Lead Horticulture Technician (Facilities)

Hernando County, Florida BOCC • Brooksville, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Horticulture Technician coordinates and supervises technical and manual work while participating in horticulture functions related to the planting, removal and care of various plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees located on County-owned grounds. Additionally, the incumbent keeps county grounds clear of any branches or debris for safety and appearance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Two (2) years’ experience in landscape maintenance, nursery or horticultural operation, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida and be insurable by current insurance carrier, or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle.
• Certification as a Public Applicator by the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to purchase and use restricted pesticides pursuant to Chapter 487 of Fla. Statutes.
• Licenses in all of the following areas: apply pesticides correctly (Core Test), ornamental and turf.
• Must take annual inmate supervision training given by Sheriff’s Office.
• This position may be subject to the Hepatitis B Vaccine and other vaccines as necessary.
• Must have or be able to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS) IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System
• Knowledge of modern practices and principles of horticulture, arboriculture, agronomy and related fields.
• Knowledge of insects, parasites, diseases, and other infestations which affect trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, and grass.
• Knowledge of the composition and application of insecticides, fungicides and disinfectants for their control.
• Knowledge of plant biology and the common and botanical names of local trees, plants, and flowers.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and turf management.
• Knowledge of the American Association for Nurseryman (AAN) standards and guidelines for trimming, dead-wooding, removal, planting, and staking.
• Skill in the proper use and safe operation of hand and power operated tools utilized in all phases of horticulture work.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to detect tree and plant diseases and determine corrective measures.
• Ability to read, interpret and develop landscape plans.
• Ability to understand chemical and fertilizer labels.
• Ability to plan and oversee the work of a small group of other employees or inmates related to horticultural duties and activities.
• Ability to perform heavy, strenuous, manual labor under sometimes unfavorable weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.

Responsibilities

• Participates in and provides lead direction over employees engaged in planting, removing, transplanting, cultivating, trimming, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, and irrigation necessary for the healthy growth of trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers on County-owned grounds.
• Makes inspections to detect evidence of diseases, insects, or other conditions endangering or inhibiting the proper growth of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers.
• Takes corrective measures when such conditions exist by mixing and applying fertilizer, pesticide or herbicides.
• Provides instruction to subordinate personnel in the proper horticultural maintenance of flowers, trees, and plants.
• Makes minor repairs to tools and irrigation equipment used on County premises.
• Create master calendar for applications of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and make sure applications are coordinated with other horticulture staff.
• Prepared detailed list of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides to be used by Department Manager for annual budget and place orders working within the established budget.
• Sprays County buildings for pest control.
• Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.
• County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description.

Benefits

• VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED