HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior MW - Horticulture SpecialistUpdated: March 2024
CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION
Posi�on Title: Senior Maintenance Worker – Hor�culture Specialist
Department: Parks & Recrea�on
Division: Parks & Forestry
Supervisor: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Civil Service: Yes
Pay Grade: 12
Job Number: 1217
Job Summary
Under direc�on, performs professional hor�cultural du�es in the management of hor�culture
and silviculture and oversees the plant care opera�ons related to several sports complexes, City
buildings, gateways, park entrances and along the streets and boulevards.
Essen�al Job Du�es and Responsibili�es
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive
or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
• Iden�fies, directs, and performs planning and implementa�on of hor�culture and
landscape design and maintenance on City proper�es.
• Mows, rakes, mulches, waters and fer�lizes trees, shrubs, flowers, ground covers and
turf.
• Applies chemical applica�ons of pes�cides when necessary.
• Operates light trucks, tractors, loaders, specialized equipment and a variety of hand
tools.
• Supervises and performs snow and ice removal for trails, pedestrian areas and parking
lots, storm damage clean-up, and ice-ska�ng area maintenance.
• Maintains appropriate records of daily work for monthly and other periodic reports as
required.
• Works with members of public, contractors, other City staff and u�lity companies
rela�ve to division projects and needs.
• Contacts vendors, collects price quotes, and purchases needed equipment and materials
for areas of responsibili�es.
• Assists other divisions, contractors and agencies as needed.
• Assists in monitoring and preparing the annual opera�ng budget.
• Develops divisional goals and objec�ves.
• Develops work projects for volunteers, community service workers and oversees those
projects.
• Reviews landscape plans for various Public Works, Parks and Central Business District
projects.
• Atends mee�ngs and conferences to promote divisional goals and industry knowledge.
Updated: March 2024
• Performs du�es in a safe manner and par�cipates in safety training, ensures safety
protocol is followed.
• Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the
workplace and community.
• Performs other du�es as assigned.
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related
experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of
education and experience. Degree in Horticulture or related. Experience in municipal
ground and landscape maintenance.
• Pes�cide Applicator’s License within 6 months of hire. Sa�sfactory driving record. Valid
State of Iowa commercial driver’s license instruc�on permit upon first day in posi�on.
Valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license with air brake endorsements
within 6 months of hire. Meet federal drug tes�ng requirements. Requires a pre-
employment drug screen. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background
check.
Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or four years of related
experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abili�es
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized
situa�ons.
• Ability to effec�vely present informa�on and respond to ques�ons from groups of
managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to iden�fy insect infesta�on and diseases in trees and plants.
• Ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools.
• Ability to operate equipment used in the maintenance of park facili�es and grounds.
• Ability to perform basic mathema�cal calcula�ons and calculate proper pes�cide and
fer�lizer formulas.
• Ability to prepare writen reports.
• Ability to read and comprehend pes�cide manuals and hor�culture materials.
• Ability to reliably and predictably carry out du�es.
• Ability to work with budget figures.
• Knowledge of general construc�on methods.
• Knowledge of hor�cultural plant diseases and insects and the methods used in their
control.
• Knowledge of landscaping and ground care.
• Knowledge of modern irriga�on techniques, opera�ng and maintaining automa�c and
manual irriga�on systems.
Updated: March 2024
• Knowledge of propaga�on, plan�ng, cul�va�on, watering and care of grasses, plants and
trees.
• Knowledge of the occupa�onal hazards involved and safety precau�ons necessary in
equipment opera�ons.
• Skill in assigning, inspec�ng and evalua�ng the work of assigned crew.
• Skill in record keeping and the maintenance of office files.
• Skill in using computers and applicable so�ware applica�ons (Microso� Office – Word,
Excel, Outlook).
Supervision
Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to
permanent staff in completing basic, entry-level daily tasks and assignments. Does not carry out
disciplinary action, does not hire or fire, is not responsible for writing or delivering performance
review.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use
hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally
required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee
regularly lifts and/or moves 25 pounds and will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
duties and responsibilities.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving
mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic
chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee
is frequently exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen,
insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves
more than moderate exposure to dangerous situations. Involves more than moderate exposure
to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations.
Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with
Updated: March 2024
disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential
accommodations with the employer.
Reviewed/Approved by: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recrea�on Director (4/2024)
I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I
agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable
accommodation.
Employee Date
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