Horticulturist

City of Orangeburg•Orangeburg, SC

About The Position

Purpose of Classification: The purpose of this classification is to plan, implement and maintain City landscapes and to supervise the day-to-day operations and staff involved in the same. Essential Functions: The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures. Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate. Plans, directs, and monitors the landscape design, development, and maintenance programs of all City-owned parks, right-of-ways, gardens and other areas as assigned: creates landscape designs, including plant selection and special events; determines schedules for mowing, fertilization, soil conditioning, top dressing, pesticide application, irrigation, pruning, and planting; and ensures established quality controls are followed. Supervises and participates in a variety of landscaping duties: plants flowers, trees, sod, and shrubs; clears leaves, tree limbs, trash and other debris; spreads and hauls ground cover, dirt, or mulch; prunes trees and shrubs; weeds flower beds; applies fertilizer and pesticides; waters plants; installs plants and decorations of special events; and maintains related documentation. Maintains inventory of equipment, supplies and materials: ensures adequate inventory to complete work assignments; orders materials and supplies in compliance with City procurement policies and procedures; ensures preventive and other maintenance for equipment; and maintains related documentation. Develops and monitors budget for area of assignment: makes recommendations for budget allocations for staffing, equipment and supplies; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget; and maintains related documentation. Provides guidance, direction and technical expertise to other City departments, neighborhood associations, gardening clubs, and others: assists with the development and review of technical plans and blue prints for public grounds; recommends plant selection and plant maintenance; supervises special event planning and implementation; and conducts related training classes and workshops. Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures adherence to established safety procedures; monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individual; and initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations. Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. Operates or uses various equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains mowers, tractors, chemical sprayers and other power or motorized equipment. Communicates with supervisor, other employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture or a related field required
supplemented by five years of experience in landscape design and maintenance to include lead or supervisory experience
or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job
Must possess and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license
Must possess and maintain the following certifications and licensures: Pesticide Applicator and Certified Arborist
Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all City or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position

Responsibilities

Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff
Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work
Plans, directs, and monitors the landscape design, development, and maintenance programs of all City-owned parks, right-of-ways, gardens and other areas as assigned
Supervises and participates in a variety of landscaping duties
Maintains inventory of equipment, supplies and materials
Develops and monitors budget for area of assignment
Provides guidance, direction and technical expertise to other City departments, neighborhood associations, gardening clubs, and others
Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures
Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures
Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, Internet, e-mail, or other software
Operates or uses various equipment, power tools, hand tools, and supplies in order to complete work assignments
Communicates with supervisor, other employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems