Natural Resources and Parks Specialist

The City of Raleigh is seeking a Natural Resources and Parks Specialist for the Parks Engagement to provide gardening and maintenance to the City of Raleigh's Destination Parks. Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City. A wide range of facilities and programs spread over 220 parks and 120 miles of trails supports the social, cultural, mental and physical well-being of the citizens. The Parks Department is committed to hiring all kinds of talent to build a diverse workforce and is guided by the vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People. The ideal candidate must be self-motivated and can work alone and as part of a team.  The primary role for this position is to provide horticulture and landscape maintenance at the Destination parks.  Destination Parks is composed of four parks, including Dix Park, Pullen Park, John Chavis Memorial Park, and the Raleigh Rose Garden. Learn more about our Destination Parks with the link below: Places | Raleighnc.gov Note: This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position. As a Gardener for our Destination Parks, the ideal candidate has a passion for public service, is capable of conducting all aspects of horticultural maintenance and is highly motivated playing an integral role in preserving and beautifying these landscapes. * Excellent attention to detail is critical to sustaining the high quality and aesthetics expected at all park areas and surrounding sites  * Extensive knowledge of annual plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees; Proficient in plant identification and experienced in site, soil and environmental needs, hardiness zones, water, nutrition and maintenance * Experience in proper pruning techniques for formal boxwood hedgerows and rose culture * Pest and Disease Control: Monitor plants for pests and diseases and apply appropriate treatments to protect plant health; Inspecting trees and plants and monitoring for signs of disease or pest presence; Researching and recommending plant species selection * Ability to operate all types of equipment associated with turf and landscape maintenance * Coordinating the planting and maintenance of flowers, perennials, tropical, shrubs and small trees * Ability to submit required documentation associated with daily tasks and herbicide applications into work order database * Ability to work with the Horticulture Supervisor and City Horticulturist to design, layout and install new landscape beds as well as renovate existing beds * Communication skills and a positive attitude to work with the Horticulture Team, other city staff, outside entities and volunteers; Time management skills, punctuality, dependability and the ability to prioritize and multi-task * Participation in the completion of traditional grounds maintenance tasks including litter pick up and trash removal; Participating in emergency responses * Leading maintenance staff and volunteers assigned to assist * Other responsibilities and duties may be assigned Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may indirectly supervise full time positions, part-time positions, volunteers and may be required to serve in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Crew Supervisor. Education and Experience: High School Diploma or GED and four years of related experience.  OR  An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation. Licensing/Certifications: * Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's license with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire  * North Carolina Public Pesticide Applicator's License in Turf and Ornamental or the ability to acquire within 45 days of employment Preferred Qualifications: * Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Ornamental Horticulture or related field * Knowledge of landscape design, installation, renovation and maintenance, disease and pest control, fertilization, extensive plant knowledge and other cultural practices required * Knowledge and experience in rose culture This position will be required to work some weekends to facilitate and coordinate volunteer projects and may be required to respond after hours to inclement weather events and other unforeseen emergencies. Knowledge of: * Standard practices, methods and materials of assigned work * Business math concepts * Filing and record-keeping principles * Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices * Uses and properties of supplies and equipment * Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment) * Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment * Modern office technology Skill In: * Performing parks landscape inspections * Identifying and correcting safety issues related to parks maintenance * Providing maintenance of landscape, trees, turf, plants and/or irrigation equipment; Maintaining control of weeds and invasive plants * Organizing tasks, meeting deadlines and prioritizing competing demands; Providing attention to detail in assignment and proofreading and error correction * Providing direction to others in order to meet standards * Organizing and maintaining reports, records and files; Maintaining and updating data and documentation * Comprehending reference books and manuals * Operating assigned tools and equipment * Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment) * Providing customer service * Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications * Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction ADA and Other Requirements  Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.   Heavy Work:  Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.   Working Conditions:  Work is performed in both the field and in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions (such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, etc.); moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as disruptive people, imminent danger, or a threatening environment); and frequent exposure to intense noise.

Created: 2025-01-27