DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This is a skilled horticultural work performed in a municipal greenhouse and at a number of park sites. The work involves the planting and cultivating of a variety of common and exotic plants, flowers, shrubs, including the diagnosis and treatment of plant diseases. An employee in this class leads a small number of gardeners and unskilled workers in the performance of routine tasks and in projects as assigned. Assignments are received in simple written or oral forms from an administrative supervisor who reviews work performance through discussion and on site inspection. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Supervises and assists a small number of gardeners in the performance of skilled planting and cultivating tasks and supervises the tasks of workers in the performance of unskilled tasks related to gardening;

Observes greenhouse ventilation, temperature, and humidity and manually adjusts thermostats or vents to control atmospheric conditions;

Diagnoses and treats plant diseases and plant pests by identifying symptoms of disease and by applying commercial or hand made remedies;

Mixes various liquid, chemical ingredients for use as sprays to combat pests;

Keeps simple records that list planting and care activities for plants;

Mixes soils with bulky materials to provide roughage for root systems and to give absorbency air to the mix;

Pots plants by hand according to proper methods;

Plants seeds, bulbs, and seedlings in beds by following proper methods;

Cultivates plants by pruning, pinching, dividing, cutting, and layering;

Applies water, food and fertilizer to plants;

Uses a mechanically powered tiller;

Uses a variety of hand tools, such as clippers, scoops and rakes, in performing gardening tasks;

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of methods, tools, seeds, bulbs, plants, foods, soils, and sprays used in commercial gardening.

Good knowledge of plant diseases and pests and methods and materials to inhibit same.

Skill in applying plant propagation and cultivation techniques.

Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions pertaining to greenhouse and gardening assignments.

Ability to supervise subordinate personnel.

Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools.

Ability to organize gardening work.

Ability to keep simple records, such as lists and charts pertaining to greenhouse and gardening assignments.

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Two (2) years of full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in commercial plant propagation and cultivation.

3/07 Date Revised