Horticulture Maintenance & Operations Technician

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Charlotte, NC

8d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team proudly manages and cares for all ornamental landscapes within the 210+ parks, facility areas, and greenway system trailheads within the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation park system. We are also responsible for tree planting and care, natural area management, and landscape design and installation. The Horticulture Maintenance and Operations Technician typically works with a Horticulture Specialist within an assigned area of the park system. You will perform horticulture maintenance and installation. You will also assist the Horticulture Manager and Specialists in other areas including equipment operation and maintenance, OSHA compliance and safety training, and record-keeping. This position also performs routine maintenance activities in any of the maintenance areas. The preferred candidate will possess a NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire. By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for this similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at the other locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply! We are seeking someone who exhibits these qualities: •Hard-working and self-starting •Successful as a member of a team •Seeks out new learning opportunities and professional growth •Substantial plant knowledge and passionate about horticulture •Has training and education in best management practices including integrated pest management (IPM), soil preparation/management, and plant selection •Interested in exploring more sustainable practices in the profession of park horticulture and landscape management •Associates or 4-year degree in Horticulture, Botany, or Biology preferred

Requirements

Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to area of assignment
High School Diploma or equivalent
General knowledge of applicable computer programs
Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges. Depending on area of assignment- may require Class A or Class B CDL
Light equipment used in maintenance, grounds keeping, and construction
Occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe operation of this equipment
Safe work practices and hazards associated with work
Use of the tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in the maintenance activities
Filling out daily work sheets and other required forms
Light trucks, small tractors, mowers and similar automotive equipment
Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures
Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals
Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time
Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise

Nice To Haves

NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire
Associates or 4-year degree in Horticulture, Botany, or Biology

Responsibilities

Perform setup, breakdown, and cleaning during events
Perform routine and non-routine cleaning services to restrooms and rental facilities
Remove limbs and debris; blows leaves off sidewalks and greenways; clears mud and water from greenway tunnels after storms, and mow and trim ballfields
May assist in manual labor as needed such as brick laying, pipe laying, painting, carpentry, and other construction tasks
Layout measurements and line ballfields and assist in performing field maintenance
Operate power mowers, chainsaws, brush cutter, edger and clippers, power washers, ATVs, litter vacuum, and other equipment used in facility maintenance, landscaping, roadside maintenance, and right of way cleaning.
Open park gates and removes trash
Assist repair technicians in duties
May operate light equipment such as utility vehicles, tractors, mowers and dump trucks
May serve as a lead on a small work crew, community service workers, volunteers and/or part-timers
May receive, sort, and package materials

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
life
short term disability
long term disability
accident
cancer
critical illness
medical bridge and pet insurance
dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts
health savings account
paid holiday, vacation and sick days
near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses
an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more
an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling
access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities
paid family leave
tuition reimbursement
a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement