Gardener

Salary : $28,267.20 Annually
Location : Parks Admin.-Texarkana, TX
Job Type: Gardener
Job Number: 00588
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Parks Maintenance
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

GENERAL PURPOSE

Assumes responsibility for upkeep and improvement of grounds on public property, including renovation and landscaping, planting flowers, shrubbery, trees, etc. and their general upkeep. Keeps landscaped areas in orderly condition and attractive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Community Engagement and Parks Projects Manager and Parks Lead Gardener.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None
SAFETY SENSITIVE DESIGNATION

This position is designed as a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug screening.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs regular maintenance programs on landscaped areas, i.e., paving, shrubbery, or trees. Sprays area with appropriate pesticide as needed. Fertilizes regularly using type consistent with the landscaped area and water area needing attention.
Properly maintains specified area with the use of a mower and/or edger.
Trims and edges around sidewalks, flower beds, and walls using shears or hand clippers.
Does preventive maintenance work on equipment and appurtenances such as fences, gates, walls, and walks.
Plants flowers, shrubs, trees, etc. in area to be landscaped using hand tools and related equipment.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Performs other duties as assigned by the Parks Community Engagement/Projects Manager and Parks Lead Gardener.

MINIMUM DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Minimum of six (6) months of experience with similar type work preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

(a)Working knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in grounds maintenance; some knowledge of first aid and applicable safety precautions.

(b)Skill in the operation of listed tools and equipment.

(c)Ability to work independently and to complete daily activities according to work schedule;


(d)Ability to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods of time;


(e)Ability to communicate orally;


(f)Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely;


(g)Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions;


(h)Ability to establish working relationships.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid State driver's license.
Possession of a current insecticide/pesticide applicators license from the State of Texas is preferred.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Power and hand tools, tools required for minor repairs and maintenance of tractors, bush-hogs, lawn mowers, edgers, and weed trimmers. Additional equipment includes trucks, trailers, edgers, mowers, weed trimmers, chippers, tractors, hand and power tools for turf maintenance., power washers and portable radios.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear.
The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places, and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
The City of Texarkana, Texas provides three weeks of paid vacation and three weeks of paid sick leave per year as well as 13 paid holidays per year.
Retirement benefits are through the Texas Municipal Retirement System with the City contributing at a rate of 2 to 1 and the employee contributing 7% each paycheck to TMRS. Employees are vested after five years and may retire after either twenty years of service at any age or at age 60 as long as they are vested.
Retirement benefits for the Fire Department are paid through the Firemen's Relief and Pension Fund and employees are eligible to retire after twenty years of employment.
A voluntary 457 deferred compensation program through MissionSquare is also offered to all City employees.
The City of Texarkana, Texas provides health, dental, and vision insurance to its employees at a minimal cost. Life insurance equal to one times your annual salary is offered at no cost to the employee with supplemental life and dependent life insurance also available but is paid by the employee. Insurance becomes effective the first of the month following thirty days of employment.
01


Please explain any gaps in your employment history. If no gaps exist, answer "N/A".
02


What have been your primary duties in your most recent job or position?
03


Do you have at least six (6) months of previous work experience performing similar duties as described in the job description?

• Yes
• No

04


Have you been responsible for upkeep and improvement of grounds on public property including renovation and landscaping, planting flowers, shrubbery, trees, etc. and their general upkeep?

• Yes
• No

05


Describe your experience with grounds maintenance work, including mowing, weeding, tree and shrub trimming and related beautification and maintenance projects.
06


Do you have the ability to frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds?

• Yes
• No

07


COMMENTS: If your "Yes" or "No" answer needs more clarification, please provide that information here and note the number of the question you are referencing.
Required Question