Horticulturalist - Specialist

City of O'Fallon, IL•O'Fallon, IL

3h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is primarily responsible for performing semi-skilled to skilled horticultural work and managing horticulture seasonal staff. Key tasks include landscape installation and maintenance.

Requirements

Degree in Horticulture or a closely related field (e.g., Agriculture, Botany, or Forestry) OR 3 years of full-time paid experience related to the position.
Possession of a valid State of Illinois driver’s license or other state equivalent.
State of Illinois Public Pesticide Operator’s license in the category of Ornamentals, required within 6 months of employment (preferred at time of hire).
Basic to intermediate knowledge of the principles, terms, techniques, and procedures associated with the horticultural and urban forestry profession.
General understanding of common desirable and undesirable regional plant material (trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, perennials, annuals, and bulbs), including plant identification, use, landscape function, and maintenance/cultural requirements.
Ability to motivate and guide others in the safe and productive performance of tasks associated with the maintenance of City grounds and landscapes.
Knowledge and ability to operate equipment, motor vehicles, and both power and hand tools effectively and safely, with the aptitude to learn and operate new equipment.
Ability to use a computer, computer hardware, and common software applications.
Ability to perform physical activities such as standing or walking for extended periods, frequent and repeated bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, climbing of ladders, or working aloft from an aerial lift device/truck and lifting of up to 100lbs unassisted.
Ability to understand and comply with workplace rules and policies.
Ability to work and cooperate with others, resolve problems, and possess a positive attitude while contributing to and maintaining a safe, productive, and respectful work environment.
Ability to represent the department in a positive and professional manner and serve as a reliable source of information about department programs, park maintenance operations, and park rules and regulations.

Responsibilities

Be available to work a variety of shift assignments, including weekends and extended hours for weather-related and special events.
Supervise 6-10 seasonal employees and volunteers/community service workers, including hiring, implementing disciplinary procedures, facilitating performance reviews, creating weekly work schedules and workloads, facilitating daily task lists, identifying areas of improvement, and resolving employee complaints and inquiries.
Train employees in job site, equipment safety and PPE, equipment operation, horticultural methods, and plant water management.
Manage horticulture projects: order and install new landscapes, design annual plants, delegate project roles among seasonal staff, manage equipment and labor logistics, assist with budgeting, and complete various projects specific to areas of interest.
Implement natural area management plans for timber and prairie areas at Rock Springs Rotary Park, as developed by the city forester.
Assist the City Forester with bike and nature trail maintenance and installation.
Lead improvement projects such as compost creation from yard waste for use in planting to defer purchasing costs.
Carry out all labor responsibilities required in landscape installation and maintenance.
Operate heavy equipment, including but not limited to skid steer, toolcat, mini excavator, dump truck, dump trailer, mower, augers, brush cutters, mulch wagon, and bucket truck.
Operate small equipment, including but not limited to chainsaws, bed edger, sod cutter, weed trimmer, blowers, and miscellaneous hand tools.
Operate hazardous equipment such as chainsaws, woodchipper, flail mower, and stump grinder.
Operate appropriate arborist climbing equipment for tree pruning and removal.
Perform routine equipment maintenance.
Assist city foresters and all urban forester labor as needed.