Landscape Technician

General Nature of Work

Smith-Gilbert Gardens is seeking an individual with a strong interest in horticulture to join their team supporting garden maintenance and upholding the minimal toxicity ethic we follow as part of the conservation-focused mission.

This position performs all levels of garden and grounds maintenance required to maintain the highest aesthetic standards throughout the property. Understands and stewards the Mission Statement in all garden areas and plant collections.

Serves as a representative of Smith-Gilbert Gardens and the City of Kennesaw to engage volunteers, as well as visitors and event guests, to provide a positive experience.
 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Daily practices landscaping maintenance and upkeep including, but not limited to, watering, weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, pest control, spraying, string trimming, leaf removal, and trash removal.
• Troubleshoots irrigation issues.
• Maintains bed edges and tree rings.
• Daily monitors garden paths, exhibits, entry areas to ensure best guest experience.
• 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.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other related duties as required.
 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Human Interaction:  Requires the ability to exchange information for the purpose of clarifying details within well-established policies, procedures and standards.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization:  Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude:  Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude:  Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Functional Reasoning:  Requires the ability to carry out detailed but routine written or oral instructions. Involves routine work according to clearly prescribed standard practices, with some latitude for independent judgment.

Situational Reasoning:  Requires the ability to exercise judgment in situations characterized by repetitive or short cycle operations.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma required; prefer Associates Degree in Horticulture.
• Prefer experience working in a public garden.
• 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) preferred.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment, including, but not limited to: weed eater, leaf blower, horticultural blow torch, chain saw and similar equipment. Ability to do small repairs a plus.
• Ability to work as a self-starter without direct supervision in terms of assessing priorities and accomplishing tasks.
• Ability to operate and properly maintain equipment, including, but not limited to: weed eater, leaf blower, horticultural blow torch, chain saw and similar equipment. Must be able to drive a Gator.
• Possess and maintain a valid GA driver’s license.
• Preference given for experience in greenhouse, conservatory or nursery production.
• Candidate with beekeeping experience will be a plus.

ADA Requirements:

Individuals applying for the posted position must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Physical Requirements: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and prolonged standing, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 50/60 pounds.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Work Environment: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, unsafe structures, heights, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal/wildlife attacks, animal/human bites, or rude/irate customers.

Position will be 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