Horticulture Specialist

Mecklenburg County; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life

Paid holiday, vacation and sick days

Retirement savings plan with 5% match

Job summary

Mecklenburg County seeks a Maintenance & Operations Specialist to oversee landscape maintenance, tree and shrub planting, natural area management, and related installations across parks and recreation facilities. The role includes equipment operation, safety training, and compliance with OSHA; NC Pesticide License preferred or obtainable within 18 months.

The ideal candidate will have strong horticulture knowledge, a valid NC driver's license, and the ability to plan renovations, coordinate with

Qualifications

• Substantial plant knowledge and passion for horticulture.
• Valid NC Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or closely related field.
• Training or education in IPM, soil preparation/management, and plant selection.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex maintenance, repair, remodeling and renovation of various buildings, facilities and equipment.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with accepted trade practices and in a safe manner with little waste of time and materials.
• Prepare daily inspection reports, pre-trip checks, logs and operating records for equipment or infrastructure.
• Train or supervise other subordinate staff in the operation or maintenance of various equipment.
• Order materials and ensure that correct construction methods are utilized.
• Coordinate work with sub-contractors and review materials and workmanship.
• Confirm with supervisors and code enforcement that work and materials conform to required codes.
• Assist with planning landscape renovations and modifications of buildings and structures.
• Estimate time, materials, and costs for repair work.
• Maintain records and make reports as required for completed projects.
• Communicate with staff and citizens regarding the maintenance needs and problems.
• Make recommendations for landscape renovations and building maintenance projects.
• Engage in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines; report and monitor unsafe working conditions.

Skills

Plant knowledge

Pesticide license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or closely related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team proudly manages and care for all ornamental landscapes within the 210+ parks, facility areas, and greenway-system trailheads within the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation parks system.

We are excited to add a Maintenance & Operations Specialist to the team! This full-time position will primarily be responsible for landscape maintenance, tree and shrub planting and care, natural area management, weed management and landscape design and installation at our parks and recreation facilities. The incumbent will also participate in equipment operations and maintenance, OSHA compliance and safety training. The preferred candidate would have an NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Substantial plant knowledge and passion for horticulture.
• Valid NC Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or closely related field of study.
• Has training and education in best management practice including integrated pest management (IPM), soil preparation/management, and plant selection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform complex maintenance, repair, remodeling and renovation of various buildings, facilities and equipment.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with accepted trade practices and in a safe manner with little waste of time and materials.
• Prepare daily inspection reports, pre-trip checks, logs and operating records for equipment or infrastructure.
• Train or supervise other subordinate staff in the operation or maintenance of various equipment.
• Order materials and ensure that correct construction methods are utilized.
• Coordinate work with sub-contractors and reviews materials and workmanship.
• Confirm with supervisors and code enforcement that work and materials conform to required codes.
• Assist with planning landscape renovations and modifications of buildings and structures.
• Estimate time, materials, and costs for repair work.
• Maintain records and make reports as required for completed projects.
• Communicate with staff and citizens regarding the maintenance needs and problems.
• Make recommendations for landscape renovations and building maintenance projects.
• Engage in safe working practices and complies with safety programs and guidelines; report and monitor unsafe working conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of specialized maintenance experience directly related to the area of assignment
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Combination of relevant education and relevant accepted?: N/A

Licenses/Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges; Depending on area of assignment, may require a Class A or Class B CDL

Computer Skills: General knowledge in applicable computer programs

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Equipment used in maintenance, grounds keeping, and construction.
• Occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe operation of this equipment.
• Safe work practices and hazards associated with work.
• Use of the tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in the maintenance activities.

Skills:

• Fill out daily work sheets and other required forms.
• Operating trucks, small tractors, mowers, and similar equipment.

Abilities:

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures.
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided.
• Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.
• Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time.
• Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works outdoors exposed to varying weather conditions

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.