Gardener

City of Seattle; Washington (Washington County); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a skilled Gardener for the Grounds Maintenance Team. The role involves landscaping, operating equipment, and maintaining records. Candidates should have landscape construction experience and be able to work independently or in teams. A valid Washington State Driver License is required.

Benefits

Generous benefits package

Free Orca Pass

City pension plan

Growth potential

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years in landscape construction or maintenance.
• Ability to operate landscape equipment and tools.

Responsibilities

• Performs skilled gardening and landscaping activities.
• Operates various landscape power equipment.
• Maintains records and prepares reports.

Skills

Plant Identification

Pesticide Handling

Irrigation Maintenance

Education

Landscape Construction Experience

Tools

Landscape Equipment

Motor Vehicles

Job description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Gardener to perform skilled gardening and landscaping activities. The work may be done in teams or independently at remote locations. This journey-level position will be part of the Grounds Maintenance Team in the Drainage and Wastewater Line of Business Logistics Division.

About Seattle Public Utilities:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values andRace and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join our team?
We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment.
• Generous benefits package.
• Free Orca Pass.
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions.
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities.

• Transplants and prunes trees and shrubs. Prepares, plants, and maintains planting beds. Seeds lawn areas and transplants sod. Fertilizes, mows, aerates, and generally maintains lawn areas and sprinkler systems.
• Balls, burlaps, plants, and transplants trees and shrubs; rototills topsoil; grades, seeds, and does sod work for new lawn areas; plants ground cover; flower beds and plants annuals, biennials, perennials, and repairs irrigation systems
• Applies pesticides. Sprays trees and shrubs; directs the operation of spraying equipment and maintains records of pesticide application.
• Provides training to assistants and/or temporary gardeners.
• Operates motor vehicles to, between, and from work locations. This includes pulling a small trailer with equipment.
• Operates various landscape power equipment such as weed whackers, hedge trimmers, backpack blowers, chain saws, walk behind movers/edger's, zero turn mowers and slope mowers.
• Maintains a variety of records and prepares reports.
• Works on landscape construction, landscape maintenance, street tree planting, or maintenance crews.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education/Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years’ work experience in landscape construction or maintenance, or in the propagation and maintenance of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees at a conservatory, greenhouse, or nursery
• Combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Washington Public Pesticide operator's license is required within 1 (one) year of hire.
• At the time of appointment must hold a valid Washington State Driver License.
• A Physical and Written Test will be required for those selected. Those who pass will be invited to an interview.
• This position works an in-person, 4/10 schedule (Tuesday-Friday) at various locations (dispatched daily).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Ability to properly secure and operate a trailer pulling equipment.
• Ability to operate riding mowers and landscape equipment/tools.
• Ability to identify plants and weeds native to western Washington State.
• Experience working with pesticides (handling, application, storage).
• Ability to maintain and repair irrigation systems.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The full salary range for this position is: $33.13 - $35.77 Hourly

• For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Danielle Sheridan @[e-mail].

Position Details:
If you are selected to advance in this hiring process, you will be asked to obtain a full driver abstract from the Department of Licensing. You are only required to submit this if selected.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam will be required of the finalist.

As a part of this application process, the most competitive candidates will be invited to take a working test, and interview. Candidates will also be required to submit a Full Driver’s Abstract.

Benefits Statement:
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Application Requirements:

• A full City of Seattle online application
• Resume addressing your knowledge and experience related to this position.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at https://www.seattle.gov/utilities and check us out on social media.