LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST

About the role

The Landscape Specialist performs skilled and semi-skilled grounds maintenance, landscaping, and pesticide and fertilizer application duties in support of the City’s Parks Division. The role requires the exercise of initiative and independent judgment in completing assigned tasks while working under the close supervision of the Parks Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and participates in a variety of grounds maintenance activities in City parks and other City-owned properties, including landscaping, turf care, and general site upkeep.
• Performs landscaping duties including pruning trees, shrubs, and perennials; mulching; planting and maintaining annual flower beds; and recommending appropriate plants based on soil conditions and sun/shade exposure.
• Assists with planning landscape projects and selecting materials to support ornamental, tree, and turf health.
• Maintains turf and landscaped areas by mowing, trimming, aerifying, verticutting, repairing turf, watering non-irrigated planters and beds, and removing weeds from planting beds, fence lines, sidewalks, shell parking lots, and similar areas.
• Operates a water tank truck to supply water to non-irrigated landscaped areas as required.
• Collects and disposes of trash, litter, fallen limbs, and debris; pressure washes benches, sidewalks, playground equipment, fences, trash receptacles, structures, and related assets to maintain cleanliness and safety throughout City facilities.
• Applies fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and growth regulator chemicals under the direction of the Parks Supervisor until a Florida Ornamental & Turf Pesticide License is obtained; once licensed, independently determines proper application rates, maintains the chemical storage room, and ensures safe and compliant chemical handling practices.
• Maintains accurate chemical records, including MSDS documentation, usage logs, and inventory records, in accordance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• Operates and utilizes equipment including push and riding mowers up to 72-inch cutting width, tractors with turf management attachments, light trucks with trailers, chain saws, weeders, edgers, pole saws, pressure washers, backpack blowers, and other equipment used in park and grounds maintenance. May perform tree trimming or hang holiday decorations using a bucket truck or scissor lift.
• Performs minor maintenance on hand tools and small power equipment, including sharpening blades, changing oil and filters, and greasing equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Sets up and tears down materials and equipment for special events, recreation programs, work orders, and other City activities, including delivery and placement of barricades, trash cans, picnic tables, and related items.
• Participates in equipment inventories, conducts routine safety inspections, and maintains adequate stock levels within the tool room and assigned work areas.
• Oversees and maintains designated specialty areas, including responsibility for the NSB Community Garden, ensuring proper upkeep and coordination in accordance with City standards.
• May assist with scheduling work activities for staff assigned to high-profile or priority maintenance areas and may supervise a field crew as assigned.
• Promotes a consumer-friendly, service-oriented environment through professional conduct and responsive service to City staff and the public.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) years progressive experience in disease and pest identification preferred as well as the equipment used to perform the assigned work; or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Valid Florida Driver's License.
• State of Florida Restricted Pesticide Applicator's License in ornamental and turf grass is required or must be obtained within six (6) months of appointment.