HORTICULTURE TECHNICIAN - TEMPORARY

Salary: $21.72 Hourly
Location : Parks and Recreation, 1700 River Dr N, Great Falls, MT
Job Type: Temporary Full-time
Job Number: 26-00004
Department: Parks and Recreation
Division: Natural Resources
Opening Date: 01/06/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Union Classification: Crafts Council - Laborers Union


NATURE OF WORK


* Apply early; this posting will close once a candidate is selected.

Professional responsibility for performing work activities related to the city's urban forestry, natural resource and beautification programs. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Forester or other Senior Arborist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK
General Duties

• Perform maintenance of various equipment to avoid malfunctions and ensure equipment safety.
• Respond to emergency storm clean-up situations and operate equipment and tools as necessary. Perform tree watering, maintenance, transplanting and removal using various specialized equipment and tools.

Dutch Elm Disease Inspection

• Inspecting, identifying, sampling and culturing for Dutch elm disease of all public and private elm trees located within the City of Great Falls.
• Enforce City codes pertaining to diseased trees, maintaining computerized and hard copy records, provide public relations and education.
• May perform tree inventories, disease and insect identification, prepare reports, and work with Urban Forestry crews.

Horticulture

• Perform the installation and maintenance of flowers.
• Water, weeds, prune, fertilize and provide general care of annual and perennial flower beds throughout City owned parks.

Tree Watering

• Perform watering and the installation of trees and shrubs as part of city landscape designs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in forestry or natural resource management desirable.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid Montana Driver's License.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

• Working knowledge of Arboricultural standards and practices.
• Working knowledge of all phases of tree trimming, removal, planting and maintenance.
• Working knowledge of horticulture maintenance, watering and planting.
• Working knowledge of pesticides and proper mixing and application procedures and safety requirements.
• Ability to properly identify trees and knowledge of the signs, symptoms, sampling procedures, and laboratory culturing techniques of Dutch elm disease preferred.
• Working knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, supervisors, and the general public.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Teamwork
• Thoroughness
• Even Temperament
• Safety Minded

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not supervise staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily outdoors. Exposure to heat, snow, rain, wind, loud noise, heights, falling limbs and dust is frequent. All required safety equipment will be required to be maintained and worn when conducting work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb, kneel, twist, grasp, pick, pinch, bend, crawl, push, pull, reach, ride and perform similar body movements. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over 50 pounds. When lifting more than 50 pounds, employees are encouraged to use a team lift. Must possess hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate forestry equipment, and a motor vehicle; the ability to talkand hear in person, by telephone or two-way radio and the ability to see and read instructions and reports.


EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work schedule is up to a 40-hour work week, Sunday through Saturday. Work is typically performed Monday through Friday. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime. Any overtime must be authorized prior to working. The duration of this position may be up to six months.
TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.
Part-time & Temporary Employee Benefits

The City of Great Falls offers partial benefits to our part-time and temporary employees including retirement/pensions, prorated paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.

To learn more details, visit our