Horticulture Maint. Tech. II - $17.47‐$24.18/hr

Metro Parks Tacoma Employment Opportunity

HORTICULTURE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN II (B Level)

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND BUILDING SERVICES
Metro Parks Tacoma is seeking a Horticulture Maintenance Technician II (B Level) to perform a variety of specialized technical work related to the operations, production schedules, selection, propagation, growth, care and maintenance of botanic and ornamental plants for the Park District greenhouse and conservatory; propagate, care for and maintain ornamental plants, shrubs, crops and other horticulture inventory for the Park District greenhouse, nursery, conservatory and related facilities. This position requires a broad knowledge of horticulture and assists in providing work direction to other full‐time staff, part‐time staff and a diverse group of volunteers, students and program participants.

CLOSING DATE: Applications must be postmarked by November 23, 2010
STARTING PAY RANGE: $17.47 ‐ $24.18 per hour, grade 1025
CLASSIFICATION: This position is classified as a career full‐time non‐exempt position. This position is eligible for benefits. This position is a represented position and the candidate
selected will be required to join the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 286 and pay union dues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
􀂃 Perform a variety of specialized technical work related to production schedules, selection, propagation, growth, care and maintenance of botanic and ornamental horticulture for the Park District greenhouse and conservatory.
􀂃 Determine and implement production schedules to assure quality and appropriate quantity of planted materials; conduct research in trade journals, specialty books, and other resources to schedule seasonal planting activities.
􀂃 Observe, monitor and control factors influencing the growth of plants, including temperature, humidity, light, ventilation, soil composition, insect, disease and fertility.
􀂃 Requisition and purchase supplies and materials according to established procedures; obtain competitive prices; prepare and maintain records and reports; submit to appropriate personnel and department as required; operate a vehicle to pick‐up and deliver supplies and materials to Park District and local sites.
􀂃 Propagate, care and maintain ornamental plants, shrubs, crops and other horticulture materials; assure adequate lighting, temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Perform routine maintenance to plants, flowers, and related crops and displays; water and fertilize plants according to established procedures and schedules; clean, trim, transplant, and prune trees and shrubs as necessary.
􀂃 Prepare and mix soils, chemicals, seedlings and plants in propagation beds, displays, pots, and other containers; plant seedlings, annuals, seeds, perennial, bulbs, and cuttings according to established schedules and procedures; transplant as necessary.
􀂃 Monitor and control plant pests, insects and disease; inspect plants for infestation; apply pesticides and remove plants as required; prepare and maintain related records.
􀂃 Perform minor construction, maintenance and repair to greenhouse and related facilities; remove, cut and install plastic and glass; perform minor painting, concrete work and replace/adjust light bulbs or tubes as assigned.
􀂃 Provide botanic and horticulture information and assistance to visitors; answer questions regarding a variety of common gardening to specialized techniques of propagation, growing and other greenhouse operations; provide lectures and facility tours for public and private organizations. Compile information and data for a variety of narrative, financial and statistical reports related to assigned operations, activities and functions.
􀂃 Operate a variety of specialized tools and equipment, including rototillers, front‐end loader (under 1 cubic yard bucket), pesticide sprayers, soil mixers, and other hand and power tools.
􀂃 Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination equivalent to: associate's degree in botany, horticulture, landscaping or closely related field and three years of experience in a greenhouse, nursery, public or private display garden facility, including experience in scheduling crop production activities.

LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid Washington driver's license. Applicable pesticide applicator’s license or certification for ornamental plants, weed control, insects and disease. Valid CPR and First Aid Card.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Climbing ladders. Bending at the waist. Stooping. Kneeling. Heavy lifting of objects up to 50 pounds. Pushing and pulling wheel barrows. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of specialized equipment and tools. Reaching overhead and horizontally. Standing and walking for extended periods of time.

ENVIRONMENT/HAZARDS: Indoor and outdoor work environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Considerable exposure to pollen, dirt, dust, and odors. Working around and with machinery having moving parts. Exposure to pesticides and fertilizer chemicals. Chemical fumes. Work at heights over 10’.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must submit an official Metropolitan Park District application form, along with supplemental questionnaire. Resumes received without the required application form will not be accepted.

Applications can be obtained at the Metro Parks Tacoma Administration building located at 4702 S. 19th St., Tacoma, WA 98405 or by visiting the Metro Parks Tacoma web site at http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/

Full Job Posting at http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/files/library/334422a55dd7c858.pdf

METRO PARKS TACOMA
Metro Parks Tacoma • Human Resources Department, 4702 S. 19th Street, Tacoma WA 98405-1175 Phone: 253.305.1089 • Fax: 253.305.1080 • http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/