Horticulturist

JOB CODE: 1000

PAY GRADE: 1170

SALARY RANGE: $33,825 - $57,585

LOCATION OF WORK
Department of Maintenance

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible supervisory and technical work in the planting and cultivation of a large variety of ornamental flowers, trees and shrubs. Work involves responsibility for supervising the horticultural care, maintenance and appearance of existing landscapes and nursery facilities, or supervising the construction, installation and implementation of new landscape designs. An employee of this class may serve in a consulting capacity to landscape architects and/or direct horticultural programs for maintaining or improving existing landscapes. Additional elements of work may include the giving of informative talks and advice to other departments, divisions, civil groups and garden clubs concerning horticulture. General supervision is exercised over a group of semiskilled and unskilled workers. Work is reviewed for quality and results obtained. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Determines best methods of insects and disease control, of fertilizing, trimming and pruning trees and shrubs, and supervises application of such methods. Inspects and recommends proper care of landscaped areas, woodlands, and various public displays of ornamental, exotic and indigenous plant life. Inspects areas being developed and recommends the type of planting that would produce the desired results. Experiments with varieties of plant life to determine adaptability to different soil and weather conditions and their suitability for erosion control, wind breaks, ornamentation, or other purposes. Supervises the breeding and growing of annuals, perennials, vines, trees, and shrubs in a nursery, greenhouse or both. Writes, issues and explains daily work orders; assists in the preparation of budget requests; purchases and instructs subordinates in the proper use and storage of pesticides, herbicides and other chemical compounds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles, problems and methods of horticulture and landscaping. Knowledge of the methods, tools, and practices used in the propagation, planting, transplanting, digging, and cultivation of nursery stock. Knowledge of the methods and practices of treating plants and trees for blights, fungi, insects, parasites and diseases. Knowledge of the optimum conditions for growing all types of nursery stock, shrubs, plants, flowers and trees. Skill in the use and care of gardener tools and materials in grafting, transplanting, and propagating plants and flowers peculiar to subtropical climates. Ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of subordinate employees in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale. Ability to diagnose plant and tree disease. Ability to determine the adaptability of various plants to existing soils and weather conditions and their suitability for erosion control, wind breaks or other purposes. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS