Landscape Maintenance/ Gardener I

City of Fairhope•Public Works, AL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the close supervision of the Horticulture Supervisor, the employee is responsible for the care and maintenance of City grounds ensuring they are free from unseemly or overgrown vegetation and looking superior throughout the City. The employee receives daily instructions and guidance from supervisor. The employee drives and operates equipment needed to accomplish the objectives and functions of the Horticulture division. The employee operates power tools and equipment on City streets and rights-of-way (ROW). The employee maintains City property and ROW by cutting weeds and grass, spreading herbicides, cleaning culverts, and trimming trees and bushes. Work is performed under established procedures with frequent inspections during progress with final inspection of completed work. Employee performs routine maintenance inspections on assigned equipment, notifies supervisor of equipment failures, and may assist with repairs. Employee assists with the change of plants and flowers throughout the City as part of the seasonal planting program. This is an entry-level gardener position within the job family. This job is considered safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.

Requirements

Possess a high school diploma or GED.
Minimum of one (1) year of work experience operating light equipment in landscape maintenance or construction work; or any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the above listed knowledge, skills, and abilities commensurate with the requirements of this job.
Possess a current and valid driver’s license; must be insurable.
Ability to work overtime, weekends, or emergencies as needed.
Ability to travel throughout City to perform job functions.
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.
Knowledge of City rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of City geography, horticulture beds, and systems.
Knowledge of soils and plant reactions to proper soil, water levels, light, and chemicals.
Knowledge of different types of chemicals, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides to appropriate species.
Knowledge of how to apply chemicals correctly.
Knowledge of horticulture and irrigation methods and techniques.
Knowledge of traffic control methods and procedures.
Knowledge of landscape maintenance equipment and tools.
Knowledge of safety rules including accident causation and prevention.
Communication skills to effectively communicate internally and externally, both orally and in writing.
Verbal skills to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, the general public.
Listening skills to understand and follow verbal instructions.
Physical skills, strength, and coordination to perform required tasks.
Hand/eye coordination skills to operate various machinery, power, and hand tools (i.e., chainsaw) and make fine adjustments.
Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.
Ability to work well with co-workers.
Ability to work under close supervision.
Ability to interact with the public in a calm and courteous manner.
Ability to work in all weather conditions.
Ability to climb on top of and crawl under various vehicles as required.
Ability to lift and move objects greater than 50 lbs.
Ability to operate a two-way radio/communication device.
Ability to use various power and hand tools.
Ability to remain alert when operating vehicles and equipment.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to read maps.
Ability to drive.

Responsibilities

Operates equipment to accomplish assigned tasks in maintaining City property and ROW.
Receives assignments from the supervisor daily.
Operates power equipment and hand tools to maintain the City’s property and ROW.
Drives and operates motorized equipment, including mowers and bush hogs.
Uses hand tools such as saws, hammers, and shovels; performs manual labor.
Operates small engine power tools including lawn mowers, chain saws, leaf vacuum and blower, and weed eaters.
Conducts daily safety check prior to use of each piece of equipment.
Assists in the general maintenance of assigned City equipment used in property maintenance.
Performs pre-work safety inspections of equipment and performs preventative maintenance; greases, check fluids, tire pressure, gas, and gauges.
Ensures assigned equipment is fueled.
Reports equipment maintenance status to supervisor.
Performs work or may assist crew leader or other repairmen with minor mechanical repairs.
Performs duties with the landscape maintenance of City-managed properties and horticulture assets to ensure a pleasant and attractive appearance.
Assists the horticulture crew in seasonal plant and flower change overs.
Assists planting trees, shrubs, and flowers at correct depths.
Assists in detecting and treating fungus or insect growth on flowers and shrubs.
Assists in maintaining existing irrigation systems.
Assists in litter pickup throughout the City.
Assists with grounds inspections to ensure safety of the public and fellow workers; notes possible safety hazards or causes of injury acts to report/correct issue.
Detects imperfections in the landscape, whether it be litter, improper grass mowing, or improper pruning advises supervisor for corrections.
Follows instructions regarding plant, pruning and fertilizing plants to ensure proper growth.
Mows grass and edges along curbs and other obstacles.
Prunes and trims trees and shrubs as directed, in a manner approved by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Applies fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides according to manufacturer’s directions as directed.
Lays sod; plants bushes, shrubs, and trees as assigned.
Ensures plants do not have dead leaves, flowers, or stalks in beds.
Ensures plants are properly watered.
Replaces soil in beds when needed.
Loads and unloads equipment, debris, and material.
Drives vehicles to and from job sites.
Assists with Sanitation crews if needed and assigned.
Assists with City special events such as placing barricades and barriers.
Assists with traffic control as assigned.
Responds to emergency calls during hurricanes, inclement weather, or other emergency situations.
Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.