Horticulture Specialist/ Gardener

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (PRCR) mission is.
"Together we connect and enrich our community through exceptional experiences."

PRCR plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City providing a wide range of facilities, amenities, and programs spread over 220 parks and 120 miles of trails that support the social, cultural, mental and physical well-being of citizens. The Parks Department is committed to building a diverse workforce and is guided by the vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People.
Dix Park is a fun and fast paced environment in one of the newest parks in the City of Raleigh Parks system. Dix Park consists of 308 acres and is currently in the developmental phase. As a gardener at Dix Park, you must have a passion for gardening along with an eye for details. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated and can work alone and as part of a team. The primary role for this position is to provide gardening maintenance at the park's main horticultural locations. This currently consists of the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, that currently serves as a rental event space and serves as host to a variety of events and programs throughout the year. We also have the Flower Cottage that the Dix Park Conservancy uses to host a variety of events and meetings throughout the year. Coming online early in 2024 will be the completion of the Stone Houses and Historic Entry restoration project. This space will provide a prominent gateway for Dix Park and offer spaces for the Dix Park Conservancy, office spaces, classrooms, and the welcome center. The Gipson Play Plaza, that is tentatively scheduled to open in the spring of 2025, will be an inviting and inspiring public space for all ages with one of a kind place spaces, works of art, a civic plaza, fountains, and gardens.
As a Gardener at Dix Park the ideal candidate has a passion for public service, can conduct all aspects of horticultural maintenance and is highly motivated playing an integral role in preserving and beautifying these landscapes.

• Excellent attention to detail is critical to sustaining the high quality and aesthetics expected at Pullen Park and surrounding sites.
• Extensive knowledge of annual plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees.
• Proficient in plant identification and experienced in site, soil and environmental needs, hardiness zones, water, nutrition and maintenance.
• Experience in proper pruning techniques for formal boxwood hedgerows and rose culture.
• Ability to operate all types of equipment associated with turf and landscape maintenance.
• Coordinating the planting and maintenance of flowers, perennials, tropical, shrubs and small trees.
• Researching and recommending plant species selection.
• Ability to submit required documentation associated with daily tasks and herbicide applications into work order database.
• Ability to work with the City Horticulturist to design, layout and install new landscape beds as well as renovate existing beds.
• Communication skills and a positive attitude to work with the Dix Team, other city staff, outside entities and volunteers.
• Time management skills, punctuality, dependability and the ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Participation in the completion of traditional grounds maintenance tasks including litter pick up and trash removal.
• Inspecting trees and plants and monitoring for signs of disease or pest presence.
• Leading maintenance staff and volunteers assigned to assist.
• Participating in emergency responses.
• Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position may indirectly supervise full time positions, part-time positions, volunteers and may be required to serve in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Crew Supervisor.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED and four years of related experience.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
Special Note:
Knowledge of landscape design, installation, renovation and maintenance, disease and pest control, fertilization, extensive plant knowledge, and other cultural practices required.
Licensing/Certifications

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire
• North Carolina Public Operator Pesticide License in Turf and Ornamental or the ability to acquire within 45 days of hire.

Preferred Education and Licensing:

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Ornamental Horticulture or related field
• Valid North Carolina Class B Commercial Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record

This position will be required to work some weekends to facilitate and coordinate volunteer projects and may be required to respond after hours to inclement weather events and other unforeseen emergencies.
Knowledge of:

• Standard practices, methods and materials of assigned work.
• Business math concepts.
• Filing and record-keeping principles.
• Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices.
• Uses and properties of supplies and equipment.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).
• Customer service principles.
• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment.
• Modern office technology.

Skill In:

• Performing parks landscape inspections.
• Identifying and correcting safety issues related to parks maintenance.
• Providing maintenance of landscape, trees, turf, plants and/or irrigation equipment.
• Maintaining control of weeds and invasive plants.
• Organizing tasks, meeting deadlines and prioritizing competing demands.
• Providing direction to others in order to meet standards.
• Providing attention to detail in assignments.
• Proofreading and error correction.
• Business math computations.
• Organizing and maintaining reports, records and files.
• Maintaining and updating data and documentation.
• Comprehending reference books and manuals.
• Operating assigned tools and equipment.
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment).
• Providing customer service.
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

ADA and Other Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
Heavy Work:
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in both the field and in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions (such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, etc.); moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as disruptive people, imminent danger, or a threatening environment); and frequent exposure to intense noise.
Note:
This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.
Employment Type: Full-Time