Gardener (Civil Service)

City of Sioux City; Sioux City (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Sioux City is seeking a Gardener for the Parks Maintenance Department to direct crews in tree, turf and nursery work and to design and maintain landscaped areas across multiple parks and garden spaces.

The role includes soil testing, pest identification and treatment planning, and maintaining inventory of materials. Must have a telephone, Class A CDL, and obtain a Commercial Applicators license within six months. Shift is M–F, 7:00am–3:30pm, with possible overtime.

Job description

City of Sioux City Parks Maintenance Department is seeking a Gardner.

Will assist in directing crews engaged in tree, turf, and nursery work. Design and participate in the planting and maintenance in various landscaped areas. Conduct soil tests and cultures of diseased plants to identify problems and take corrective action. Identify insect pests and develop a plan to eliminate them. Inspect trees and shrubbery for infection and prescribe appropriate remedial action. Maintain appropriate inventory of materials and supplies. Design, develop, and maintain special displays of plant materials.

Must have a telephone, Class A CDL license, and be able to obtain and retain a Commercial Applicators license within six (6) months of hire.

Must meet physical requirements in job description.

Shift is M–F, 7:00am–3:30pm. May be required to work overtime.

Join us!

• Assist in planning and directing the work of crews engaged in City tree, turf and nursery work including the garden center.
• Design, and participate in the planting and maintenance of the rose garden, greenhouse and various landscaped areas.
• Conduct soil tests and cultures of diseased plants to identify problems and take corrective action; identify insect pests and develop plan to eliminate them.
• Inspect trees and shrubbery for infection and prescribe appropriate remedial action.
• Maintain appropriate inventory of materials and supplies and place replacement orders.
• Assign and direct the work of other personnel involved in planting and maintaining landscaping, nursery and greenhouse.
• Maintain buildings and grounds.
• Design, develop and maintain special displays of plant materials.
• Pick up trash and debris in parks and related areas.
• Responds to citizens' questions and concerns in a courteous and timely manner.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the position as assigned by the Parks Supervisor.
• Regularly lifts up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifts up to 30 pounds.
• Expected to temporarily perform duties outside of normal classification in the event of a declared emergency. In the event that an employee is excused from work other than being sick, they will be required to report to work in a state of declared emergency.

Cognitive Demands, Skills and Abilities

Ability to direct and oversee the work of a small crew(s) engaged in the work of maintaining parks and various planted and landscaped areas. Ability to maintain and care for a wide variety of tools and equipment used in landscape work. Ability to operate P.C.'s and familiarization with appropriate software. Ability to work alone and without immediate supervision.

Job Knowledge

Thorough knowledge of the materials, methods, equipment, tools and practices used in propagating, planting, transplanting, digging and cultivating nursery stock and ornamental gardens. Complete working knowledge of the principals, practices and methods of treating plants, grasses and trees for various insects, parasites, etc. Good working knowledge of landscaping and horticulture including the optimum conditions for growing all types of nursery stock, shrubs, plants and flowers including proper use of pesticides and chemicals.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Requires effective communication skills and the ability to provide assistance to employees. Requires the ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively with fellow employees; read in English and compare similarities and differences between words and series of numbers; create, read and interpret landscape plans; apply common sense understanding to the work process and procedures; and to provide and follow verbal and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

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 is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold; risk of electrical shock; and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Requires various pest control licenses issued by the State of Iowa and a valid Commercial Driver's License.

Graduation from standard high school, GED equivalent or related trade school and considerable experience in nursery or greenhouse work preferably including some experience in a supervisory capacity, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.