Horticulture Technician 1

Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area•Toledo, OH

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide operational support promoting high levels of horticultural interest through the care and maintenance of garden and park areas.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
Demonstrated knowledge of best management practices for horticultural and grounds management excellence.
Able to identify a wide variety of plant species and articulate an understanding of garden maintenance techniques.
Knowledge of proper operating and maintenance procedures for gardening tools and utility equipment.
Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.
Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to solve problems.
Time management skills – ability to adjust priorities daily and seasonally.
Must be able to communicate well in written form, prepare reports and maintain accurate records.
Ability to communicate verbally with the public and with staff in a professional manner.
Presentation skills.
Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
Ability to promote a safe work environment; understanding of maintenance-related safety regulations.
Basic knowledge of computers and ability to use Microsoft Office software.
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, natural resource management, environmental science or related field preferred.
Some to experienced level of hands-on horticulture experience.
Some to experienced level directing volunteers or leading group activities.
Certification or ability to obtain, and maintenance of state herbicide/pesticide Commercial Applicator’s license, Core plus two categories (5 and 6a) within 90 days of employment.
May require business use of personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

Responsible for care and maintenance of designated garden areas, monitoring and evaluating gardens and plant populations.
Identify, plan, implement and oversee maintenance of garden areas including planting, irrigating, removing invasive species, applying fertilizers and pesticides, raking leaves, trimming grass, edging beds, amending soil, hedging and pruning all types of plants.
Clean facilities and vehicles; perform custodial work including trash and litter pick up as necessary.
Perform landscape maintenance including mowing, trimming, weeding, watering, planting, pruning, and weed control.
Design and maintain seasonal plant displays; assist with acquisition of plants used in garden displays.
Represent Metroparks Toledo at meetings, trade shows, and community events.
Lead garden tours and answer gardening questions for visitors and the general public.
Collaborate with horticultural associate organizations based at the botanical garden.
Assist with event setup, management, and take-down.
Safely operate power tools and equipment including all-purpose vehicles and high-volume pesticide application sprayers.
Apply pesticides and herbicides safely and keep accurate application records.
Work with volunteer program staff to create volunteer opportunities and effectively use volunteer resources; conduct volunteer workdays in designated garden areas.
Direct the work of and provide training for seasonal staff, interns and volunteers in professional gardening techniques.
Abide by the Metroparks Way.
Other park district duties as assigned.