Horticulture Maintenance & Operations Technician

About the role

The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team manages and cares for all ornamental landscapes within the park system. This includes pruning and trimming landscapes, pest control, managing soil health, and assisting with plant health care. The position involves assisting the Horticulture Manager and Specialists in various tasks such as equipment operation and maintenance, OSHA compliance, and safety training.

Responsibilities

• Perform setup, breakdown, and cleaning during events
• Remove limbs and debris; blow leaves off sidewalks and greenways; clear mud and water from greenway tunnels after storms; mow and trim ballfields
• Auxiliary in manual labor tasks 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 cutters, edgers, clippers, power washers, ATVs, litter vacuums, and other equipment used in facility maintenance, landscaping, roadside maintenance, and right of way cleaning
• Open park gates and remove trash
• Assist repair technicians in duties
• Operate light equipment such as utility vehicles, tractors, mowers, and dump trucks
• Receive, sort, and package materials

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to area of assignment
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
• 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

Qualifications

• 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; collaboration; communication; managing work; technical/professional knowledge and skills

Skills

• Hard-working and self-starting
• Seeks out new learning opportunities and professional growth
• Substantial plant knowledge and passionate about horticulture
• 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

Benefits

Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package including 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; an employee assistance program; 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.