- Salary
- $34 – $37/hr
- Location
- WA 98108, WA, WA
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description
About Seattle Parks and Recreation:
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for well-being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.
Equity & Inclusion
Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities.
About the Citywide Service Division
The Citywide Services Division manages SPR’s Natural Resources Unit, Unified Care Team, and Community Services. The Natural Resource Unit (NRU) includes horticultural operations such as greenhouse production, landscape renovation and maintenance, and specialty gardens (Kubota Garden, Seattle Japanese Garden, Arboretum and Volunteer Park Conservatory); natural area management and the Green Seattle Partnership; wildlife and Integrated Pest Management; urban forestry arborist services and urban park tree planting; Integrated Pest Management; trails programs; and turf and heavy equipment operations citywide for the department. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality projects and land care that support community access and enjoyment while prioritizing environmental integrity. The Citywide services division is comprised of approximately 200 FTE with $35 million annual funding.
About Horticulture and Specialty Gardens:
Our team is seeking qualified candidates to join the Landscape Crew as gardeners. This hiring process will also be used to fill future vacancies for up to a one-year period in the Volunteer Park Conservatory, Kubota Garden, or other gardener vacancies within the Horticulture and Specialty Garden teams as opportunities arise. The Horticulture and Specialty Garden teams include gardeners, senior gardeners, supervisors and other positions who support specialty gardens, greenhouse production, and landscape installation and care. Landscape Crew gardeners work collaboratively on landscape improvement projects throughout Parks and Recreation. These positions are the journeyman level in the Gardener series. Positions in this class perform skilled gardening work. Responsibilities include plant propagation, cleaning, planting seasonal display beds and implementing landscape renovation maintenance projects. Positions report to the Crew lead of Landscape Crew under the direction of the Horticulture and Specialty Gardens Manager.
Work requires knowledge of standard methods, materials, procedures, tools, and equipment associated with landscaping and gardening. Positions allocated to this class use judgment in interpreting various conditions and applying guidelines and choosing the proper method to complete the work. Occasional contacts with the public are to provide information and are incidental to the performance of the work.
Examples of Duties:
- Transplants and prunes trees and shrubs
- Implements integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Operates pesticide spray equipment and maintains records of pesticide application.
- Operates motor vehicles to and from work locations.
- Prepares, plants, and maintains planting beds.
- Works on landscape construction and landscape maintenance projects
- Implements delegated assignments under the supervision of a Senior Gardener.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum of two years’ work experience in landscape construction/maintenance, or in the propagation and maintenance of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees at a conservatory, greenhouse, or nursery. (Combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).
Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:
- Degree or certification in horticulture, environmental science or a related field (or a combination of education or training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).
- Knowledge and skills of biological sciences, landscape maintenance, horticulture and gardening,
- Knowledge of City, State, and Federal rules and regulations governing the safe operation of greenhouses and Conservatory facility.
- 6 months of plant propagation experience with ornamental flowering plants and natives.
- Familiarity with applicable City and Department policies and practices including RSJI.
- Familiarity with sustainable landscape practices.
Special Working Conditions:
- Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
- Frequently required to lift objects up to 50 pounds. May occasionally be required to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds.
- May work in noisy, dusty environments with offensive odors.
- May occasionally require handling or working with toxic/hazardous substances.
- May be required to drive big trucks.
- Work may be performed in confined spaces and at heights up to 130 feet.
- Required to work outdoors in all types of weather.
- Required to wear safety gear when appropriate.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The full salary range for this position is $34.32 to $37.06 per hour.
Application Process
Please submit the following with your online application:
- A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
- A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.
Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.
Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits
Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov
SPR’s Core Competencies are:
Accountability & Action: Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions, decision-making and promoting high-quality standards.
Equity and Inclusion: Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City's commitment to workforce equity. Communication: Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
Service: An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
Teamwork: Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.
We recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, automated response generators, or language models, can be helpful during the job search process. If you choose to use them, please carefully review all materials before submission to ensure accuracy, as you will be required to affirm that your responses are true and correct during the application process. Submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. Please also note that relying on AI to complete text-based supplemental questions or during interviews may not accurately represent your skills and experiences, which are critical to applicant success. In some cases, you may be instructed not to use AI tools during the selection process. Learn more about the City of Seattle AI Policy here.