Horticulture Technician

Mecklenburg County; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holiday, vacation, and sick days

Tuition reimbursement

5% employer match on retirement savings

Job summary

Mecklenburg County in Charlotte, NC, is seeking a Horticulture Maintenance and Operations Technician to perform maintenance and installation tasks in parks. The role involves working with Horticulture Specialists on routines such as pruning, pest control, and equipment operation. Ideal candidates will have substantial plant knowledge and a relevant degree, with benefits including medical and retirement plans, paid leave, and tuition reimbursement. The job requires a valid driver’s license and offers outdoor work in various weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience related to horticulture.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• General knowledge of applicable computer programs.
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Perform horticulture maintenance and installation tasks.
• Operate maintenance equipment including power mowers and chainsaws.
• Assist with plant health care and maintenance activities.
• Perform cleaning services for parks and facilities.

Skills

Hard-working and self-starting

Substantial plant knowledge

Knowledge of best management practices

Training in integrated pest management

Education

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

Tools

Power mowers

Chainsaws

Brush cutter

Edger and clippers

ATVs

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 tasks. This includes but is not limited to pruning and trimming landscapes, pest control and managing soil health. The incumbent will also assist with plant health care and the ideal candidate would be well-versed in this area. 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 an NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.

By applying to the Horticulture Technician position, you also may be considered for other positions outside of Horticulture, of which you may meet the minimum qualifications. A broader description of these positions are listed below in the Essential Functions, but not specific to Horticulture.

We are seeking someone who exhibits these qualities

• Hard-working and self-starting
• 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
• May assist in manual labor as needed 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.