Horticulturalist

Position Summary Under the direction of the Parks Superintendent, the Horticulturist provides professional, year‑round horticultural leadership for the City of Burlington. The position plans, installs, and maintains plantings and landscapes on city property; manages plant health and integrated pest management; supervises and trains seasonal staff and volunteers; supports capital and restoration projects; and contributes to public outreach, education, and grant efforts. The Horticulturist ensures long‑term stewardship, sustainability, and high maintenance standards across parks, rights‑of‑way, and other municipal landscapes. Essential Functions Plan, install, and maintain annuals, perennials, shrubs, and ornamental plantings throughout city parks, medians, and public spaces. Perform routine horticultural tasks including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, staking, watering, soil amendment, and seasonal cleanups. Monitor plant health; identify pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies; recommend and implement corrective measures consistent with integrated pest management principles. Apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in accordance with state and federal regulations and departmental policies. Develop and implement landscape designs, planting plans, and multi‑year maintenance schedules that emphasize sustainability, resilience, and cost efficiency. Supervise, schedule, train, coach, and evaluate seasonal staff and volunteers engaged in horticultural work; enforce safety and quality standards. Operate and maintain equipment including tractors, commercial mowers, chainsaws, blowers, trimmers, irrigation systems, and hand tools; ensure safe operation and routine maintenance. Maintain accurate records, inventories, standard operating procedures, and reports related to plantings, treatments, equipment, and supplies. Coordinate horticultural activities with other departments, contractors, consultants, community partners, and volunteer groups. Assist with grant preparation and reporting, capital project planning, and procurement of plants, materials, and supplies with managerial approval. Support public programs, tours, educational events, and volunteer stewardship activities; respond to public inquiries and concerns in a professional manner. Assist Forestry Division with tree work and ornamental pruning as requested. Perform snow and debris removal and other seasonal duties as required. Represent the City in a professional, responsible, and trustworthy manner; promote and support City programs, policies, and activities within job duties and with the public. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Associate degree in horticulture, landscape technology, plant science, or related field required; bachelor’s degree preferred or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job. Minimum of two (2) years of professional horticulture, landscape maintenance, or related experience; municipal or public garden experience preferred. Supervisory experience preferred. Valid Driver’s License required within fifteen days of appointment. Iowa Commercial Ornamental and Turf, right‑of‑way, and Aquatic Pesticide License preferred or ability to obtain within 180 days of employment. Knowledge of occupational hazards and related safety precautions. Must be able to pass a pre‑employment background check, physical, and drug screen. EEO Statement THE CITY OF BURLINGTON DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, RELIGION, AGE OR DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES. #J-18808-Ljbffr