Gardener

About the role

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity & Inclusion: Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities.

The Citywide Services Division manages SPR’s Natural Resources Unit, Unified Care Team, and Community Services. The Natural Resource Unit (NRU) includes horticultural operations such as greenhouse production, landscape renovation and maintenance, and specialty gardens (Kubota Garden, Seattle Japanese Garden, Arboretum and Volunteer Park Conservatory); natural area management and the Green Seattle Partnership; wildlife and Integrated Pest Management; urban forestry arborist services and urban park tree planting; Integrated Pest Management; trails programs; and turf and heavy equipment operations citywide for the department. The division comprises approximately 200 FTE with $35 million annual funding.

The Horticulture and Specialty Garden teams include gardeners, senior gardeners, supervisors and other positions who support specialty gardens, greenhouse production, and landscape installation and care. Landscape Crew gardeners work collaboratively on landscape improvement projects throughout Parks and Recreation. These positions are the journeyman level in the Gardener series, performing skilled gardening work including plant propagation, cleaning, planting seasonal display beds and implementing landscape renovation maintenance projects. Positions report to the Crew Lead of Landscape Crew under the direction of the Horticulture and Specialty Gardens Manager.

Responsibilities

Work requires knowledge of standard methods, materials, procedures, tools, and equipment associated with landscaping and gardening. Positions allocated to this class use judgment in interpreting various conditions and applying guidelines and choosing the proper method to complete the work. Occasional contacts with the public are to provide information and are incidental to the performance of the work.

• Transplants and prunes trees and shrubs
• Implements integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Operates pesticide spray equipment and maintains records of pesticide application
• Operates motor vehicles to and from work locations
• Prepares, plants, and maintains planting beds
• Works on landscape construction and landscape maintenance projects
• Implements delegated assignments under the supervision of a Senior Gardener

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum of two years’ work experience in landscape construction/maintenance, or in the propagation and maintenance of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees at a conservatory, greenhouse, or nursery. (Combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications: You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Degree or certification in horticulture, environmental science or a related field (or a combination of education or training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class)
• Knowledge and skills of biological sciences, landscape maintenance, horticulture and gardening
• Knowledge of City, State, and Federal rules and regulations governing the safe operation of greenhouses and Conservatory facility
• 6 months of plant propagation experience with ornamental flowering plants and natives
• Familiarity with applicable City and Department policies and practices including RSJI
• Familiarity with sustainable landscape practices

Working Conditions

• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time
• Frequently required to lift objects up to 50 pounds; may occasionally be required to lift objects weighing more than 50