Horticulturist

Montgomery County Governmennt•Clarksville, TN

About The Position

The Horticulturist oversees the design, installation, and maintenance of ornamental spaces and landscaped areas managed by the County Parks and Recreation department. The role plans and coordinates plantings and horticulture supplies, carries out maintenance programs, helps maintain irrigation systems and tree inventories, and keeps records of materials, equipment, and activities. It also obtains quotes and prepares cost estimates for repairs and improvements, coordinates project needs with management, and supports other Parks and Recreation staff with projects and special events. The position operates department-owned or rented equipment and maintains personal equipment in accordance with safety rules. It requires safe work practices, compliance with County safety regulations, and reporting accidents according to policy. The Horticulturist represents the Department and County when interacting with staff and the public and provides customer assistance. The position reports to the Landscaping Supervisor and works under general policies, procedures, and objectives. Work takes place indoors and outdoors and involves mobility and physical activity. Conditions may include moderate-to-loud noise, mechanical equipment, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, seasonal weather extremes, and slip, trip, fall, or equipment-injury hazards. The work involves frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting, moving, or dragging of 50 pounds or more.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field.
Associate degree in Horticulture or a closely related field from an accredited college, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.
State of Tennessee Pesticide Applicator’s License.
Pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
Knowledge of standard horticulture practices and procedures, ornamental plant and tree planting and maintenance, and plant pathology.
Knowledge of personal protective equipment, occupational hazards, OSHA-related safe work practices, and applicable County, Department, Federal, State, and local requirements.
Skill operating grounds-maintenance and planting equipment, power tools, and hand tools; assessing plant hydration and watering and fertilizing requirements; performing heavy manual labor; and reading and interpreting policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently within stringent time limits; communicate professionally and clearly; establish effective working relationships; interpret and implement policies, instructions, and regulations; use sound judgment; perform required mathematical calculations; maintain accurate records; adapt to changing priorities and stressful situations; and work the allocated hours.
Ability to read and write English and interpret safety rules, material safety data sheets, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to recognize occupational hazards and take safety precautions.
Ability to meet the physical requirements, including frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting, moving, or dragging of 50 pounds or more.

Responsibilities

Plan and coordinate ordering and planting of plants, trees, and horticulture supplies.
Carry out horticulture maintenance, including planting, pruning, fertilizing, pest and disease control, watering, and mulching.
Apply pesticides and herbicides safely and effectively.
Maintain the tree inventory throughout the park system.
Assist with programming irrigation systems for landscaped areas throughout the park system.
Maintain records and inventories of horticulture materials, tools, vehicles, and equipment.
Gather quotes and prepare cost estimates for repairs and improvements.
Coordinate with MCPR Management to finalize project needs and scope of work.
Assist other Parks and Recreation staff with projects and special events as needed.
Maintain knowledge of current methods, equipment, materials, and tools used in the profession.
Maintain personal equipment according to Federal and State safety rules and procedures.
Keep thorough records of activities.
Operate equipment owned or rented by MCPR to perform duties.
Ensure activities are performed safely, follow County safety regulations and equipment-use rules, and report accidents according to policy.
Represent the Department and County to County staff and members of the public, and provide quality customer service.
Demonstrate the organization’s Core Values and adhere to its Ethics policy.
Perform other duties as assigned.