Gardener (Tractor Operator) A05

Operates tractors and skid steer with various implements loader buckets backhoe and aerators etc. Connects the implements to the tractor with basic coupling devices. Performs limited operator maintenance on tractors.

Performs a variety of seasonal gardening tasks such as prepares soil with the proper mixture of sand humus topsoil and fertilizer; places seeds and plants in soil at proper depth taking care not to damage roots while transplanting; lays sod aerates mows lawns and prunes and trims shrubs and trees for a neat appearance and health use string trimmer and shovel for weed abatement. Inspects plants for obvious plant diseases plant insects and unusual or poor plant growth and reports these conditions to the supervisor. Install and repair various types of irrigation systems. Observes environmental and safety rules and regulations. May drive a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of up to 10000 pounds throughout an installation under limited traffic conditions at low speeds to transport supplies and equipment.

Provides World Class Customer Service with an emphasis on courtesy. Assists customers and communicates positively in a friendly manner. Acknowledges customers smiles and makes eye contact. Asks questions to determine verify and solve problems. Checks for satisfaction on the quality of goods and services. Takes action to solve problems quickly. Alerts the higher-level supervisor or proper point of contact for help when problems arise.

Adheres to safety regulations and standards. Uses required safety equipment and observes safe work procedures. Promptly reports any observed workplace hazards and any injury occupational illness and/or property damage resulting from workplace mishaps to the immediate supervisor.

Adheres to established standards of actively supporting the principles of the EEO program and prevention of sexual harassment.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• See Duties and Qualifications

EVALUATIONS:

Qualifications

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Working knowledge of tractor controls for starting stopping and maneuvering the tractor and towed vehicles in congested areas such as narrow passageways stacked materials and around sharp corners. Knowledge of operating characteristics of the tractor and the carrying capacity of the towed vehicles. Skilled in judging clearances heights and turning angles of the tractor and implement. Knowledge of the location of grease fittings and fluid reservoirs and ability to grease vehicles and replenish oil hydraulic and other consumable fluids. Knowledge of seasonal gardening tasks and procedures for example: how to apply fertilizer evenly to avoid underfeeding or burning plants. Ability to use a variety of hand and power operated garden tools and equipment such as seeders spreaders edgers hedge trimmers pruning shears string trimmer and chainsaws. Ability to detect plant diseases and unusual or poor plant growth. Will require the operation of a motor vehicle requiring a drivers license.

RESPONSIBILITY: Receives oral and written instructions and assignments from supervisor or higher-grade worker. Performs duties according to instructions on work orders. Ensures proper connection of implements to the tractor and checks the security of loads. Checks and replenishes fluids to proper levels and lubricates tractor and other equipment as needed. Supervisor checks completed work for compliance with instructions and standard operating procedures. Completes work with little review during progress.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires frequent walking standing pushing of carts and wheelbarrows bending and stooping. Occasionally climbs ladders to prune or trim vegetation and frequently lifts heavy objects such as bags of fertilizer seed etc. Lifts and carries objects up to 45 lbs. independently and objects over 45 lbs. with assistance.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is done outside and incumbent is subject to discomfort from long periods in hot sun and sometimes to chilly or rainy weather. Exposed to dirt dust mud and sometimes to common household-type chemical sprays and dusts. May be required to wear protective clothing. Chance of minor injuries such as bruises cuts scrapes and occasional possibility of broken bones from falls.