What are the responsibilities and job description for the GARDENER position at Arlington County, VA?
Position Information
The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is seeking an experienced Gardener to become part of a team that creatively develops outdoor spaces for the community's enjoyment! The Gardener will prepare, install, and maintain public areas such as plants within parks, streetscapes, gardens, facility grounds, landscape beds, the greenhouse, and historic memorial rose garden at Bon Air, including assisting with planning new landscape areas. Additionally, this position provides technical horticultural information and advice to staff and the public on garden-industry best practices and the science behind gardening, designing, and landscaping.
Specific duties include:
- Operating small power tools and equipment to install and maintain landscape beds, natural woodland areas, and trees on streets and in parks;
- Monitoring the growth, development, and functionality of landscapes at County sites;
- Performing diagnostic horticultural work to monitor plant health, managing weeds and other pests;
- Driving various vehicles, including pickup trucks, trailers, and trucks; and
- Collaborating with team members on landscape maintenance and installation, tree planting, and insect/disease control.
Selection Criteria
Minimum:
- High school diploma/GED; and
- Two (2) years of experience in landscaping, gardening, horticulture, or a related field.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
- Experience with plant material identification, including the uses and cultural requirements for trees, shrubs, and perennials;
- Formal horticultural training;
- Experience using an automated work order system;
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A or B; and/or
- Possession of certification(s) from: Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS); International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP); Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA), and/or similar organizations.
Special Requirements
- Applicant must obtain and maintain a Virginia Registered Technician's License within six (6) months of hire.
- Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of placement in role. Any employee hired without this certification will be appointed as a trainee, until the License is obtained.
- The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
- Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test if applicable. The successful applicant will be subject to drug screening, at such times during employment, as required by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
- A pre-hire background check will be required, which may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
- The work environment includes exposure to drafts, varying weather conditions of heat and cold, noise, dust, grease, and dirt; including extended periods of standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting light to very heavy objects and equipment.
Additional Information
Work hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The employee may be required to work some weekends and evening hours and must be available for emergency callback and hold-over.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
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Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.