Horticulturist

Position: Horticulturist

Department: Urban Landscape

Employment Status: Permanent Full Time Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday Thursday 7 a.m. 5:30 p.m.

Compensation: Grade 6; Salary Range starting at $20.92/hour

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Urban Landscape Director the Horticulturist performs work involving the production and cultivation of the botanical collections and displays of greenhouse plants plant data collection and assists in specialized continuous care and display of assigned collections or installations. The Horticulturist may train and lead the work of seasonal interns and staff. During peak seasons varied hours may be required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - KNOWLEDGE SKILLS - ABILITIES

• Provides care to botanical garden displays and greenhouse floriculture crops including watering fertilizing planting propagating pruning trimming thinning grooming training weeding culling and inspecting for pests and disease.
• Maintains a safe efficient work environment by cleaning organizing and sanitizing horticultural work areas including storage nurseries and office spaces.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Knowledge of federal state and local government relationships as they relate to the mission and operations of the city.
• Knowledge of the organization and programs of the City of Morgantown.
• Knowledge of basic first aide and safety skills.
• Demonstrates an ability to follow horticulture industry standard safety practices involving ergonomics equipment tools and personal protection equipment.
• Demonstrates a familiarity with the basic federal state and local laws rules regulations manufacturer specifications education standards policies and procedures governing the horticulture field.
• Demonstrates knowledge and an ability to operate job related equipment motor vehicles and tools properly and safely.
• Demonstrates an understanding and an ability to use and learn a range of current and modern job-related equipment tools computer hardware and software applications.
• Demonstrates an ability to follow guide orient others in established safety practices care of equipment current technology and best horticulture work methods.
• Demonstrates an ability to work under general supervision to prioritize work; meet deadlines; define and evaluate project and program results; and plan and implement assignments.
• Demonstrates an ability to effectively listen speak write and interact tactfully in both a work and public setting. Consistently follows oral and written instructions from supervisors.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent exposure to physically demanding unpleasant strenuous and/or hazardous elements.
• Follows horticulture industry standard safety practices involving ergonomics equipment and personal protection equipment.
• Must have the ability to lift 50 lbs.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

• Position has daily use of computers the Internet Smartphones etc. to create databases spreadsheets or reports. Position designs and creates customized reports presentations and/or documents using advanced software skills.
• Position uses specialized software such as GIS SCADA or telecommunications software.
• Equipment that may be used on a regular basis includes but is not limited to weed eaters ladders shovels watering truck and assorted hand tools.

CONTACT & SUPERVISION

• Position involves frequent internal and external contact but generally on routine matters such as furnishing or obtaining information.
• Occasionally responsible for limited supervision of seasonal interns.
• Reports to the Urban Landscape Director.

The City of Morgantown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race color religion sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran or disability status.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• High school plus elementary technical training acquired on the job or through one year or less of technical or business school.

Certification/License:

• Valid Drivers License
• WV Certified Professional Horticulturist (must be obtained within the first year of employment)

Experience:

• 1-3 years of relevant experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates or bachelors degree in Horticulture or a closely related plant science degree such as botany agriculture plant pathology or greenhouse management.
• Experience in Horticulture or related industry.