Horticulturist

Montgomery County Government•Clarksville, TN

3d•Onsite

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, supports irrigation programming, maintains inventories and records, and obtains quotes and cost estimates for repairs and improvements. The position also assists Parks and Recreation staff with projects and special events and represents the department and County to staff and the public. The position reports to the Landscaping Supervisor and works under general policies, procedures, and objectives, following standard practices, instructions, or previous training. Work is performed indoors and outdoors and involves mobility and physical activity. The environment may include noise, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, mechanical operations, and slip, trip, and fall hazards. Outdoor work may involve seasonal weather extremes. The role requires frequent lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds and occasional handling of 50 pounds or more, along with standing, walking, sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and using hand tools and equipment.

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.
Dependable transportation.
State of Tennessee Pesticide Applicator’s License.
Complete a pre-employment criminal background check.
Knowledge of standard horticulture practices and procedures; planting and maintenance methods for ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation; and plant pathology.
Knowledge of personal protective equipment, occupational hazards and safe work practices, applicable County policies and operating requirements, relevant regulations and laws, and office practices and computer software consistent with the position.
Skill in operating grounds-maintenance and planting equipment and power and hand tools; determining plant hydration and watering and fertilizing needs; reading policy and procedure manuals; performing heavy manual labor; communicating clearly; prioritizing work and managing time; and exercising judgment and discretion.
Ability to work accurately and independently with minimal direction, communicate professionally and effectively orally and in writing, maintain effective working relationships, interpret and implement policies and regulations, analyze facts and exercise sound judgment, adapt to stressful situations, perform required mathematical calculations, maintain accurate records, and work allocated hours.
Ability to communicate in English, read and write English, and interpret safety rules, material safety data sheets, equipment instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to recognize occupational hazards and take safety precautions.
Meet the physical requirements of the position, 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 the ordering and planting of plants, trees, and horticulture supplies.
Execute horticulture maintenance programs, including planting, pruning, fertilizing, pest and disease control, watering, and mulching.
Apply pesticides and herbicides effectively and safely.
Maintain the tree inventory throughout the park system.
Assist with programming irrigation systems used for landscaped areas throughout the park system.
Maintain records and inventories of horticulture materials, tools, vehicles, and equipment.
Gather quotes and formulate cost estimates for repairs and improvements; interface 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 in accordance with Federal and State safety rules and procedures.
Keep thorough records of activities.
Operate equipment owned or rented by MCPR to perform job duties.
Carry out activities safely, follow County safety regulations, and ensure safe-use regulations for equipment are understood and followed.
Report accidents to the appropriate authority and follow reporting policies.
Represent the Department and County to County staff and members of the public.
Provide customer service and assistance to individuals needing directions or help.
Demonstrate the organization’s Core Values and adhere to its Ethics policy.
Perform other duties as assigned.