Lead Horticulture Technician (Facilities)

The Lead Horticulture Technician coordinates and supervises technical and manual work while participating in horticulture functions related to the planting, removal and care of various plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees located on County-owned grounds. Additionally, the incumbent keeps county grounds clear of any branches or debris for safety and appearance.The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

• Participates in and provides lead direction over employees engaged in planting, removing, transplanting, cultivating, trimming, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, and irrigation necessary for the healthy growth of trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers on County-owned grounds.

• Makes inspections to detect evidence of diseases, insects, or other conditions endangering or inhibiting the proper growth of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers.  Takes corrective measures when such conditions exist by mixing and applying fertilizer, pesticide or herbicides.
• Provides instruction to subordinate personnel in the proper horticultural maintenance of flowers, trees, and plants.
• Makes minor repairs to tools and irrigation equipment used on County premises.
• Create master calendar for applications of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and make sure applications are coordinated with other horticulture staff. 
• Prepared detailed list of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides to be used by Department Manager for annual budget and place orders working within the established budget
• Sprays County buildings for pest control.
• Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.

Emergency Response 
County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) 
• Two (2) years’ experience in landscape maintenance, nursery or horticultural operation, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida and be insurable by current insurance carrier, or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle.
• Certification as a Public Applicator by the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to purchase and use restricted pesticides pursuant to Chapter 487 of Fla. Statutes.  
• Licenses in all of the following areas:  apply pesticides correctly (Core Test), ornamental and turf. 
• Must take annual inmate supervision training given by Sheriff’s Office. 
• This position may be subject to the Hepatitis B Vaccine and other vaccines as necessary.   
• Must have or be able to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of modern practices and principles of horticulture, arboriculture, agronomy and related fields.
• Knowledge of insects, parasites, diseases, and other infestations which affect trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, and grass.
• Knowledge of the composition and application of insecticides, fungicides and disinfectants for their control.
• Knowledge of plant biology and the common and botanical names of local trees, plants, and flowers.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and turf management.
• Knowledge of the American Association for Nurseryman (AAN) standards and guidelines for trimming, dead-wooding, removal, planting, and staking.
• Skill in the proper use and safe operation of hand and power operated tools utilized in all phases of horticulture work.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to detect tree and plant diseases and determine corrective measures.
• Ability to read, interpret and develop landscape plans.
• Ability to understand chemical and fertilizer labels.
• Ability to plan and oversee the work of a small group of other employees or inmates related to horticultural duties and activities.
• Ability to perform heavy, strenuous, manual labor under sometimes unfavorable weather conditions.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Moderate to heavy lifting, 100 pounds. Requires walking, bending, twisting, squatting, kneeling, balancing and climbing. 
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Working outside under varying weather conditions. 
• Frequent exposure to insecticides and chemicals 
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay Grade: 3
Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on policy, education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIEMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED.
All applications will be carefully reviewed to evaluate qualifications and overall suitability for the position. The relevance, scope, and length of related work experience, training, and education outlined in the application and resume will be considered during the screening process. Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in interviews. Candidates are encouraged to clearly document all pertinent experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained outside of traditional employment, in the additional information section of the application.

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.

Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.