tubers, potting plants, and cutting back perennials for winter.
Assign tasks to workers, instruct them, and inspect work in progress and upon completion.
Repair small tools and equipment used to cultivate flowers and plants.
Apply pesticides to land or plant life.