Assistant Horticulturist

Salary: $26.06 - $38.22 Hourly
Location : Dublin, OH
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 009021
Department: Public Service
Opening Date: 09/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Class Concept
The City of Dublin is seeking a passionate and dedicated Assistant Horticulturist to help create and maintain the vibrant landscapes, gardens, and public spaces that make our community exceptional. If you thrive outdoors, take pride in cultivating beautiful environments, and want to make a visible impact on a city recognized for its commitment to excellence, we invite you to grow your career with us!

Primary Focus:
Assists the City Horticulturist in planning, implementing, and executing horticultural program operations; functions as lead worker and provides functional guidance to Seasonal Maintenance Workers when engaged in field operations.

Hours of Work :
Monday - Friday; 6:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.


Given the nature of this classification's duties/responsibilities, it has been designated as Non-Exempt under the governing Fair Labor Standards Act regulations and, therefore, is entitled to formal overtime compensation and/or formal compensatory time.

Examples of Duties

Examples of Duties:

• Leads and participates in maintenance of trees, shrubs, and flower beds including planting, watering, pruning, fertilizing, stump grinding and tree removal, plant health, applying herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides, watering and mulching techniques.
• Orders, purchases, and plants herbaceous and woody plant material and trees.
• Diagnoses and treats diseases in plant materials.
• Collects and records labor, equipment, material, and chemical application information.
• Assists City Horticulturist in analyzing, facilitating, and monitoring contractual services.
• Educates the public by answering questions and providing advice on landscaping matters; makes presentations to various groups as required.
• Operates and monitors ice rink and sled hill for public use throughout winter months, including setting up and tearing down materials.
• Coordinates with Community Outreach and Engagement to design, prepare, and implement volunteer projects.
• Assists City Horticulturist in interviewing and selection of candidates for Seasonal Maintenance Worker positions.
• Functions as lead worker and provides functional guidance to Seasonal Maintenance Workers when engaged in field operations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Horticulture or relevant field and two (2) years of practical field experience in a horticulture/landscape capacity (more than two years of practical field experience in a horticulture/landscape capacity preferred), or any equivalent combination of education/training and experience.
• Valid Public Operator's License for pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemical applications within six (6) months of appointment and must continue to acquire necessary CEU's to keep license current.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist License preferred.
• Knowledge of plant nomenclature and biology and horticultural practices and procedures as related to design, planting, and maintenance.
• Skill in identification, selection, and care of annuals, perennials, vines, and shrubs; selection, handling and use of pesticides, fertilizers, and mulches.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to the work.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office programs, including Microsoft Excel.
• Skill in the safe usage of various types of large and small equipment (i.e. hand tools, stump grinder, fork lift, skid steer, chemical applicators, ladders, chain saws, etc.).

Physical Requirements:

• Physical strength, agility, and endurance to perform all essential functions.
• Ability to move, lift, and otherwise transfer equipment and supplies manually weighing up to 35 pounds and up to and exceeding 50 pounds with manual or mechanical assistance.
• Ability to maneuver over and under equipment and in small work areas while performing essential functions.
• Ability to use the necessary tools, specialized equipment, and automotive equipment in the performance of required skills.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to demonstrate dexterity in the use of hands and feet.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring stooping, bending, and climbing ladders.

Special Requirements:

• Valid driver's license.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A) preferred.

Core Competencies

Our Culture:
Team Dublin is fueled by purpose and passion. Together, we foster a collaborative spirit as we fulfill our mission in public service. What sets Dublin apart is our culture. As an Exceptional Team, we are united by three core beliefs:

• Driven by Excellence
• Better Together
• Dedicated to Service

THE CITY OF DUBLIN IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Drug-Free Workplace

The City of Dublin is a drug-free workplace (AO 2.35) which prohibits the use of controlled substances including marijuana. As permitted by law and in accordance with City Policy, new hires must pass a pre-employment drug test before appointment to any City position. Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to Administrative Orders 2.38, or as outlined in the posting.

EEO Statement

The City of Dublin is committed to establishing and maintaining an inclusive and equitable community. We work to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We actively celebrate colleagues' differences, support them through their careers with us, and prohibit discrimination and harassment. We strive to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities that allow individuals and groups to feel safe, respected, motivated, and valued. Creating a culture of equity and belonging helps to ensure we meet the needs of all residents, visitors, and City of Dublin employees.
HEALTH BENEFITS
The City of Dublin offers a high deductible health care plan through United Healthcare that provides 100% coverage for preventative care. Employee or family coverage is available. Additionally our integrated wellness program, Healthy by Choice (HBC), allows employees to earn a waiver of all or a portion of the medical plan premiums.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT/HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNT
Annually, the City will deposit 75% of your health insurance deductible amount into an HSA account in your name.

VISION AND DENTAL
The City pays 100% of the premium for dental and vision. Coverage levels will be explained in further detail at time of hire.

LIFE INSURANCE
The City pays 100% of the premium for 1.5 times your salary up to $150,000 term life insurance coverage for the employee. Supplemental insurance is available.


RETIREMENT PENSION
The City contributes 14% monthly toward retirement benefits offered through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System. The employee pension payment share is 10% of gross salary.

VACATION
New employees accrue two weeks of paid vacation their first year. Vacation time increases with length of service time. Prior public service may be honored as service credit for vacation accrual.

PERSONAL LEAVE
Employees receive five prorated days of personal leave annually.

SICK LEAVE
Employees are advanced three sick days at the time of hire and accrue nine sick days in total annually.

OTHER
Eleven (11) paid holidays per year, employer paid short term disability, tuition/certification reimbursement of up to $7,000 annually, recreation membership and longevity pay after four years of full time completed service with the City of Dublin.
01


Which best describes your level of education in Horticulture or other relevant field?

• Education is not in Horticulture or other relevant field
• Self-educated
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree

02


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you possess a valid CDL - Commercial Driver's License?

• Yes - CDL Class A
• Yes - CDL Class B
• No

04


How many years of practical experience do you have working in a horticulture or landscape capacity?

• No Experience
• Up to 1 year
• 1 year up to 2 years
• 2 years up to 5 years
• 5 or more years

05


Please indicate your level of proficiency with horticulture grounds maintenance.

• Novice
• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert

06


Do you possess a current commercial applicator license for pesticides?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you possess an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist License?

• Yes
• No

08


Are you able to work in extreme weather conditions or during irregular shifts to meet business needs?

• Yes
• No

Required Question