Gardener Iii

Please make sure that you complete the City of Lake Wales Application athttps://www.lakewalesfl.gov/762/Job-Openingsin order to be considered.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work, and operates a variety of equipment in the general care of trees, shrubs and flowers in the Historic Downtown District, City parks or on the grounds of a building or public institution; and does related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Division Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None generally. May serve as a lead worker over lower level maintenance workers and/or volunteers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs required labor involved in projects as an individual or as part of a crew such as: tree, annual, perennial, shrub installation and maintenance in both low and high intensity landscapes, minor irrigation work, site preparation and grading, mulching, pruning and trimming, weeding, application of fertilizers and chemicals as needed, turf maintenance as needed.

Assists with the planning, scheduling and implementation of horticulture projects and operations designed to provide quality services for the city.

Maintains a variety of records relating to operations.

Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, plants, and landscape materials. Operates light and medium sized construction and power equipment, such as a tractor or backhoe/loader.

Insures the proper maintenance of equipment/tools by cleaning and checking equipment/tools after use and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor.

Assists in the training of volunteers and/or employees to increase their skills best management practices

Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Serves on various employee or other committees as assigned.

Other duties as required.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

(A) Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, and

(B) Four (4) years of experience relating to horticulture, landscaping, or

(C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures used in landscape installation and maintenance activities
• Considerable knowledge of commonly used plant material, gravels, mulches, soils
• Display commitment to excellence and have a keen eye for garden detail

(B) Skilled in the operation of tools and equipment

(C) Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time; Ability to work safely; Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public; Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid State Driver's license

Limited lawn and ornamental pesticide applicators license or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months.

CDL certification preferred

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Motorized vehicles and equipment, including dump truck, pickup truck, utility truck, manlift, common hand and power tools, pruners, saws, shovels, mobile radio, phone.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.