Are you almost finished with your degree and looking for an industry-relevant job? A new full-time opportunity is available from Arlington County Parks and Natural Resources! They are looking to hire a full-time gardener to help develop outdoor spaces for community enjoyment! Duties will include maintenance and preservation of historic gardens and public parks and relaying your horticultural knowledge to staff and the public.
This opportunity won’t last long, especially since the posting closes tomorrow at midnight! So don’t wait to apply!
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/arlington/jobs/4172044/gardener
SALARY $46,384.00 – $70,824.00 Annually
LOCATION Arlington, VA
JOB TYPE Full-Time Permanent
JOB NUMBER 2929-24A-DPR-NP
DEPARTMENT Department of Parks and Recreation
DIVISION DPR Forestry and Landscaping
OPENING DATE 08/25/2023
CLOSING DATE 9/7/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Position Information
The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is seeking an experienced Gardener to become part of a team that creatively develops outdoor spaces for the community’s enjoyment! The Gardener will prepare, install, and maintain landscape beds; assist in planning new landscape areas; maintain the historic memorial rose garden at Bon Air; and maintain plants within parks, streetscapes, gardens, facility grounds, and public areas. Additionally, this position provides technical horticultural information and advice to staff and the public on garden-industry best practices and the science behind gardening, designing, and landscaping.
Specific duties include:
Operating small power tools and equipment to install and maintain landscape beds, natural woodland areas, and trees on streets and in parks;
Monitoring the growth, development, and functionality of landscapes at County sites;
Performing diagnostic horticultural work to monitor plant health, managing weeds and other pests;
Driving various vehicles, including pickup trucks, trailers, and trucks; and
Collaborating with team members on landscape maintenance and installation, tree planting, and insect/disease control.
The ideal candidate will understand various types of plants, their uses, and cultural requirements, which includes understanding pruning guidelines, pest and disease management, soils and environmental requirements needed to maintain the health of plants. The applicant must also have strong interpersonal skills to facilitate a collaborative and team-focused work environment.
Selection Criteria
Minimum:
High school diploma/GED; and
Two (2) years of experience in landscaping, gardening, horticulture, or a related field.
Substitution:
Additional years of experience in a directly related field may be substituted for the education requirement. A college degree in landscaping, horticulture or a related field may be substituted for the experience requirement
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:
Experience with plant material identification, including the uses and cultural requirements for trees, shrubs, and perennials;
Formal horticultural training;
Experience using an automated work order system;
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) A or B; and
Possession of certification(s) from: Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS); International Society ofArboriculture (ISA); National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP); Virginia Nursery and LandscapeAssociation (VNLA), and/or similar organizations.
Special Requirements
Applicant must obtain and maintain a Virginia Registered Technician’s License within six (6) months of hire
Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of placement in role. Any employee hired without this certification will be appointed as a trainee, until the certification is obtained. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant’s official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant’s driving record.
Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test if applicable. The successful applicant will be subject to drug screening, at such times during employment, as required by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
A pre-hire background check will be required, which may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
The work environment includes exposure to drafts, varying weather conditions of heat and cold, noise, dust, grease, and dirt; including
extended periods of standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting light to very heavy objects and equipment.
Additional Information
Work hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The employee may be required to work some weekends and evening hours and must be available for emergency callback and hold-over.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered
Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.
The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.
Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email
pers@arlingtonva.us