Horticulturist

City Of Newton•Newton, KS

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Assistant Park Superintendent, the Horticulturist performs skilled maintenance work in the care of flower and shrub beds, tree planting, and care and turf establishment and maintenance. The employee in this position will provide reliable service to the citizens of Newton. The employee in this position is responsible for providing exceptional public service to the community. The Horticulturist will value integrity, service, teamwork, dedication, vision, and will be someone who cares and takes pride in their work. They will supervise a crew of workers in accomplishing the above referenced tasks. The Horticulturist acts as the tree agent to the Tree Board for the City of Newton and provides support and assistance in preparing and carrying out the horticulture and Annual Tree Plan.

Requirements

Three years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
High school diploma or GED required.
Bachelor of Science degree in horticulture, urban forestry or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Driver’s License is required.
Must be able to attain certified pesticide licensure in 3A within 1 year of employment.
Will obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS), IS 100, 200 and 700 Certificates.
Thorough working knowledge of tools, equipment and pesticides used in plant care.
Thorough knowledge of landscape design and irrigation installation and repair.
Ability to identify insect and disease problems and their treatment.
The ability to operate a mower, tractor, aerator, bucket truck and other related equipment.
Must have a working knowledge of the City’s Employee Policy and Procedures as listed in the City’s Employee manual.
Good supervisory and communication skills.
Understand and carry out written and verbal instructions.
Ability to work independently and with others.
Ability to read and understand manuals, safety guides and instructions.

Responsibilities

Supervisory leadership with full-time and seasonal staff
Vast knowledge of horticulture
Will work with little to no direct supervision
Recognizes and corrects deficiencies in facility structure, amenities, and equipment
Recognizes signs of unhealthy plants and grasses
Assists in the training of the full-time and seasonal staff
Plans, maintains, oversees, and participates in the selection, planting, and care of the downtown planters
Responsible for managing the weeds in the downtown corridor, round-a-bouts, and traffic islands
Attends all Tree Board meetings to provide staff support and assistance
Prepares agendas and minutes of Tree Board meetings
Prepares development plans and maintains City arboretum
Plans, maintains, oversees, prunes, and participates in planting flower beds, shrub beds, turf, and trees within the assigned areas of the City
Assists in assigning daily duties
Repairs equipment and machinery
Sets up, installs, maintains, and repairs irrigation
Maintains Tree City USA and Tree Cities of the World designations
Plans and oversees weed control through proper pesticide applications
Selects trees, shrubs, and flowers for park system
Administers contracts for tree removal programs
Trains staff personnel in proper maintenance and care of landscape
Makes recommendations and carries out recommendations for the Annual Tree Plan
Speaks to community groups on behalf of the Tree Board and Park Division
Advises public on plant materials
May assist in budget preparation
May lead a crew of workers on grounds, buildings, facilities maintenance, and cemetery operation
Inspects and evaluates work in progress
Monitors employee safety and ensures compliance with safety guidelines
Educates other departments on proper tree pruning
May assist with hiring seasonal and full-time staff
Notifies public of plant growth that must be removed to establish sight distance on streets
Assists park maintenance crew in regular park maintenance
Attends meetings, serves on panels and committees as division representative
Other related duties as deemed necessary or assigned