This is gardening work at the full performance level planting, transplanting, fertilizing, spraying, pruning and otherwise tending to the cultivation of ornamental plants, perennial and annual flowers, trees, shrubs, hedges and turf areas. The employee cares for flowers, trees, shrubs, hedges and lawns in an assigned area or in a greenhouse.

Work involves some disagreeable aspects and requires moderate physical effort. Work is performed under the supervision of a gardening or maintenance supervisor.

• Plants, transplants, waters, prunes, fertilizes, and applies mulch to ornamental plants, perennial and annual flowers, shrubs and hedges; seeds, fertilizes, waters, weeds and mows grassy areas.
• Propagates shrubs, flowers, ornamental plants and trees from seeds or cuttings; transplants from flower beds to growing pots or larger growing areas; cultivates and lays out flower and shrub beds; rakes leaves.
• Sprays or spreads insecticides, fungicides or herbicides over grounds, trees, ornamental plants, flowers and shrubs; repairs worn or washed out turf areas.
• Cleans, oils, and replaces worn parts of hand tools and power lawn mowers; organizes and cleans storage areas.
• Turns, fills and drags dirt infields; uses lime to outline playing boundaries for football, soccer and baseball fields.
• May assign and instruct laborers in the performance of gardening tasks.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the planting and care of flowers, ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees and turf areas.
• the methods, materials, tools and equipment used to plant and transplant flowers, shrubs, and nursery stock.
• the methods, materials and equipment used in treating shrubs and small trees for fungi, insects, and other parasites.

SKILL IN:

• the use and care of gardening tools.

ABILITY TO:

• perform minor maintenance on hand tools and power lawn mowers.
• trim, plant and transplant flowers, trees and shrubs, and to set them out according to specific designs.
• distinguish from among common varieties of flowers and shrubs in varying stages of growth.
• read, understand and follow directions of printed material necessary to gardening work.

• Education equivalent to the completion of the eighth school grade.

• One year of experience which shall have included the planting, care, and maintenance of turf areas, shrub, ornamental plant and flower beds.

Or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: 9
Class Established: 1/1953
Latest Spec. Revision: 1/1976

AH/sb/mt