Job Title: Horticulture Specialist

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Salary Grade: 7 (Min $21.31, Mid $25.04)

NATURE OF WORK:

Under general supervision, oversees and supervises the cultivation of Town gardens, including the planting, upkeep and maintenance of Town flower beds, flower pots, flower baskets.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Selects and designs the specific plant, flower, shrub and tree species to be installed in all Town gardens including planters, beds, pots and baskets.
Monitors plant growth and success and keeps records of all horticulture activities.
Plans the ordering of plant materials to be installed in Town gardens including annuals, perennials, and pots and baskets, mulch and fertilizers.
Represents the department and travels to regional nurseries, garden centers, etc… to research and select plant material.
Researches new and or improved plant species and gardening products, makes contacts and establishes relationships with local and regional distributers to identify availability, studies appropriateness of plants for dry high desert climates. Strives for planting drought and cold weather-tolerant species most appropriate for Mountain Village climates and the use natural products.
Attends trainings and trade shows to stay abreast of new technologies in the field and current best practices.
Acts as a lead trainer and performs pre- and post-season training sessions with staff to educate about proper cultivation procedures including planting, mulching, weeding, dead heading, fertilizing and watering, pruning and trimming.
Supervises garden maintenance activities throughout season and works with fellow employees to educate staff on proper horticulture and maintenance activities.
Assists with the design, preparation and installation of holiday and event decorations throughout the community.
Performs planting, watering, weeding and dead heading of flowers; pruning and trimming of trees and shrubs and flowers; inspection of landscaped areas; loading and hauling of plant materials.
Conducts sweeping, cleaning and general removal of trash and debris in gardens and public areas.
Operates a variety of vehicles and equipment in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.
Performs snow and ice removal in public plazas.
Assists with enforcement and oversight of plaza policies and programs including special events, plaza vehicle access and permitting; installation of holiday decorations; plaza assistance; monitoring of compliance with plaza uses and license agreements.
Performs minor maintenance activities including painting, staining and waterproofing of public benches, light posts, signage, fences, and trash cans.
Collects and disposes of garbage and recyclables from common areas.
Assists with programs developed to achieve the community’s Zero Waste goals.
Assists with the preparation of facilities for special events; sets up tents, tables, chairs, and banners; cleans up and breaks down events.
Acts as a liaison, when necessary between Mountain Village and its residents and guests, subcontractors, vendors, and merchants giving direction and assistance as needed.
Promotes and observes safe work methods and uses safety equipment; secures work sites as necessary; may attend safety committee meetings, actively participates in and may conduct tailgate trainings
Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of the team
Reinforces the Town’s commitment to the environment by responsible use of electricity, natural gas, fuel, paper, water, and chemicals.
Additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or GED and at least five years of related experience. Prior arborist, horticultural, or landscape experience preferred; demonstrated computer skills in working with word processing, spreadsheet, and email software

Licenses/Certification(s):

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or a related field is preferred.

Colorado Gardner Certificate or Master Gardner Certificate is preferred.

Possession of a valid Colorado State Driver’s License is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of: Methods, materials and equipment used in garden maintenance; methods for seeding, propagating, planting, cultivating and trimming flowers, plants, trees, shrubs and lawns; methods of plant selection and appropriateness for local climates and standards; willingness to experiment with new products and new and natural methods of horticulture; state and town safety rules and regulations.

Skill in: Use of gardening and grounds keeping tools and equipment; effective verbal and written communication; establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers; selecting species and designing gardens; planting, mulching, weeding, dead-heading, fertilizing and watering gardens; customer service and working with the public; safe and efficient operation and maintenance of vehicles and equipment according to standard operating and safety procedures.

Environmental Factors:

Work is performed primarily in outdoor environments with exposure to extreme weather conditions, fertilizers and other chemicals.

Physical Factors:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to perform manual labor, use hand tools, stand and walk for extended periods of time, climb ladders, and lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Expectations of All Employees:

To support consistent high-quality guest service to everyone in our community, including our co-workers, making Mountain Village a great place to live, work and visit.

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Horticulture Specialist