Job Title

Job Family

Job Code

Job Exempt

Horticultural Assistant

Liuna_Trades_And_Crafts

LSL24

Pay Grade

Pay Rate Type

Minimum

Midpoint

Maximum

L04

Hourly

$19.14

$24.40

$29.66

Job Description

Performs skilled work in the preparation, cultivation, and care of the grounds and of various types of flowers, ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees at Harry P. Leu Gardens or the City Nursery. Propagates, arranges, and prunes plants. Prepares soils and bedding for planting. Prepares and dispenses plant and lawn care chemicals. Assists the public with horticulture, floriculture, agriculture, and entomology-related problems. Work is performed under direct supervision and is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through observations, discussions, and results obtained.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma/G.E.D. Certificate. Positions in Parks require a Commercial Drivers' License (CDL). Positions at Leu Gardens do not require a CDL. Work is performed outdoors and employee may be subject to unfavorable weather conditions and insects.

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Note: The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this job class. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

Performs plant propagation techniques, such as seeding, grafting, and cuttings to reproduce plants.

Plants new horticultural displays seasonally and for special projects.

Monitors, tests, and adjusts soil composition as needed to optimize plant growth and determine nutrient and pH levels.

Identifies and controls pests and diseases affecting plants using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques and safe application of approved pesticides and fertilizers.

Maintains the growth, health, and maintenance of trees, palms, fruits, vegetables, shrubs, groundcovers, flowers, ornamental plants, and hardscapes by watering, fertilizing, pruning, and monitoring them regularly.

Works with staff, volunteers, and community service teams; interacts with the visiting public; and assists with special events, programs, and activities.

Monitors and utilizes cultivation methods for optimum horticultural care.

Maintains accurate records of plant growth, care, and maintenance activities for analysis and reporting.

Adheres to safety protocols and regulations related to horticulture, including the use of protective equipment and safe handling of chemicals.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Some knowledge of modern practices and principles of horticulture, floriculture, agronomy, and related fields.

Some knowledge of insects, parasites, diseases and other infestations which affect trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, and grass and the composition and application of insecticides, fungicide, and disinfectants for proper control.

Some knowledge of the occupational hazards of the work.

Some knowledge of plant biology and the common and botanical names of local trees, plants, and flowers.

Some knowledge of irrigation systems and turf management.

Some knowledge of the American Association for Nursery workers (AAN) standards and guidelines for trimming, dead wooding, removal, planting and staking.

Skilled in the proper use and safe operation of various hand and power operated tools utilized in all phases of horticulture work.

Ability to lift 40 lb. bags of fertilizer and plants.

Ability to reach, bend, stoop, crawl, and kneel.

Ability to operate a pick-up truck, 5 yd. dump truck, and bobcat front end loader.

Ability to read and understand chemical and fertilizer labels and to apply or explain proper mixture and application procedures.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public as necessitated by the work.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROMOTION: N/A.