JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for day to day maintenance of the research/trials gardens under the direction of the Trials Manager. Oversee efficient productivity and timely completion of duties in assigned areas. Physically perform garden labor. Work in all weather conditions. Contribute to team effort. Work week is a Monday-Friday schedule; holiday and weekend schedules do apply.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Physically perform general landscape maintenance, including planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, doing minor irrigation repairs, pruning, and pest control according to written maintenance and safety standards
- Perform data collection including: rating, labeling, and photographs
- Under the direction of the Trials Manager implement fertilization schedules
- Train and develop gardeners to increase knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance practices
- Responsible for securing all equipment at the end of the day and notifying manager of any supply needs
- Handle weekly maintenance of interior plants; reports status to the Trials Manager
- Responsible for unloading trucks, inventory, upkeep, and watering of garden material
- Assist in group activities and special projects as required
- Ability to drive to multiple locations for work duties
- Apply pesticides (when trained) using appropriate safety procedures as provided and according to OSHA standards
- Monitor irrigation system and pump systems (where applicable), repair minor problems, and report malfunctions
- Assist with educational and research projects as required, example: horticultural demonstrations during special events
- Work effectively and maintain a good working relationship with other department staff within the Arboretum
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to identify common pests and weeds
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks through use of effective organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to work flexible hours as needed, including nights, weekends and Holidays
- Ability to effectively organize work flow for timely completion and develop staff to work as a team; maintain professional work ethic
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.; repetitively bend/stoop, move across property and work in all weather conditions and follow approved safety guidelines
- Texas driver's license required to operate garden vehicles
- Prior research or trialing experience with emphasis in annual and perennial materials
- Bachelor of Science in Horticulture or related field (may accept Associate's Degree and three to five years related experience)
- Ability to follow DABS safety policies and guidelines
- Texas Certified Pesticide Applicators license preferred
- Light power equipment experience preferred
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- Manage multiple tasks at one time with increased attention to detail and accuracy following proper maintenance practices
- Follow schedules and meet deadlines
- Problem solving skills
- Organizational skills
- Work collaboratively and cooperatively with supervisors and staff
- Work as a team or independently
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