Landscape Technician (Zilker Botanical Garden/Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

5d•$23 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Under close supervision, this position performs activities associated with the landscaping and maintenance of park areas, golf courses, and other City-owned properties. The purpose of the Landscape Technician position is to, under supervision, perform activities associated with landscaping and maintenance of the Zilker Botanical Garden. Zilker Botanical Garden includes native landscaping featuring native plants of Texas, native aquatic vegetation, pond and waterfall pumps, and irrigation systems.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to landscaping, caring for plants, gardens, park lands, or other similar responsibilities.
Knowledge of the use and application of chemicals and compounds including fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides.
Knowledge of insect pests, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Knowledge of techniques and practices for propagating, planting, and maintaining trees, shrubs, bedding plants, and ground covers.
Skill in the use and safe operation of grounds maintenance equipment such as tractors, riding mowers, push mowers, trimmers, back hoes, power tools, and hand tools.
Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Must obtain a Texas Certified Chemical Applicators license within six (6) months of employment.
Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs.
Work outdoors in any and all types of weather and/or inclement conditions.
Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists.

Nice To Haves

Experience with planting and caring for native plant species of Texas.
Experience working with volunteers on landscape maintenance projects.
Experience maintaining or repairing irrigation systems.
Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing lawn equipment such as string trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, pumps, chainsaws, and concrete saws.
Experience operating a truck and trailer.
Experience applying pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Responsibilities

Performs routine grounds maintenance and landscaping functions, including mowing, edging, and trimming of grounds and park land areas; planting, watering, weeding; and maintaining trees, shrubs, and bedding plants.
Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Operates hand pump sprayers, injectors, tillers, broadcast and drop spreaders, aerifiers, sod cutters, etc.
Remains informed of laws, policies, and regulations concerning the application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
Maintains records, inventories, and maintenance schedules.
May perform other park maintenance, construction, and repair activities; may use equipment such as riding mowers, push mowers, trimmers, back hoes, power tools, and hand tools.