Horticulture Technician
The Horticulture Technician performs technical and manual work by participating in horticulture functions related to the planting, removal and care of various plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees located on County-owned grounds. Additionally, the incumbent keeps county grounds clear of any branches or debris for safety and appearance.
The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.
- Participates in and provides direction for employees engaged in planting, removing, transplanting, cultivating, trimming, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, and irrigation necessary for the healthy growth of trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers on County-owned grounds.
- Makes inspections to detect evidence of diseases, insects, or other conditions endangering or inhibiting the proper growth of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers. Takes corrective measures when such conditions exist by mixing and applying fertilizer, pesticide or herbicides.
- Provides instruction to other personnel in the proper horticultural maintenance of flowers, trees, and plants.
- Makes minor repairs to tools and irrigation equipment used on County premises.
- Provides care and maintenance of interior plants.
- Sprays County buildings for pest control.
- Ability to oversee a small group of inmates
- Regular attendance
Emergency Response County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description.
Minimum Qualifications :
Education : High school diploma or equivalent.Experience : Two (2) years' experience in landscape maintenance, nursery or horticultural operation, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations :
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License and be insurable by current insurance carrier.Certification as a Public Applicator by the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to purchase and use restricted pesticides pursuant to Chapter 487 of Fla. Statutes.Licenses in all of the following areas : apply pesticides correctly (Core Test), ornamental and turf, or licenses must be obtained within 6 months of employment.Must take annual inmate supervision training given by Sheriff's Office.This position is subject to the Hepatitis B Vaccine and other vaccines as necessary.Required Competencies :
Knowledge of modern practices and principles of horticulture, arboriculture, agronomy and related fields.Knowledge of insects, parasites, diseases, and other infestations which affect trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, and grass.Knowledge of the composition and application of insecticides, fungicides and disinfectants for their control.Knowledge of plant biology and the common and botanical names of local trees, plants, and flowers.Knowledge of irrigation systems and turf management.Knowledge of the American Association for Nurseryman (AAN) standards and guidelines for trimming, dead-wooding, removal, planting, and staking.Skill in the proper use and safe operation of hand and power operated tools utilized in all phases of horticulture work.Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and communicate clearly and concisely.Ability to detect tree and plant diseases and determine corrective measures.Ability to read, interpret and develop landscape plans.Ability to understand chemical and fertilizer labels.Ability to plan and oversee the work of a small group of other employees or inmates related to horticultural duties and activities.Ability to perform heavy, strenuous, manual labor under sometimes unfavorable weather conditions.Physical Demands :
Constantly : Moderate to heavy lifting, 100 pounds. Requires walking, bending, stooping and climbing.Very frequently : Light carrying, use of fingers, good near vision, and ability to distinguish basic and shades of colors.Environmental Conditions :
Constantly : Working outside under varying weather conditions.Very Frequently : Exposure to insecticides and chemicals.Equipment Used :
Landscaping and gardening tools, spray equipment, and hand power tools.Grade : 1
Veterans Preference Position, must be minimally qualifiedHernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law. Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.