Gardener

City of Texarkana; Texarkana (AR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Texarkana is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to upkeep and improve public landscapes, including planting flowers, shrubs, trees, and general grounds care. You will operate mowers, edgers, weed trimmers, tractors, and related equipment to keep parks and public spaces attractive.

Candidates should have at least six months of related experience, a valid state driver’s license, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather, lift up to 50 pounds, and follow safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience in grounds maintenance preferred.
• Valid State driver's license required.
• Texas pesticide applicator license preferred.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Responsibilities

• Performs maintenance on landscaped areas using mowers, edgers, and trimming tools.
• Plants and maintains flowers, shrubs and trees as assigned.
• Trims edges around sidewalks, beds and walls.
• Maintains equipment and appurtenances (fences, gates, walls).
• Performs other duties as assigned by Parks staff.

Skills

Grounds maintenance knowledge

Tool operation

Independent worker

Lifting heavy objects

Oral communication

Safety awareness

Instruction following

Relationship building

Tools

Power tools

Lawn mowers

Tractors

Chippers

Weed trimmers

Edgers

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Assumes responsibility for upkeep and improvement of grounds on public property, including renovation and landscaping, planting flowers, shrubbery, trees, etc. and their general upkeep. Keeps landscaped areas in orderly condition and attractive.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Community Engagement and Parks Projects Manager and Parks Lead Gardener.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

SAFETY SENSITIVE DESIGNATION

This position is designed as a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug screening.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs regular maintenance programs on landscaped areas, i.e., paving, shrubbery, or trees. Sprays area with appropriate pesticide as needed. Fertilizes regularly using type consistent with the landscaped area and water area needing attention.

Properly maintains specified area with the use of a mower and/or edger.

Trims and edges around sidewalks, flower beds, and walls using shears or hand clippers.

Does preventive maintenance work on equipment and appurtenances such as fences, gates, walls, and walks.

Plants flowers, shrubs, trees, etc. in area to be landscaped using hand tools and related equipment.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Performs other duties as assigned by the Parks Community Engagement/Projects Manager and Parks Lead Gardener.

MINIMUM DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Minimum of six (6) months of experience with similar type work preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• (a)Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in grounds maintenance; some knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.
• (b)Skill in the operation of listed tools and equipment.
• (c)Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule;
• (d)Ability to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time;
• (e)Ability to communicate orally;
• (f)Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely;
• (g)Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions;
• (h)Ability to establish working relationships.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid State driver's license.

Possession of a current insecticide/pesticide applicators license from the State of Texas is preferred.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Power and hand tools, tools required for minor repairs and maintenance of tractors, bush-hogs, lawn mowers, edgers, and weed trimmers. Additional equipment includes trucks, trailers, edgers, mowers, weed trimmers, chippers, tractors, hand and power tools for turf maintenance., power washers and portable radios.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.

The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places, and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.