Landscape Technician (Zilker Botanical Garden/Austin Parks and Recreation)

About This Position Job Description: Purpose: Under close supervision, this position performs activities associated with the landscaping and maintenance of park areas, golf courses, and other City-owned properties. Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Performs routine grounds maintenance and landscaping functions, including mowing, edging, and trimming of grounds and park land areas; planting, watering, weeding; and maintaining trees, shrubs, and bedding plants. Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Operates hand pump sprayers, injectors, tillers, broadcast and drop spreaders, aerifiers, sod cutters, etc. Remains informed of laws, policies, and regulations concerning the application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. Maintains records, inventories, and maintenance schedules. May perform other park maintenance, construction, and repair activities; may use equipment such as riding mowers, push mowers, trimmers, back hoes, power tools, and hand tools. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: None. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of the use and application of chemicals and compounds including fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides. Knowledge of insect pests, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Knowledge of techniques and practices for propagating, planting, and maintaining trees, shrubs, bedding plants, and ground covers. Skill in the use and safe operation of grounds maintenance equipment such as tractors, riding mowers, push mowers, trimmers, back hoes, power tools, and hand tools. Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent plus three (3) years of experience in a field related to landscaping, caring for plants, gardens, park lands, or other similar responsibilities. Licenses and Certifications Required: Must obtain a Texas Certified Chemical Applicators license within six (6) months of employment. Valid Texas Class C Driver License. Preferred Qualifications/Experience: Experience with planting and caring for native plant species of Texas. Experience working with volunteers on landscape maintenance projects. Experience maintaining or repairing irrigation systems. Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing lawn equipment such as string trimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, pumps, chainsaws, and concrete saws. Experience operating a truck and trailer. Experience applying pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Other: Ability to travel to more than one work location. Notes to Candidate: The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information. The purpose of the Landscape Technician position is to, under supervision, perform activities associated with landscaping and maintenance of the Zilker Botanical Garden. Zilker Botanical Garden includes native landscaping featuring native plants of Texas, native aquatic vegetation, pond and waterfall pumps, and irrigation systems. Application Instructions/Job Requirements: Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting – up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted, and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application. Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process. Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews. Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview. Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Physical Requirements: Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs. Work outdoors in any and all types of weather and/or inclement conditions. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases, and mists. Other Information: Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department. Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations. Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises. Salary: $23.13 to $26.26 per hour. Work Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (half hour lunch). May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays. Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs. May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events. Work Location: Zilker Botanical Garden 2220 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78746 . JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. . EEO Statement for City of Austin: The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1. JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. City of Austin Employment Video