Job Description

GARDENER

JOB CODE 40080

Effective Date:	02/96A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform skilled maintenance of parks, gardens, nursery, or other landscaped areas. Some positions exercise lead responsibilities over unskilled or semi-skilled employees. The skill in the application of herbicides and insecticides and the ability to plant, transplant, fertilize, irrigate, cultivate and prune trees, shrubs, and plants differentiate this class from the Groundskeeper. Gardeners work under the general supervision of a Parks Foreman I.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plants, irrigates, cultivates, fertilizes and weeds gardens;
• Mixes soils, makes cuttings, transplants seedlings, trims hedges and stakes and prunes trees;
• Performs sprinkler system repair, maintenance and troubleshooting;
• Applies herbicides and insecticides;
• Digs ditches and holes;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge Of:

• Trees, plants, shrubs and lawns indigenous to Arizona and their care requirements.
• Gardening methods and tools.
• Herbicide and insecticide applications.
• Irrigation systems.

Ability To:

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Read and understand herbicide and insecticide warning labels and mix and apply them in accordance with safety standards.
• Repair damaged trees and shrubs by pruning or chemical application.
• Use hand tools, such as pick, shovel, spade, rake or similar tools and power driven equipment such as hedge trimmers.
• Move debris, dirt, or other material from one place to another.
• Travel over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
• Direct the work of others.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation which takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Move objects weighing up to 50 pounds) short distances (20 feet or less).
• Bend or stoop repeatedly over time.
• Work with cleaning fluids, chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, paints, cleaning agents or similar solutions using only normal protective equipment.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the general public.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. In addition, individuals may be required to pass an Arizona Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Requires State of Arizona Structural Pest Control Commission pesticide application certification at time of hire.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
One year of experience in the care and maintenance of trees, plants, shrubs, and lawns. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.