Horticulture/Forestry Technician

Be a part of a dynamic team whose common goal is to make a difference in our community.

It is amazing to know that by being a part of the City of Idaho Falls team, you would be doing important work for our community that affects people's lives. Every day brings new challenges and rewards!

Job Description:

General Purpose

The City of Idaho Falls is currently accepting applications for the position of Horticulturist/Forestry Technician. This full-time provides a variety of technical duties and assistance related to the planning, maintenance, care, and layout for the planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers on City owned property. Provides technical assistance to various departmental personnel engaged in environ maintenance and beautification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Parks Superintendent and close supervision of Horticulturist and Urban Forester.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED Provides supervision to Horticulturist/Forestry Laborers and part-time seasonal employees.

Essential Functions

Assists Horticulturist/Forrester in proper landscaping of parks, cemeteries, golf courses, median and right-a-ways by planting, transplanting, fertilizing, cultivation, trimming and removal of park flowers, trees and shrubs. Trims trees in a safe manner and in accordance with ANSI standards as recommended. Assists with City beautification projects during appropriate times of the year.

Performs, assists and oversees the application of fertilizer, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides; ensures proper concentrations and mixtures for effectiveness and safety.

Operates safely and appropriately various types of power and motorized equipment, which shall include, but not be limited to, backhoe, chipper, rototiller, sodcutter, spraying equipment, chainsaws, hedgetrimmers and other horticulture implements. Performs maintenance on small equipment used by the department.

Perform greenhouse crop maintenance to assure proper growing conditions to cultivate growth and development of various flowers, trees and shrubs. Inspects greenhouse crops for fungi, pests and diseases and applies pesticide as needed. Assists in the oversight of tree inventory program by maintaining records of newly transplanted or planted trees, pruning or removal of trees and any application of pesticides.

Instruct and assist golf course personnel in regards to horticulture or forestry issues or concerns as needed; provides training to staff related to proper application of control chemicals.

Make recommendations to Horticulturist and Urban Forester with regard to personnel duties and organization.

Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A. Graduation from college with an Associate's Degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Botany or related field.

AND

B. Two (2) years of experience as a botanist, forester, horticulturist or in some other position performing the above or similar duties.

OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Working knowledge of botany, landscape design, decorative plant cultivation, plant growth, entomology, soil science and forestry; ANSI standards; the use of and application of pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides essential to control of noxious weeds, insects, and pests; hardy and acceptable zone 4 plants; city ordinances related to street trees and shade trees; various diseases common to local tree species; fungal diseases, green house pests and nutrient deficiencies common to plants and flowers and related prevention and control methods; growth requirements or various perennial and annual plant species; procedures essential to successful removal, transplanting, and pruning of various types of park plants, shrubs, and trees. Working knowledge of pesticide laws and record keeping requirements; technical plant physiology; botany, landscape design, decorative plant cultivation, plant growth, entomology, soil science and forestry. Some knowledge of principles of supervision and employee motivation; GIS technology and methods.

Ability to operate light motorized equipment. Ability to plan and organize beautification activities of City parks. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to perform moderately strenuous physical labor; ability to work outdoors under extreme weather conditions. Ability to develop effective working relationships with public, supervisors, fellow employees, and subordinates. Ability to recognize and treat plant diseases under supervision of Horticulturist and Urban Forester.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must possess or be able to obtain, within six (6) months of hire, a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Must hold, or be able to obtain, within six (6) months of hire, a Professional Applicator License in ornamental pest

Must hold or be able to obtain within six (6) months of hire, ISA Certified Arborist certification.

Work Environment

Tasks require a variety of physical activities generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, holding, lifting, carrying, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Exposure to extreme weather, environmental hazards and dangers resulting from working around heights and dangerous equipment. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed with or without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Pay Range:

$23.69 - $26.61

Benefits:

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, vision and life coverage. You will also be eligible for retirement benefits through PERSI. PERSI is a defined benefit plan that offers guaranteed retirement benefits for full-time employees.