Technician I, Horticulture

City of Fort Collins•Fort Collins, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Gardens on Spring Creek is currently seeking four full-time, benefited Horticulturist positions, Horticulture Technician I, to join our highly motivated, talented team to help strengthen the world-class botanic gardens and horticultural experiences we provide to the community. The position offers a positive and engaging environment, training, and professional growth opportunities in the green industry. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. and may include some weekends and holidays as necessary. Horticulture Technicians are responsible for performing a variety of tasks related to the cultivation, maintenance, and care of plants and gardens, including, but not limited to, working with container plantings, trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials to create visually compelling horticultural displays appropriate for the Colorado Front Range. This role typically involves tasks such as planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest control. Assists in the design and installation of landscape features, as well as the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems, hardscapes and seasonal tasks such as snow removal.

Requirements

Knowledge of horticulture and landscape management.
Ability to operate basic horticultural tools and equipment and follow safety protocols.
Experience with garden design (beds and containers) and indoor/outdoor plant maintenance.
Ability to identify tree, shrub, and plant species.
Irrigation system maintenance and repair skills.
Ability to operate, maintain, and repair a wide variety of automotive and light/medium and specialized industry-related equipment and power tools.
Ability to do carpentry, plumbing and/or electrical work.
Ability to identify and prioritize work tasks.
Knowledge of workplace safety guidelines.
Basic math skills.
Three (3) years related experience in horticulture, botanic gardens, parks, landscaping, natural areas or a related field.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture or related field
Three years related experience and/or training, or combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Performs various gardening tasks not limited to seeding, transplanting, watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, deadheading, raking, leaf blowing and sweeping.
Maintains landscape areas including paver/brick repairs, hard/soft surface trails, cleaning and litter control to highest standards.
Utilizes Integrated Pest Management approach and applies pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer as appropriate.
Maintains records regarding plant accessions, plant performance and pest control methods.
Installs, maintains, and repairs irrigation and pumping systems.
Cleans and repairs grounds, garden structures, facility, etc.
Performs snow removal duties.
Safely operates and maintains small to medium-duty motor vehicles and specialized industry-related equipment.
Responsible for adhering to, and being an example of, following proper safety rules and regulations.
May coordinate activities with volunteer groups and community partnerships.
Manages a flexible work schedule including hours of the day, weekends, holidays, and participates in on call rotation, if applicable.
Availability to assist with special events, rentals and special projects as required.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision (for self, spouse, domestic partner, children) – eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire
Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new, full-time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires
Retirement + company contributions – after 6 month probation period and immediate vesting
Flexible spending: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both
Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance
Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
Wellness program, workout facilities
Employee/family onsite health clinic
Learning and development opportunities at all levels in the organization with opportunities for career mobility
Collaborative work environment