Gardener

Perform a variety of duties involved in the planning, care and maintenance of plants and grounds and perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

1. Participate in a variety of grounds and plant maintenance duties including trimming shrubs, weed abatement, mowing and edging lawns, watering plants and trees, and sweeping grounds; assist in the set-up and planting of new plants.
2. Perform various gardening, plant maintenance and nursery duties; water, re-pot, prune and transplant plants; harvest seeds.
3. Prepare flower beds for planting; fertilize flower beds and mulch with chips; prune and trim shrubs; trim trees as needed; inspect flower beds and surrounding areas for diseases and pests.
4. Operate a variety of gardening and maintenance equipment including a tractor, mower, rake, rototiller, trencher, aerator, fertilizer spreader, weed eater and shovel; perform minor maintenance and repair on equipment as needed.
5. Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems; make repairs to irrigation pipes and sprinklers as needed.
6. Perform general grounds maintenance duties; pick up litter from grounds; utilize power blower and vacuum to dispose of leaves and debris.
7. Maintain plant collection field records.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Participate in pest control operations as needed.
2. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Education directly related to the minimum requirements below may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

High school diploma or GED; and

Two (2) years experience in horticulture grounds maintenance work.

Additional Requirements: 

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

Environmental:
Field environment; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, inclement weather conditions; work in or with water.

Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for heavy, moderate or light lifting; bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling; walking or standing for prolonged periods.