Horticulturist Parks - Horticultural Operations

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Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.
 

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Horticulturist

Department: Parks

Full-time, Hourly

Hourly Range: $19.35 - $30.99/hr

Closing Date: September 30, 2024 @10:59 pm or earlier upon receiving 50 and above applications. 

Parks Equity Statement: Milwaukee County Parks is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County Parks leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for maintaining and preserving horticultural and botanical facilites using sound horticultural practices. This position also educates visitors as well as aim to preserve and enhance departmental assets while ensuring quality service and product delivery.

Job Responsibilities 

• Perform day-to-day operations of the given areas of responsibility including cultivation, propagation, fertilization, pruning, transplantation, pest and soil management, mowing, trimming, snow removal, building maintenance etc.
• Carry out administrative duties including managing inventory supplies and collections, maintaining logs and databases, verifying nomenclature and accession plants according to the plant collections policy, labeling and mapping plant collections whilst ensuring relevant safety codes and regulations are followed.
• Inspect and maintain all equipment and tools related to the performance of job duties.
• Attend group meetings and participate in as well as coordinate group activities including events and talks.
• Assist with grant writing and create, organize and lead educational talks, tours and programs.
• Develop displays and collaborate with relevant societies as well as provide customer service.
• Develop and maintain original outdoor seasonal floral and plant displays that engage visitors and help increase attendance using knowledge, creativity, and expertise to accommodate weather, site, and grounds conditions.
• Participate in special project teams and execute community outreach efforts as well as marketing and communication efforts.
• Perform presentations and conduct tours for horticultural groups.
• Develop and manage an assigned material budget based on the maintenance and design of seasonal floral displays by entering requisition and purchasing data.
• Manage purchases and coordinate with the Garden Director and other facility staff in adhering to comprehensive assigned budget.
• Use of Equipment, Tools, and Machinery – Operate vehicle, motorized and heavy machinery, computers, general office equipment, hand tools as well as power tools, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, License/Certification and Experiences

• Current residency within the State of Wisconsin upon application required
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License required and must be maintained throughout incumbency
• Associate degree or higher in Horticulture, Botany, Natural Sciences or closely related field required.
• At least three (3) years or more work experience in Horticulture or Horticultural Maintenance required.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Natural Sciences or closely related field preferred and not required only if the related work experience is relevant to that of at least three (3) years or more work experience in Horticulture or Horticultural Maintenance.
• Category 3.0 (Turf & Landscape) Pesticide Applicator certification required or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Category 3.1 (Greenhouse & Nursery) Pesticide Applicator certification required or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Previous Horticultural conservatory experience preferred.
• Previous Tropical plant care and maintenance experience preferred.
• Previous Tree maintenance experience preferred.
• Previous Greenhouse operations experience preferred.
• Previous Educational programming experience preferred.
• Valid Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills required.
• Availability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and overtime is required.

Note: This Original Examination is open to current residents of the State of Wisconsin. The selection process will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.