Horticulturalist - Schoepfle Garden
About The Position
The Horticulturist oversees the care and maintenance of public gardens and designated park areas. This position supervises staff, leads planting and landscape projects, and supports capital improvements across the Park District. The role requires independent judgment and supervisory authority Directs and coordinates the operation and maintenance of public gardens and designated park properties. Assist with the design and implementation of plantings and capital projects. Coordinate plant procurement and distribution for park projects. Supervise assigned staff, including scheduling, performance evaluations, training recommendations, and resolving employee concerns. Establish project priorities and monitor the effectiveness of maintenance operations. Collaborate with planning and resource management staff on facility development and maintenance. Procure materials and supplies as needed. Maintain park grounds, including turf, trees, gardens, buildings, trails, and parking lots. Apply fertilizers and pesticides in accordance with safety standards. Assist with equipment maintenance and repairs. Promote positive public relations with park visitors, neighbors, and community partners. Maintain cooperative relationships with local police, fire departments, and public agencies. Attend required meetings and professional development opportunities. Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Associate degree in Horticulture, Landscape Management or related field preferred.
- Four to 5 years of related experience, including at least 2 years of supervisory experience in park or grounds maintenance, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience operating grounds maintenance equipment.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Valid Ohio driver’s license and insurable under Park District standards.
- First Aid and CPR certification within six months of employment.
- Pesticide applicator’s license with ornamental and turf endorsements (required).
- New employees must satisfactorily complete a background check.
- Lorain County Metropolitan Park District policy prohibits hiring new employees who are tobacco users.
Responsibilities
- Directs and coordinates the operation and maintenance of public gardens and designated park properties.
- Assist with the design and implementation of plantings and capital projects.
- Coordinate plant procurement and distribution for park projects.
- Supervise assigned staff, including scheduling, performance evaluations, training recommendations, and resolving employee concerns.
- Establish project priorities and monitor the effectiveness of maintenance operations.
- Collaborate with planning and resource management staff on facility development and maintenance.
- Procure materials and supplies as needed.
- Maintain park grounds, including turf, trees, gardens, buildings, trails, and parking lots.
- Apply fertilizers and pesticides in accordance with safety standards.
- Assist with equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Promote positive public relations with park visitors, neighbors, and community partners.
- Maintain cooperative relationships with local police, fire departments, and public agencies.
- Attend required meetings and professional development opportunities.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
