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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSenior MW - Horticulture SpecialistUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Senior Maintenance Worker – Horticulture Specialist Department: Parks & Recreation Division: Parks & Forestry Supervisor: Superintendent of Parks & Forestry FLSA: Non-Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 12 Job Number: 1217 Job Summary Under direction, performs professional horticultural duties in the management of horticulture and silviculture and oversees the plant care operations related to several sports complexes, City buildings, gateways, park entrances and along the streets and boulevards. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Identifies, directs, and performs planning and implementation of horticulture and landscape design and maintenance on City properties. • Mows, rakes, mulches, waters and fertilizes trees, shrubs, flowers, ground covers and turf. • Applies chemical applications of pesticides when necessary. • Operates light trucks, tractors, loaders, specialized equipment and a variety of hand tools. • Supervises and performs snow and ice removal for trails, pedestrian areas and parking lots, storm damage clean-up, and ice-skating area maintenance. • Maintains appropriate records of daily work for monthly and other periodic reports as required. • Works with members of public, contractors, other City staff and utility companies relative to division projects and needs. • Contacts vendors, collects price quotes, and purchases needed equipment and materials for areas of responsibilities. • Assists other divisions, contractors and agencies as needed. • Assists in monitoring and preparing the annual operating budget. • Develops divisional goals and objectives. • Develops work projects for volunteers, community service workers and oversees those projects. • Reviews landscape plans for various Public Works, Parks and Central Business District projects. • Attends meetings and conferences to promote divisional goals and industry knowledge. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Performs duties in a safe manner and participates in safety training, ensures safety protocol is followed. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Horticulture or related. Experience in municipal ground and landscape maintenance. • Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months of hire. Satisfactory driving record. Valid State of Iowa commercial driver’s license instruction permit upon first day in position. Valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license with air brake endorsements within 6 months of hire. Meet federal drug testing requirements. Requires a pre- employment drug screen. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or four years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. • Ability to identify insect infestation and diseases in trees and plants. • Ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools. • Ability to operate equipment used in the maintenance of park facilities and grounds. • Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and calculate proper pesticide and fertilizer formulas. • Ability to prepare written reports. • Ability to read and comprehend pesticide manuals and horticulture materials. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to work with budget figures. • Knowledge of general construction methods. • Knowledge of horticultural plant diseases and insects and the methods used in their control. • Knowledge of landscaping and ground care. • Knowledge of modern irrigation techniques, operating and maintaining automatic and manual irrigation systems. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Knowledge of propagation, planting, cultivation, watering and care of grasses, plants and trees. • Knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and safety precautions necessary in equipment operations. • Skill in assigning, inspecting and evaluating the work of assigned crew. • Skill in record keeping and the maintenance of office files. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook). Supervision Involves leadership role such as regularly guiding, training, and providing direction to permanent staff in completing basic, entry-level daily tasks and assignments. Does not carry out disciplinary action, does not hire or fire, is not responsible for writing or delivering performance review. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee regularly lifts and/or moves 25 pounds and will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration, confined space, and traffic hazards. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather condition, dampness, direct sunlight, dust, pollen, insect stings, and animals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Involves more than moderate exposure to dangerous situations. Involves more than moderate exposure to stress due to the work environment and/or crisis situations. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks & Recreation Director (4/2024) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________