Horticulture Technician

GENERAL NATURE OF WORK:

Responsible for watering, pruning, weed control, mulching, fertilization and establishment of annual plant maintenance schedules based on plant and collection needs.  Provide assistance and serve as resource for Master Gardeners, other Garden volunteers, and Horticulture Interns.  Communicate with Garden Manager and volunteers to assure timely completion of tasks so that Smith-Gilbert is in a continual state of readiness for viewing by the public and for hosting events, meetings, and weddings. On Saturdays, serve as primary contact in the garden to ensure set up for events and garden maintenance tasks are completed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Perform weeding, watering, pruning, and propagating.
• Inspect and identify pest problems and coordinate treatment with Garden Manager following best practices for IPM.
• Responsible for applying pre and post emergent chemicals, as needed.
• Prune plants in the Garden as necessary (except trees over 15 feet in height).
• Keep written records of maintenance activities, including specifics of all chemical and fertilization controls applied and to comply with Federal and State regulations.
• Document condition of Garden including plant removal/addition needs.
• Coordinate with Garden Manager to ensure proper documentation of plants replaced or added to master inventory catalog (currently maintained in FileMaker Pro database).
• Consult with Garden Manager as to plant removal/addition issues, material and equipment needs necessary to perform daily tasks.
• Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, and small equipment including making necessary operating adjustments and reporting need for repair and replacement.
• Operate large equipment, such as rototiller, roller, sprayer, as needed.
• Assist in overall operational procedures.
• Assist with Master Gardener and Garden Volunteer and Horticulture Intern activities as they apply to the grounds.
• Assist with set up for events, classes, programs. Serve as primary contact on Saturday for event set up and garden maintenance.
• Engage with and provide assistance to all garden visitors.
• Keep and submit records in a timely fashion, including plant-inventory reports and label requests.  Submit reports as requested.
• Perform other duties or special projects as directed.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to operate equipment associated with maintenance of Gardens, knowledge of watering and professional pruning techniques, ability to discern weed from ornamental growth, working knowledge of both herbaceous and woody plant materials and their care as they conform to proper horticultural standards, ability to communicate effectively with both written and oral skills, ability to use work experience in the Garden to help develop standards and procedures, plus ability to work as a self-starter without direct supervision in terms of assessing priorities and accomplishing tasks.

WORK HOURS AND CONDITIONS:

Regular attendance is a necessary job function required for this position.  This position will normally work 40 hours weekly, Tuesday through Saturday.  A typical workday will be from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a one (1) hour lunch.

Occasionally, the incumbent may be scheduled to work additional time in any area of the Garden’s operation including events, weddings, meetings, etc. 

The majority of the incumbent’s work will be performed outdoors in all types of weather and requires a lot of walking, bending and lifting.  In addition, this job will involve occasional greenhouse and cold frame work.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Associates Degree in Horticulture; Four-Year Degree in Horticulture or related field preferred.  Related work experience may be considered as an equivalent to a degree.  State of Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s License or the ability to obtain and maintain certification.

Familiarity with operation of irrigation systems (including controller and system repairs) a plus.

Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preference given for public garden experience, teaching, and/or working with volunteers.

Preference given for experience in greenhouse, conservatory or nursery production.

Candidate with beekeeping experience will be a plus.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent will endure a great deal of walking; ability to lift 50 fifty pound bags; ability to perform tasks associated with the job such as pruning, weeding, planting, and mulching for an eight (8) hour day without undue fatigue. Working outdoors in all types of weather conditions, year round.

Position open until filled. 

City of Kennesaw-Growing City, Growing Careers

From its pre-Civil War beginnings in the 1800s, to its current reputation as a Best City to Live In, Kennesaw has been recognized throughout the U.S. for its standards of excellence and quality of life. Kennesaw has grown to a community of 36,000 residents within a 9-square-mile area. Located 26 miles north of downtown Atlanta near I-75, Kennesaw has taken advantage of its convenient location and the willingness of its employees to provide a strong base of services to businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

The City of Kennesaw is an Equal Opportunity Employer and the Kennesaw Police Department actively recruits any qualified person regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or age.

We participate in the E-Verify program as required by law. To find out more, visit. www.everify.gov