Senior Arboretum Gardener
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Job Location:
Los Angeles, CA - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 52015 - 70105
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Position/Program Information
- COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATIONEXAM NUMBER:D0284BAPPLICATION FILING PERIOD:
We will be accepting online applications from Tuesday October 28 2025 at 8:00 a.m. (PT) until Tuesday November 18 5:00 p.m. (PT).
Applications must be received BEFORE 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Tuesday November 18 2025 to be accepted.RECRUITMENT TYPE:We invite everyone who believes they meet or exceed the requirements listed below to apply.
Why Work for Us
Working for Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation offers the opportunity to be part of a department that stewards some of the regions most treasured public spaces including world-class botanical gardens historic estates vibrant community gardens and educational nature centers. These gardens not only showcase diverse plant collections and natural habitats but also serve as living classrooms where visitors of all ages learn about conservation sustainability and the unique ecology of Southern California. By joining our team you will help preserve these spaces support environmental education and provide meaningful recreational and cultural experiences that enhance the quality of life for millions of residents and visitors each year.
With more than 10 million residents Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California over 116000 employees in more than 38 Departments we provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement property assessment public health protection water conservation cultural activities and many more.
We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. The County has more than 2300 different job descriptions offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We offer one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the nation. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work relax and rejuvenate in order to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.
What does a Senior Arboretum Gardener do
Positions allocable to this class are responsible for the supervision of Assistant Arboretum Gardeners Arboretum Gardeners Grounds Maintenance Staff and other support personnel involved in the maintenance of various planted sections which are curated to emulate geographical region from around the world and/or other specialized planting of a botanical garden display garden or nature center. Essential Job Functions
- Supervises and provides technical direction to gardeners grounds maintenance staff and other support personnel engaged in the maintenance of planted sections and grounds.
- Schedules and assigns work and sets task priorities for gardening staff.
- Oversees condition and needs of plants under care and assures appropriate action is taken related to repotting watering fertilizing and pest control.
- Trains staff on plant materials diseases propagation weed control etc.
- Directs and participates in tree trimming brush clearance and landscaping.
- Assists in the procurement of gardening tools and related power equipment.
- Determines the appropriate location and relocation of plants at the direction or with the approval of a higher-level position with the assistance of the Senior Botanist taking into consideration the possible size of plant at maturity requirements for sun shade and moisture native habitant condition of plant etc.
- Keeps records regarding new plantings plant death/loss pesticide use work supervised and performance of staff.
- Oversees the pesticide program as needed.
- Provides information to visitors regarding botanical names characteristics and care of plants.
- Promotes good public relations with members of various plant societies developing interest in the department which may lead to donations of services plants ornamental objects or funds.
- Propagates specialized plants by grafting cutting or seeding.
For more information please view the classification specification: Senior Arboretum Gardener
Requirements
REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:
Three (3) years of gardening* experience in an arboretum estate garden botanical garden retail nursery or display-oriented public garden.
DRIVER LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related duties.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Additional points will be given to applicants who possess the following:- Additional years beyond the required gardening* experience
- Experience gardening* in multiple arboreta botanical or display garden collection types.
- typically based on a climate type or region physical geography type plant types theme etc.
- Relevant semester or quarter units from an accredited college or university or degree** in the field of horticulture botany ecology or a closely related subject.
- Relevant certifications or current licenses**
- such as but not limited to...
- Regulated Licenses
- California DPR Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Certificate (QAC)
- Certificates
- UC Master Gardener
- California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate (CNPLC)
- ISA Certified Arborist
- ISA Certified
- Master Arborist
- Regulated Licenses
- such as but not limited to...
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:* Gardening is defined as cultivation and maintenance of individual plants requiring a level or specialized plant knowledge of horticulture botany and specific plant care.This is not to be confused with groundskeeping which is typically general property maintenance using variety of tools and power equipment for lawn care hedge trimming and litter or debris clearance.** To demonstrate that you currently have the desired units or degree please upload a legible copy of your official transcripts which shows the units completed in the specialize courses. The document should show the date the degree was conferred and be in English; if it is in a foreign language it must be translated and evaluated for equivalency to U.S. standards. For more information on our standards for educational documents please visit: and receive credit for any of the listed certificates or licenses please also provide a legible copy your certificate.
Submit documentation within 10 business days from the end of the filing period to with Sr. Arbo Gardener - Docs in the subject line. Please include your name and the exam number in the body of the e-mail.
We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE:The application includes a supplemental questionnaire at the end.- Responses will be evaluated to ensure job requirements are met.
- Responses will also be evaluated to generate a score using a standardized system based on the required and desirable qualifications.
- All requested and pertinent information must be submitted to ensure accurate evaluation.
OUT-OF-CLASS INFORMATION:
WITHHOLD INFORMATION:
No withholds will be allowed. Required experience and education must be fully met by the last day of filing.If performed work differs from the duties described in a job titles class specifications and qualifies for this opportunity out-of-class duties must be described in detail in the Work Experience and Supplemental Questions sections of the application.
PHYSICAL CLASS III - Moderate:
This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending stopping twisting or working above ground on irregular surfaces occasionally lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.
VETERANS CREDIT:
Veteransmaybe eligible for Veterans Credit which is an additional 10% of the total points added to a passing order to be considered for Veterans Credit we will need a copy of the applicants form DD214to review. A clear legible scan or picture the form DD214 must be uploaded to the application or e-mailed to the exam analyst at as soon as possibleso if you are eligible for veterans credit we can include it before promulgating the list of eligible candidates. If e-mailed the message must include Sr Arbo. Gardener - Vet. Credit in the subject line and the applicants name and the exam number in the body.Additional Information
EXAMINATION CONTENT:
This examination will consist of aTraining & Experience assessment which will evaluate training experience and education listed on the Supplemental Questionnaire and assign a score based on a standardized scoring system. This evaluation is worth 100% of the total score and evaluates: Gardening Experience Relevant Education Certifications and Licenses.Applicants MUST meet the requirementsAND achieve the passing score of 70% or higherto be placed on the eligible list.
ELIGIBILITY & VACANCY INFORMATION:
Candidates receiving a passing score will be placed on a list in the order of the score group for a period of 12 months. The resulting list will be used to fill vacancies throughout the Parks and Recreation department as they occur.
APPLICATION & FILING INFORMATION:
We only accept applications filed online.Applications submitted by U.S. mail fax or in person are not accepted. Interested candidates can apply online by clicking on the green Apply button at the top right of this posting. This website also allows for tracking application status updates.
The application and supplemental questionnaire must be filled out completely. Relevant job experience including employers name and address job title beginning and ending dates number of hours worked per week and a clear description of work performed must be provided.
We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment.Copying verbiage from the requirements or class specification as work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements.Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.
CORRESPONDENCE VIA E-MAIL:
We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application.It is important that a valid email address is provided.Applicants who choose to unsubscribe or opt out of receiving our emails may view notices by logging into and checking the profile inbox.It is every applicants responsibility to take steps to view correspondence.
To prevent emails from going to spam or junk folders applicants should add the listed domains and email addresses as authorized senders in their contacts:Note: Test scores cannot be given over the telephone.
New or updated email addresses need to be verified.This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to and following the prompts. This is to improve the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER & USER ID:
Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number. It must be included when applying. All applicants must file their application online using their own Social Security Number User ID and Password. Using a family members or friends information may erase an applicants original application.
ANTI-RACISM DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION (ARDI):
The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-Racism Diversity and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst races. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality diversity and inclusion in recruitment selection and employment practices.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Department Contact Name:Francis Sanchez
Department Contact Number:
Department Contact Email:
ADA Coordinator Phone:
Teletype Phone:
California Relay Services Phone:
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Employment Information
Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.
This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:
The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information please visit: Accommodations for Applicants:
The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations please visit: Chance:
The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job and will also consider potential mitigating factors which may include but is not limited to evidence and extent of rehabilitation recency of the offense(s) and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).
Employment Eligibility:
Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.
Career PathFinder:
Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at .Veterans Credit:
Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy in all open competitive examinations (i.e. examinations open to everyone) the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.
For more information on veterans credit please visit: September 2025
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Key Skills
- Hospitality Management
- Bakery & Pastry
- Construction Equipment
- Environment Health And Safety
- Arbitration
