Landscape Technician

Landscape Technician (PW/12)This position is responsible for maintaining landscaped areas at city facilities and parks.This position involves preparing, installing, and maintaining landscaped areas by performing duties such as mowing, planting, pruning, watering, fertilizing, mulching, weeding, and spraying. It also includes preparing landscape and flower bed areas by tilling, raking, shoveling, adding soil amendments and fertilizers, and installing plants and trees. The technician must prune and trim trees and hedges on city property to ensure adequate clearance for traffic. They are also responsible for identifying the need for and applying appropriate pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides). Additionally, the technician operates and assists in training new employees in the maintenance and safe operation of landscaping equipment and provides routine maintenance of landscaping tools and equipment. They operate and maintain the city greenhouse and all assigned equipment, including tractors, and may assume some duties of Landscape Supervisor and/or Sexton in their absence. The technician also installs holiday decorations and flags traffic. They perform other related duties as assigned.Knowledge of landscape installation and maintenance techniques and procedures is required, along with knowledge of the plant materials required for landscaping and grounds maintenance projects. The position requires knowledge of irrigation system installation, operation, and maintenance procedures, as well as knowledge of soil analysis and fertilizing techniques and skill in fertilizer and pesticide application. Mathematical calculation skills, operating and maintaining grounds maintenance equipment, operating a bucket and flusher truck, and fabricating and repairing equipment are also necessary. Oral and written communication skills are essential.The minimum qualifications include the ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent. Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years, is required. A valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated is also necessary.The Landscape Supervisor assigns work in terms of somewhat general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results. Guidelines include city policies and procedures, departmental and safety rules and guidelines, state and federal regulations regarding pesticide application, and work orders. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.The work consists of related grounds maintenance duties. The variety of assigned work sites to be maintained and scheduling difficulties due to weather contribute to the complexity of the work. The purpose of this position is to assist with the maintenance of grounds at city facilities. Successful performance helps ensure attractive landscapes and enhances the public image of the city.Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, vendors, and the general public. Contacts are typically to exchange information and provide services. The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee must lift light and heavy objects, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and be able to distinguish between shades of color. The work is typically performed in a greenhouse and outdoors, where the employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals, and occasional inclement weather. The work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.The City of Cartersville is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.