Horticulture Specialist- Park & Recreation
Job description
Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career
Please Apply By: Thursday, May 11, 2023
Salary Range: $21.47/hr - $28.18/hr
This is a non-exempt (hourly) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.
At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. We do this by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, change to improve our resident’s fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county “will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE.” The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team proudly manages and care for all ornamental landscapes within the 210+ parks, facility areas, and greenway system trailheads within the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation park system. We are excited to add a Maintenance & Operations Specialist to the team! This full-time position will primarily be responsible for tree planting and care, natural area management, and landscape design and installation at our parks and recreation facilities. The incumbent will also participate in equipment operations and maintenance, OSHA compliance and safety training. The preferred candidate would have a NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.
By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Substantial plant knowledge and passion for horticulture
- Valid NC Pesticide License
- Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or closely related field of study
- Has training and education in best management practice including integrated pest management (IPM), soil preparation/management, and plant selection
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Performs complex maintenance, repair, remodeling and renovation of various buildings, facilities, and equipment.
- Ensure that work is performed in accordance with accepted trade practices and in a safe manner with little waste of time and materials.
- Prepares daily inspection reports, pre-trip checks, logs and operating records for equipment or infrastructure
- Train or supervise other subordinate staff in the operation or maintenance of various equipment
- Order materials and ensure that correct construction methods are utilized.
- Coordinate work with sub-contractors and reviews materials and workmanship.
- Confirm with supervisors that work and materials conform to required codes.
- Assist with planning renovations and modifications of buildings and structures.
- Estimate time, materials, and costs for repair work.
- Maintain records and makes reports as required for completed projects.
- Communicate with staff and citizens regarding the maintenance needs and problems.
- Make recommendations for the routine renovation and building maintenance projects.
- Engage in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines
- Report and monitor unsafe working conditions
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of specialized maintenance experience directly related to area of assignment
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted? Yes
Licenses and Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and the ability to obtain County Driving Privileges. Depending on area of assignment, may require CDL Class A or B and/or endorsements.
Computer Skills: General knowledge in applicable computer programs
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge:
- Equipment used in maintenance, grounds keeping, and construction.
- Occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe operation of equipment.
- Safe work practices and hazards associated with work.
- Use of the tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in the maintenance activities.
Skills:
- Fill out daily work sheets and other required forms.
- Operating trucks, small tractors, mowers, and similar equipment.
Abilities:
- Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise.
- Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
- Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures
- Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
- Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
- Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals
- Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Works outdoors exposed to varying weather conditions
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.
Mecklenburg County requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for any new Mecklenburg County employees.
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