Horticulture Technician

Mecklenburg County; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecklenburg County is seeking a Horticulture Maintenance and Operations Technician to manage and care for ornamental landscapes across its parks. The role involves maintaining equipment, performing horticulture tasks, and assisting in various maintenance activities, making it ideal for candidates passionate about horticulture. Applicants should have relevant experience and may need to acquire a NC Pesticide License within 18 months of hire.

Benefits

Generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision

Paid holiday, vacation, and sick days

Tuition reimbursement

5% employer match on retirement contributions

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of relevant experience required.
• General computer skills needed for record-keeping.
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Perform horticulture maintenance and installation tasks.
• Operate and maintain various landscaping and maintenance equipment.
• Assist in manual labor for park maintenance and events.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associates or 4-year degree in Horticulture, Botany, or Biology

Tools

Light equipment for maintenance and construction

Power mowers, chainsaws, brush cutters

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team proudly manages and cares for all ornamental landscapes within the 210+ parks, facility areas, and greenway system trailheads within the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation park system. We are also responsible for tree planting and care, natural area management, and landscape design and installation. The Horticulture Maintenance and Operations Technician typically works with a Horticulture Specialist within an assigned area of the park system. You will perform horticulture maintenance and installation. You will also assist the Horticulture Manager and Specialists in other areas including equipment operation and maintenance, OSHA compliance and safety training, and record-keeping. This position also performs routine maintenance activities in any of the maintenance areas. The preferred candidate will possess a 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 this similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at the other 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!

We are seeking someone who exhibits these qualities:

• Hard-working and self-starting
• Successful as a member of a team
• Seeks out new learning opportunities and professional growth
• Substantial plant knowledge and passionate about horticulture
• Has training and education in best management practices including integrated pest management (IPM), soil preparation/management, and plant selection
• Interested in exploring more sustainable practices in the profession of park horticulture and landscape management
• Associates or 4-year degree in Horticulture, Botany, or Biology preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform setup, breakdown, and cleaning during events
• Perform routine and non-routine cleaning services to restrooms and rental facilities
• Remove limbs and debris; blows leaves off sidewalks and greenways; clears mud and water from greenway tunnels after storms, and mow and trim ballfields
• Assist in manual labor such as brick laying, pipe laying, painting, carpentry, and other construction tasks
• Layout measurements and line ballfields and assist in performing field maintenance
• Operate power mowers, chainsaws, brush cutter, edger and clippers, power washers, ATVs, litter vacuum, and other equipment used in facility maintenance, landscaping, roadside maintenance, and right of way cleaning.
• Open park gates and removes trash
• Assist repair technicians in duties
• May operate light equipment such as utility vehicles, tractors, mowers and dump trucks
• May serve as a lead on a small work crew, community service workers, volunteers and/or part-timers
• May receive, sort, and package materials

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to area of assignment
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: N/A
• Computer Skills: General knowledge of applicable computer programs
• Licenses and Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges. Depending on area of assignment- may require Class A or Class B CDL

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge:

• Light 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:

• Filling out daily work sheets and other required forms
• Light trucks, small tractors, mowers and similar automotive 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

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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Works outdoors in varying weather conditions

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.