Maintenance - Gardener

530-Grounds Maintenance - 5208-530 Gardener

Under supervision, performs gardening work in the maintenance of assigned landscaped areas; operates ground maintenance equipment as a member of a large crew or working independently among resident manors; work may require contact with residents and answering routine questions; difficult or non-routine problems are referred to the Landscape Foreman; and performs related work as required.

Essential Functions:

• Plants, cultivates, fertilizes, waters and trims ornamental plants, shrubs and hedges; trims trees and shrubs from the ground and on ladders; and installs sod, waters, fertilizes and trims lawns.
• Operates riding mowers, gas trimmers, vacuums, sod cutters, hand-held spray equipment and other ground maintenance equipment.
• Occasionally applies pesticides as required for routine garden maintenance.
• Assists in a variety of ground maintenance laboring tasks as directed.
• Drives a truck to transport equipment and supplies to various areas in the Community.
• Regular attendance required. All duties performed on-site for the Community.
• Works effectively with co-workers, customers and others by sharing ideas in a constructive and positive manner; listens to and objectively considers ideas and suggestions from others; keeps commitments; keeps others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addresses problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions; addresses others by name, title or other respectful identifier; and respects the diversity of our workforce in actions, words and deeds.

Non-essential functions include maintaining hoses, tools, supplies and equipment in proper condition. Maintains job site and/or work area in a safe and orderly manner.

Equipment operated includes pick-up truck, towing trailers, rider lawn mower, power gas header and trimmer, garden hand tools, utility vehicles and tree trimming tools.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to dust, equipment fumes, and outdoor elements. Does not work in extreme inclement weather.

Desirable Qualifications:

Educational development which produces the ability to read, write and apply common sense understanding to carry out oral or written instructions. Experience in ground maintenance work or equivalent combination of education and experience which produces the following:

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the job
• Knowledge of the work hazards and applicable safety precautions associated with assigned equipment and operations.
• Knowledge of tree planting and maintenance practices and procedures as related to grounds and parkway systems.
• Ability to perform manual work requiring physical strength and stamina appropriate to the area of assignment.
• Ability to read and write work-related job instructions in English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others in English.
• Skill in the use and care of tools and equipment appropriate to the nature of assignment.

Special requirement includes possession of a valid California driver's license.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, hear, reach, climb, stoop, lift and carry up to 20 lbs., continually lift and carry up to 10 lbs. and use hands to finger, grasp, and feel. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk for long periods of time (up to 6 hours). The employee is occasionally carries, kneels, pulls, pushes, stoops and lifts up to 50 lbs. Work at heights of up to 8 feet.

Mental Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job the employee uses his verbal communication skills and reasoning, and has customer contact.