Gardener

Position Purpose/Summary

* Please note that this is a Civil Service position. This position is not currently open, should there become an opening we will hire off of the list of applicants starting with the oldest application date. APPLICATION FOR CITY OF SPRINGFIELD LABOR SERVICE Applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the time of filing application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. The name of an applicant will remain on the Labor Service register for the job title which he or she is registered for a period of not more than 5 years from the date of registration, subject to a renewal of registration as provided in Section 28, Chapter 31 of the General Laws, and subject to compliance with other applicable provisions of the Civil Service law and rules.

Responsible for the propagation, cultivation, and care of shrubs, plants, and ornamental flowers on all municipal properties. Working involves responsibility for planning, organizing and performing various horticultural activities in municipal parks, terraces, golf courses and other open spaces. Work is performed with considerable independence in accordance with accepted horticultural practices under direction of the Forest Park Coordinator. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

Essential Functions

• Performs skilled landscaped maintenance, including planting, renovating, pruning, weeding, cleaning, mulching, watering, and fertilizing on a wide variety of ornamental trees, shrubs, grasses, ground covers, annuals, and perennials.
• Responsible for the care of diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, grasses, and bulbs.
• Responsible for planting, transplanting, and propagation of plant material.
• Performs skilled turf maintenance including mowing, weed-eating, edging, raking, aerating, fertilizing, seeding, and leaf mulching.
• Works in greenhouse preparing soils, seeding, budding, grafting, watering, dusting, spraying, and weeding.
• Sows, germinates, and transplants seeds indoors; maintains and stores flower seeds, bulbs and tubers.
• Weeds shrubs and flower beds along with preparing outdoor flower beds and transplants flowers; deadheads annuals and perennials.
• Creates, hangs, maintains park signage, and removes litter.
• Tends, digs, and stores perennial roots and bulbs through the fall and winter seasons.
• Scouts for pests and diseases.
• Assists in snow removal operation.
• Interacts with park patrons in a professional manner; answers questions on plants, flowers, and shrubs.
• Performs routine maintenance on tools, power equipment, and other motorized items.
• Related works as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of practical gardening and of the methods of raising and caring for flowers and plants in greenhouses or outdoors beds.
• Knowledge of plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers indigenous to Western Massachusetts and their care and maintenance requirements.
• Considerable knowledge of landscaping and horticultural practices.
• Ability to work in all weather and temperature conditions.
• Ability to perform general routine and maintenance on tools and equipment.
• Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.

Education and Experience

• Two (2) years of gardening experience or education in gardening, horticulture or a related field.
• Valid Massachusetts State Driver' License preferred.

Benefits

The following benefits are contingent upon hours worked and bargaining vs. non-bargaining agreements. Medical/Dental/ Vision 75% City Subsidized All health insurance plans include Dental and Vision Retirement Available to employees working 20+ hours per week Paid Vacation Bargaining unit positions are subject to contractual obligations. Paid Holidays All City employees receive 11 paid holidays per year. Paid Sick Time Full time employees are immediately eligible to begin accruing 1 1/4 days per month which can be taken after 6 months of service. Unused sick days can be rolled over to subsequent calendar years. Supplemental Long Term and Short disability coverage is available to employees at the employee cost. Paid Personal Days Use up to 3 of your accrued sick days as Personal days. Personal days cannot be rolled over into the next calendar year. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) A means for eligible employees to balance work and family responsibilities by taking unpaid leave for authorized reasons. Training On the job and instructor led courses available Employee Assistance Program Free, confidential and personal assistance to employees and their families to resolve issues that affect their personal lives as well as job performance. Direct Deposit Easy, convenient, and free!