Horticulture Specialist-60014533

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off: vacation and sick leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

The State of South Carolina Department of Administration, Division of Facilities Management & Property Services, is seeking a Horticulture Specialist to lead landscape maintenance and installation on state-owned property in Columbia, SC. You will supervise a crew under the Building/Grounds Supervisor II, ensuring safety and quality in all tasks.

Responsibilities include scheduling, training, equipment management, mowing, planting, pruning, and overseeing contractors, with occasional evenings,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2 years' grounds maintenance experience.
• Valid South Carolina Class D driver's license.
• Ability to lead a crew and follow safety protocols.
• Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts.
• Knowledge of landscape maintenance and pesticide applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in landscape maintenance tasks including mowing, planting, pruning.
• Plan work schedules, training, and equipment inventory.
• Ensure safety and proper use of landscape equipment.
• Monitor contractors and report progress.
• Perform other assigned tasks for the Horticulture department.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Safety awareness

Pesticide applications

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Landscape equipment

Job description

The Department of Administration's Division of Facilities Management & Property Services is seeking a Horticulture Specialist to join the team. Facilities Management maintains and operates approximately 53 buildings which include the State House, Capitol Complex Office Buildings, the Governor’s Mansion and other buildings in the Columbia area. In this role under general supervision and consultation with the Building/Grounds Supervisor II, you will assist and lead the crew in quality and efficient landscape maintenance and installation services to state owned property. You will be tasked with effectively leading a crew while keeping safety a top priority.

This position is onsite in Columbia, SC.

Responsibilities of the Horticulture Specialist:

• Lead and assist personnel in quality landscape maintenance processes and procedures. Under the direction of the supervisor, accomplishes needed tasks such as the planning of work schedules, training, equipment inventory, time sheets, accountability forms, and others as assigned.
• Lead and assist in all work tasks to accomplish the departments standards of quality landscapes included but not limited to mowing, edging, watering, planting, blowing, pruning, etc. The use of state vehicles and equipment to accomplish these tasks are to be done in a safe and efficient manner.
• Lead and assist in the daily collection of waste to keep state properties neat and clean.
• Lead and assist in the safe use of landscape equipment and vehicles for the protection of staff and the general public.
• Under the instruction of the supervisor, apply pesticides, when necessary, in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitor and report on tasks being completed by contractors.
• Complete other assigned tasks to achieve the goals set for the Horticulture department.

A high school diploma or equivalent and knowledge of landscape maintenance and installation with two (2) years' work experience in overseeing and participating in grounds maintenance work.

Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge in all areas of landscape maintenance and installation.
• Must have knowledge of the use of landscape equipment and pesticide applications.
• Requires a valid South Carolina Class D driver's license.
• Position may require employee to work evenings and weekends.
• Position requires on-call shifts and call back.
• Position requires routine driver duties.
• Position requires frequent stooping and/or bending.
• Position requires up-to-date certification(s).
• Position may be required to report to work during hazardous weather events and weather emergencysituations.
• This position will require good customer service skills in dealing with division staff, clients and the general public.
• Must be able to give and follow oral and written instructions.
• Must be able to communicate with staff and the general public.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may bring a copy of college transcript to the interview. A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application, if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant. Please note that some areas of the Department may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area, after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.

The Department of Administration is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Administration offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.