Water Conservation Programs Specialist - Horticulture Assistant

City of Aurora•Aurora, CO

6d•$24 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Conservation Horticulture Program Specialist – Horticulture Assistant is an exciting opportunity to work outside and use your skills to educate others on water-wise landscapes. This position maintains the Aurora Water-wise Garden—a highly visible, public-facing garden maintained to botanic garden standards—by applying appropriate horticultural practices; training, leading, and working with volunteers; and assisting with research projects and data collection to provide Aurora Water customers information and education in water-wise landscapes and plant material. This is a temporary, 40 hour-per-week Variable Hour Non-Benefits Eligible position. This position reports to the Water Conservation Specialist – Water-wise Garden and Landscapes lead.

Requirements

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Education: 2 years college and/or associate degree related to horticulture, soil sciences, natural resources management or a directly related field
Experience: At least 2 years of experience in horticulture, environmental resources, volunteer leading, Colorado landscaping and/or irrigation installation or repair
Demonstrates knowledge of common and exotic water-wise plants, Colorado natives, and native cultivars.
Experience in executing multiple projects and prioritizing responsibilities
Knowledge of water conservation methodologies, Colorado or western water issues, horticultural best practices, water-wise plants, design concepts, volunteer management best practices
Knowledge of pesticide and herbicide application
Must exhibit strong customer service skills, interpersonal communication and collaboration skills
Proper use and understanding of tools, equipment, methods, and safety practices common to the assigned maintenance function
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills are required
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to be organized, creative, and effective when priorities change rapidly due to changing conditions
Communicate effectively and professionally both verbally and in writing
Make detailed observations of changing environments and maintain accurate records
Ability to work independently and exercise reasonable judgment in decision making with minimal supervision
Maintain a teamwork environment
Ability to work in all weather conditions
Colorado driver’s license with a good driving history

Nice To Haves

2 years volunteer management experience
Experience with ArcGIS and Field Maps
Colorado Master Gardener or Native Plant Master certification

Responsibilities

Executes horticultural and maintenance tasks efficiently and thoroughly, including weeding, mulching, watering, planting, pruning dead heading, seed collecting, compost, trash and herbicide application
Impeccably maintains pathways, beds, and common areas to keep free of weeds, litter, and debris
Trains, leads, and works with volunteers up to 3 times per week, clearly setting expectations, providing direction, and addressing safety, task quality, or conduct issues with professionalism and respect
Obtains materials for and installs new garden beds or other construction projects.
Conducts irrigation monitoring, data collection, and repairs
Assists with data collection including plant monitoring, phenology, pollinator identification and counting, compost monitoring, and general record keeping using ArcGIS, Field Maps, and Excel
Applies extensive knowledge of horticultural techniques, Integrated Pest Management strategies, pruning techniques, and seed collection/storage practices
Educates garden visitors and customers on water-wise principles and water conservation programs
Utilizes open communication to maintain positive relationships with team members, visitors, volunteers, lead, and supervisor
Aids in coaching two Horticultural Interns
Supports Water Conservation in hosting special and educational events in the garden with set-up, tear down, and clean up
Performs other related duties as assigned

Benefits

Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
Diverse community
Competitive total compensation package
Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
Light rail station minutes away
On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs
Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
Access to innovation workspaces
Rewarding public sector work impacting a large and diverse community
Growing city and employee population
Competitive total compensation package
Rich benefits package with low employee costs
Generous paid leave program
100% funded Employee and Family Care Leave Program
Retirement pension plan and 457b plans available
Subsidized recreation center pass, on-site fitness centers and wellness programs
Continued education and career advancement opportunities