Horticulturist
Department: Parks & Recreation Reports to: Horticulturist Supervisor
Summary: Under basic supervision, performs pesticide and herbicide control
in the City's parks, sports fields, and landscaped areas. Performs activities
related to the enhancement, health and aesthetics of ornamental landscape
planting to City parks.
Essential Functions : Essential duties and responsibilities may
include, but are not limited to, the following :
Inspects, identifies, and eradicates noxious pests, insects, plant
diseases, and weed conditions around City parks and grounds; monitors City
grounds and turf, and identifies and corrects problems attributable to
insects, disease, nutrient imbalances, soil issues, vandalism, and weather
extremes.
Performs pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control practices.
Assists with the planning of horticultural spray and pest eradication
programs; assists with design and redesign of landscape areas; estimates
job costs and quantities of materials needed.
Recommends addition of specific plant materials and redesign of
landscaping areas.
Responsible for safely storing chemicals and supplies used in spraying
programs; assists with the ordering of required chemicals and supplies;
maintains accurate records of chemical inventories and usage.
Maintains production of trees at City tree farm; maintains and propagates
greenhouse plants.
Assists with setup and cleanup for special events; cross-trains in a
variety of skills.
Operates vehicles and equipment in accordance with all safety regulations
and procedures; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring
additional repair.
Completes daily work log, incident and accident reports, and requisitions
for supplies and materials.
Works on assigned projects, and makes appropriate decisions based on work
experience; notifies supervisors of repair problems beyond the scope of
authority.
Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed; reports problems
and emergency situations; recognizes, avoids, and reports unsafe acts,
conditions, accidents and injuries.
Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general
public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when
interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of
work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as
required or assigned.
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act,
may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is
not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by
incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not
listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job
description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to
change at any time by the employer.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines : High School Diploma or GED
required. One (1) year of related experience required.
Knowledge of:
Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in maintenance of parks.
Methods, tools, and equipment used in parks and grounds maintenance.
Federal, state, and City safety rules and regulations, occupational
hazards and safety precautions.
Proper use and storage of hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals.
Skill in:
Diagnosing maintenance problems on turf, trees, and landscape areas.
Operating and maintaining tools and equipment in a safe and effective
manner.
Identifying mechanical problems, and making basic adjustments and repairs
to tools and equipment.
Identifying plants, pests, agronomy diseases, and unsafe conditions.
Following safe work practices.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-
workers.
Effective verbal and written communication.
License and certification requirements: A Texas Driver's License is
required. Pesticide Applicator license is required within one (1) year of
hire; additional technical training and certifications may be required for
some incumbents.
Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed indoors,
outdoors, and at City facilities; requires moderate physical efforts, and the
ability to bend, reach, stoop, and lift objects; may be exposed to safety
hazards and dangerous tools and equipment; safety precautions must be
followed, including use of safety equipment. City approved safety shoes must
be worn. Must be able to lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
