Seasonal Specialist - Horticulture

CITY EQUITY STATEMENTThe City of Westminster welcomes diverse candidates from the broadest base possible. Our goal is to find the best candidate for the job—someone who belongs, not just fits. We value life and professional experiences, recognizing equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills and education.Aligned with our city SPIRIT values, the successful candidate will have a passion and commitment to serving a diverse population of residents and must respect and uphold the principles of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.We encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for this role, even if you believe you have a less traditional background than described we invite you to apply.POSITION PURPOSE / IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATIONThe Seasonal Specialist - Horticulture position is responsible for assisting with plant propagation and care in the greenhouse, greenhouse housekeeping, planting, weeding, deadheading, watering, and fertilizing garden displays throughout the City. This position is physically demanding in nature with exposure to extreme weather conditions. Most positions work four (4) ten (10)-hour days during the week (Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday); however hours may vary with possible weekend, holiday, and special events.Positions will begin after April 14th and last through October 10th.Benefits as a result of working in this position, you will:Learn new skills in greenhouse production, landscaping and horticulture industryLearn how to operate a variety of machines used in parks maintenance including a variety of hand tools and light equipmentEnhance the customer service of patrons by providing excellent displays and productsWork outside with extraordinary Colorado viewsEnjoy free access to City of Westminster Recreation FacilitiesThe full salary range for this position is stated above. The starting range of pay is dependent on qualifications and experience of each individual candidate.ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL VALUES / GENERAL COMPETENCIESThe City's work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees who, along with our City Council and City Manager, are strong supporters of our mission: The City of Westminster provides high-quality core services and fosters resilience in order to promote a safe and thriving community. Westminster is a city of beautiful, safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and destinations with a vibrant, diverse economy, rich and resilient environment and a strong sense of community belonging. Our core values are embodied in our SPIRIT (Service – People – Integrity – Respect – Innovation – Teamwork).This position supports the goals of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, which enhances the quality of life for all Westminster citizens by providing diverse leisure, recreational, and informational services and resources; and acquiring, developing, and maintaining first-class parks, facilities, open space, and trails. This position works toward the accomplishment of the department's mission: Together we create exceptional opportunities for a vibrant community with a commitment to nature, wellness and literacy.GENERAL COMPETENCIESDemonstrate basic knowledge of practices used in ornamental plant production, planting and garden maintenanceOperate equipment such as weeders, electric blowers and hedge trimmers, hand tools, tillers and pick-up trucksDemonstrate understanding and importance of safety rules and proceduresUnderstand and follow oral and written instructionsDemonstrate the ability to take care of equipment and toolsWork independently and in a team environment and show initiative to complete tasksAssist the public and City staff in a friendly and helpful manner establishing effective working relationshipsWork in a high-use public facility environmentAll employees are expected to provide excellent customer service, communicate in an effective manner both verbally and in writing, display professionalism and integrity, work efficiently, effectively and accurately, work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, solve problems, display good judgment, take ownership for delivering a high-quality product or service, have regular and punctual attendance, and effectively handle emergency situations.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND TASKSAssist with the City's annual and perennial gardens, including greenhouse plant production and garden maintenanceMaintain a valid driver's license and a safe driving record (for those approved to drive)Greenhouse plant production tasks may include:Seed sowing and seedling transplanting, vegetative propagation, up-potting, monitoring plants for insects and diseases, and watering needsCommunicating observations to supervisorPlanting annual and perennial plugs as well as poinsettia plugsGreenhouse sanitation: keeping floors free of weeds, benches free of plant debris, and work spaces clean and organizedPreparing gardens with soil amendments, rototilling, weeding, mulching with gravel, and planting gardensRoutine garden maintenance: weeding, deadheading, edging, watering, fertilizingTrash removal from gardensMaintain regular and punctual attendanceOther duties and responsibilities: Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job, and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City's discretion.POSITION REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS / PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTSEducation, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses, and CertificationsMust be at least 16 years of age to apply, must be 18 for most positions; limited positions are available for applicants ages 16 and 17PreferredValid driver's license and maintenance of a safe driving recordPrevious experience in one or more of the following areas: Greenhouse productionLandscapingGardeningOrnamental plant and weed IDAny equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skills may be consideredPhysical RequirementsFrequently sit, stand and walk on uneven terrainOccasionally squat, bend, kneel, twist, climb, balance and reach over headOccasionally lift, carry, push or pull items weighing up to 50 poundsFrequently use hands and fingers for fine manipulation; occasionally use light and firm graspOccasionally step up and down to enter and exit vehicles and climb ladders; constant actuate mechanism to safely operate heavy equipment and vehiclesFrequently see objects up close to perform office tasks and far away to observe activity for safety hazards or problemsConstantly use hearing to interact with guests and staff and recognize trouble outside of viewOccasionally use sufficient physical strength, stamina and agility to perform emergency work in various capacitiesWorking ConditionsWork is constantly performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to sometimes extreme summer heat.Required Materials and EquipmentOperates light equipment such as pick-up trucks, horticultural hand tools, rototillers, water equipment, pruners, and other equipment as necessary. Depending on the project, may also utilize small tools such as hammers, shovels, saws, measuring tape, levels, drills, and power tools to complete assigned responsibilities.Pre-employment RequirementsCandidates must be legally entitled to work in the United States and must successfully pass a criminal background check, reference check, and substance screen. There may be additional pre-employment requirements depending on the nature of the position.EEO StatementWe are a caring, courteous, team-oriented organization committed to public service excellence. Employees thrive in a culture that is respectful, professional and diverse. Our work culture encourages passionate, positive and enthusiastic employees. Westminster is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees not assigned benefits are employees working less than 20 hours a week, temporary employees, seasonal employees, and hourly employees.The City of Westminster, Colorado, is a drug-free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.J-18808-Ljbffr