Job Title

Job Family

Job Code

Job Exempt

Horticultural Specialist

Liuna_Trades_And_Crafts

LSL25

Pay Grade

Pay Rate Type

Minimum

Midpoint

Maximum

L05

Hourly

$20.29

$25.87

$31.44

Job Description

Follows horticulture best practices; maintains and cares for the large collection of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, flowers, and ornamental plants. Such duties include planting , pruning, spraying for pests, applying fertilizers, mixing soils, and identifying plant problems. Acts as lead worker to lower-level employees engaged in plant and lawn care and advises public on horticulture related inquiries. Work is performed outdoors and the employee is exposed to weather conditions and insects. Work is performed under moderate 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 and one (1) year experience in horticulture or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Florida Pesticide Application License required within ninety (90) days of employment.

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 grafting, propagation, and experimental as well as other work involving lawns, plants, trees, shrubs, and flower development and growth. Performs plant propagation techniques, such as seeding, grafting, and cuttings, to reproduce plants.

Performs soil and water tests; and monitors leaf texture and bloom development to determine nutrient and moisture requirements and to detect and identify germ and pest infestations; recommends correct insecticide and fungicide spray to control diseases and insects; integrates pest management (IPM) techniques; and safely applies approved pesticides and fertilizers.

Mixes soils, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and other chemicals and applies these materials to lawn and plant-life as needed. Monitors, tests, and adjusts soil composition as needed to optimize plant growth as well as determine nutrient and pH levels.

Removes substandard plants to maintain quality control which involves bending, stooping, kneeling, and crawling; prunes plants to enhance development which involves reaching over head; and arranges plants for display in a greenhouse or other horticultural projects which involves lifting and carrying.

Assists in the planning of plant growing schedules in order to maintain proper timing for plants and blooming of various types of flowers, ornamental plants, shrubs, and trees.

Identifies, maps, and labels shrubs, plants, flowers, trees, and seed material in the greenhouse and garden; maintains plant record;, and recommends new plant introductions.

Acts as lead worker to lower-level employees engaged in plant and lawn care; assigns workers to specific tasks; and participates in the more difficult and complex tasks.

Advises public on horticulture, floriculture, agriculture, and entomology related problems; writes articles for H.P. Leu Gardens newsletter.

Oversees 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.

Plans, designs, and plants new horticultural displays seasonally and for special projects.

Oversees staff, volunteers, and community service teams including scheduling, training, and supervising.

Estimates, orders, and maintains horticulture supplies, equipment, and tools.

Monitors and utilizes cultivation methods for optimum horticultural care.

Interacts with the visiting public and assists with special events, programs, and activities.

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:

Considerable knowledge of modern practices and principles of horticulture, arboriculture, agronomy, and related fields.

Considerable 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 their control.

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 understand and follow oral and written instructions and communicate, clearly and concisely.

Ability to detect tree and plant diseases and determine corrective measures.

Ability to operate pickup truck.

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

Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of a small group of assigned employees.

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

Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time.

Ability to lift 50-pound bags of fertilizer, grass seed, and mulch; ability to push a wheel barrel.

Ability to bend, stoop, reach over head, kneel, crawl, and dig.

Ability to perform heavy, strenuous manual labor, sometimes under unfavorable weather conditions and exposure to insects.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to speak before groups.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROMOTION: N/A.