Sr. Gardener

City of Seattle•Various - Seattle area, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value. Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities. The Parks & Environment (P&E) Division is committed to the City's Core Values of equity, inclusion, learning, accountability, and stewardship so that we can each thrive in the workplace. Our values shape how we create and maintain a work environment that is based on care, consideration, and respect so we can best serve our communities and support one another as colleagues. The Natural Resource Unit houses the Horticulture and Specialty Garden Programs and reports to the P&E Division. Seattle Parks and Recreation is looking to fill Senior Gardner positions on multiple teams: Grounds-District Unit. This position is an integral part of the Parks and Environment Division which has a $70 million plus budget and is responsible for the maintenance and management of over 500 parks, greenways, specialty gardens, trails system, tree canopy, natural areas, park comfort stations, athletic fields/turfs, and environmental agenda. The division also provides the ongoing technical and customer service support needed to facilitate day-to-day operations and maintenance activities for the city's parks.

Requirements

Three years' work experience in landscape construction or maintenance, or in the propagation and maintenance of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees (Combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).
Current State of Washington driver's license or evidence of equal mobility.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to communicate facts and ideas clearly both in writing and orally.
Ability to deal with shifting priorities and deadlines.
Experience working with various computer software such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Outstanding attendance and safety record.
Experience using hand and power tools, machinery, or herbicide to manage vegetation.
Knowledge of trees, native plants, and weeds, including identification and management strategies.
Experience using digital tools for work record data collection and entry.
Ability to be flexible when work plans change to address emergency work or help other crews.
Commitment to the City of Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative policy and practice.
Ability to navigate and/or learn AMWO work order system.

Nice To Haves

Volunteer event experience and experience working in partnership programming.
Experience with drawings, site designs, and planning of CIP and MPD projects.

Responsibilities

Plan, lead, assign, and direct the work activities of one and/or more subordinates engaged in various aspects of landscape maintenance, construction, or street tree planting at one or more locations.
Direct or perform non-routine spraying, pruning, or planting; perform aspects of plant propagation and care including soil preparation and mixing, pruning, fertilizing, spraying, potting of plants, preparation of trees and shrubs for transplanting, and propagation by seeds, cuttings, layering, grafting, or divisions.
Develop, make recommendations and/or implement the type of landscape maintenance, rebuilding, or construction required for a given location.
Direct the implementation of landscape designs from blueprints and plans.
Lead the work of a major horticultural unit such as a greenhouse, nursery, conservatory, or ornamental landscape installation.
Train and mentor subordinate staff.
Operate motor vehicle to, between, and from work locations.
Make recommendations for ordering new materials, maintain time, pesticide control, and other related records, and prepare required reports.
Assist in the preparation and justification of annual budget information.
Maintain records on all expenditures.
Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.
Mowing, edging, and maintenance of lawns using lawn mowers, assigned tractors, edgers, and sweepers.
Maintaining trails and trail features including soft-surface gravel trails, steps, boardwalks, bridges, and trail vegetation management.
Planting and maintaining larger-grade trees in parks and park rights-of-ways.
Working with volunteers including planning, oversight, and quality assurance.
Identification of native plants and weed species and implementation of ecological restoration approaches and practices
Tree planting and care
Collaborating with public-private partner organizations
Greenhouse management and care of tropical or non-hardy plant collections
Working on or near steep slopes
Implementing Integrated Pest Management principles and practices.
Leading and/or performing office relocations and delivery, storage and disposition of materials, forms, furniture and equipment.
Familiarity with other building services including motor pool operations, and event set ups, changeovers, and support.
Perform minor repairs and maintenance of wooden and metal playground equipment, picnic tables, bleachers, and other outdoor recreation facilities.
Maintain reservoirs and elevated tanks with high pressure water hoses.