7N07

PAY RANGE: 10

Horticulture Specialist

GENERAL DEFINITION

            This is skilled gardening work propagating and cultivating a variety of plants: planning, installing and maintaining landscaped spaces on public land; and planning, administering and coordinating horticulture programs for the public. The Specialist is based out of Parks & Recreation Operations Division, but coordinates work with staff across PPR divisions, other City Agencies, and the community. Work is performed under the close supervision of a technical supervisor.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class)

1. The positions must be responsible for propagating and cultivating plants.

2. Positions in this class must perform the work in the Department of Parks and Recreation.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

            Responsible for public engagement and education through formal and informal programs; horticultural support of PPR departmental projects such as SwimPhilly and Pollinator Gardens project; maintenance of green storm water infrastructure (GSI) and native perennial gardens on PPR land; and reviewing and make recommendations about garden, landscape and maintenance proposals.

            Propagates plants by budding, layering, or dividing in a greenhouse or cold frames; cultivates plants by watering, spraying various mixtures or insecticides, and applying fertilizer; maintains and manages nursery equipment and supplies; operates hand and powers tool and equipment such as, hand prune, hedge trimmers, sprayers, soil mixes, rakes, shovel and hoes

            Liaises with community members and organizations around PPR horticulture projects and practices.

Generates and maintains plant inventory records; reviews and vets garden and landscape proposals from community members and group, non-profits, contractors, internal staff, or any other entities engaging in gardening projects on PPR assets or desiring to do so through an application review process.

            Directly, or through subordinate staff, inspects and maintains various landscaped areas on PPR land using hand tools, motorized tools, herbicide and applicators, vehicles to transport material, or electronic tools to measure or calculate data.

            Participates in the maintenance of the grounds surrounding related facilities; maintains nursery equipment and supplies.

            Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· methods and materials used in propagating, cultivating and transplanting stock in greenhouses and nurseries.

· native perennial flowers, shrubs and trees for the urban environment

· the common insects, fungi, and diseases which affect flowers, shrubs and trees

· integrated pest management methods

SKILL IN:

· the use and care of gardening tools and equipment

· Seasonal staff, intern and volunteer management

· Community organizing techniques

· Microsoft Suite, particularly Excel

ABILITY TO:

· apply growth regulators, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers.

· manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and work flexible hours

· maintain written maintenance records and keep a log of daily work

· propose and implement effective solutions to horticulture challenges in the field

· present ideas effectively both oral and in writing

· read and interpret plans, diagrams, blueprints and maps

· plan, direct and coordinate public horticulture programs

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental and city officials, vendors and general public

· liaise with internal and external stakeholders and develop strategic partnerships in targeted areas

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.  Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 5/22)

EDUCATION:

            Education equivalent to the completion of the twelfth school grade.  

AND

Experience:

Option 1:

EXPERIENCE:

            Three years of grounds or horticultural experience.

OR

Option 2:

EXPERIENCE:

            Completion of the equivalent of 24 months of seasonal experience as a Seasonal Maintenance Attendant or Recreation Specialty Instructor which has included twelve months performing grounds or horticultural work.

Note: 30 college credits from an accredited college or university in grounds maintenance, nursery, arboriculture, or related field can substitute for one year of experience.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

            Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the time of appointment and during tenure of employment in this class as required by work assignment.

Class Established: CSC – 1/53; Ad. Board 3/53

Spec Revised:  CSC – 9/92; Ad. Board 12/92

Spec. Revised:

CSC - 8/12

Ad. Board – 9/12

CSC - 3/16

Ad. Board - 4/16

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 5/22

Ad. Board – 6/22

JA