Horticulture Technician

About the JobPOSITION SUMMARY:The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team proudly manages and cares for all ornamental landscapes within the 210+ parks, facility areas, and greenway system trailheads within the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation park system. We are also responsible for tree planting and care, natural area management, and landscape design and installation.The Horticulture Maintenance and Operations Technician typically works with a Horticulture Specialist within an assigned area of the park system. You will perform horticulture maintenance and installation tasks. This includes but is not limited to pruning and trimming landscapes, pest control and managing soil health. The incumbent will also assist with plant health care and the ideal candidate would be well-versed in this area. You will also assist the Horticulture Manager and Specialists in other areas including equipment operation and maintenance, OSHA compliance and safety training, and record-keeping. This position also performs routine maintenance activities in any of the maintenance areas. The preferred candidate will possess an NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.By applying to the Horticulture Technician position, you also may be considered for other positions outside of Horticulture, of which you may meet the minimum qualifications. A broader description of these positions are listed below in the Essential Functions, but not specific to Horticulture.We are seeking someone who exhibits these qualities:Hard-working and self-startingSeeks out new learning opportunities and professional growthSubstantial plant knowledge and passionate about horticultureHas training and education in best management practices including integrated pest management (IPM), soil preparation/management, and plant selectionInterested in exploring more sustainable practices in the profession of park horticulture and landscape managementAssociates or 4-year degree in Horticulture, Botany, or Biology preferred ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Perform setup, breakdown, and cleaning during eventsPerform routine and non-routine cleaning services to restrooms and rental facilitiesRemove limbs and debris; blows leaves off sidewalks and greenways; clears mud and water from greenway tunnels after storms, and mow and trim ballfieldsMay assist in manual labor as needed such as brick laying, pipe laying, painting, carpentry, and other construction tasksLayout measurements and line ballfields and assist in performing field maintenanceOperate power mowers, chainsaws, brush cutter, edger and clippers, power washers, ATVs, litter vacuum, and other equipment used in facility maintenance, landscaping, roadside maintenance, and right of way cleaning.Open park gates and removes trashAssist repair technicians in dutiesMay operate light equipment such as utility vehicles, tractors, mowers and dump trucksMay serve as a lead on a small work crew, community service workers, volunteers and/or part-timersMay receive, sort, and package materialsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to area of assignmentEducation: High School Diploma or equivalentCombination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: N/AComputer Skills: General knowledge of applicable computer programsLicenses and Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License and County Driving Privileges. Depending on area of assignment- may require Class A or Class B CDLKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:Knowledge:Light equipment used in maintenance, grounds keeping, and constructionOccupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe operation of this equipmentSafe work practices and hazards associated with workUse of the tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in the maintenance activitiesSkills:Filling out daily work sheets and other required formsLight trucks, small tractors, mowers and similar automotive equipmentAbilities:Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or culturesCollaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationshipsCommunication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information providedContributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goalsEnergy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of timeManaging Work: Effectively managing one's time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficientlyTechnical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertiseCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.WORK ENVIRONMENT:Works outdoors in varying weather conditions.REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: