Destination Park Gardener

This position is being re-advertised. Candidates who have previously submitted an application and were referred to the hiring manager are still being considered and do not need to reapply.  The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (PRCR) mission is:   "Together we connect and enrich our community through exceptional experiences."   PRCR 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 for our Gardener position must be self-motivated and can work alone and as part of a team. As a Gardener for our Destination Parks, the candidate must have 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. The primary role for this position is to provide horticulture and landscape maintenance at the Destination parks. Destination Parks are composed of four parks, including Dix Park, Pullen Park, John Chavis Memorial Park, and the Raleigh Rose Garden. Dix Park is one of the newest parks in the City of Raleigh Parks system and consists of 308 acres currently in the developmental phase.  Dix Park consists of the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, the Flower Cottage, the Stone Houses and the Gipson Play Plaza, that is tentatively scheduled to open in the spring of 2025. Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina established in 1887, is the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the United States.  Sitting on more than 66 rolling acres Pullen Park is comprised of several historic and popular destination sites.   The Raleigh Rose Garden boasts over 1200 roses and 60 varieties with hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and antiques. It is a popular site for weddings and shares the property with the Raleigh Little Theatre and outdoor amphitheater.   John Chavis Memorial Park, located in the heart of downtown, consists of a new central plaza with an integrated water feature, renovated former carousel house, and a large playground for variety of ages and abilities. The existing park amenities also include a historic Herschell carousel, baseball field, outdoor walking track with multipurpose field and 3 picnic shelters. * 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. * 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. * Researching and recommending plant species selection. * 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.  * Inspecting trees and plants and monitoring for signs of disease or pest presence.  * Leading maintenance staff and volunteers assigned to assist.  * Participating in emergency responses. * Knowledge of landscape design, installation, renovation and maintenance, disease and pest control, fertilization, extensive plant knowledge and other cultural practices * 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 hire. Preferred Qualifications * Knowledge and experience in rose culture.    * Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Ornamental Horticulture or related field. Knowledge of: * Knowledge of landscape design, installation, renovation and maintenance, disease and pest control, fertilization, extensive plant knowledge and other cultural practices required.  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. 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.

Created: 2025-02-10