Gardener - Destination Parks

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (PRCR) mission is

"Together we connect and enrich our community through exceptional experiences."

PRCR plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City.  A wide range of facilities and programs spread over 220 parks and 120 miles of trails supports the social, cultural, mental and physical well-being of the citizens. The Parks Department is committed to hiring all kinds of talent to build a diverse workforce and is guided by the vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People.

About You:
As a Gardener for our Destination Parks, the ideal candidate has a passion for public service, is capable of excelling in all aspects of horticultural maintenance and is highly motivated, playing an integral role in preserving and beautifying these landscapes The ideal candidate must be self-motivated and can work alone and as part of a team. The primary role for this position is to provide horticultural and landscape maintenance at the Destination parks. Destination Parks is composed of four parks, including Dix Park, Pullen Park, John Chavis Memorial Park, and the Raleigh Rose Garden.

About Us:
Dix Park is one of the newest parks in the City of Raleigh Parks system and consists of 308 acres currently in the developmental phase.  Dix Park consists of the Greg Poole, Jr. All Faiths Chapel, the Flower Cottage, the Stone Houses and the Gipson Play Plaza, that is tentatively scheduled to open in the spring of 2025. Gipson Play Plaza will boast a very large and diverse landscape and is expected to be arboretum like quality.

Pullen Park, the first public park in North Carolina established in 1887, is the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the United States.  Sitting on more than 66 rolling acres Pullen Park is comprised of several historic and popular destination sites.  

The Raleigh Rose Garden boasts over 1200 roses and 60 varieties including hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, miniatures and antiques.  It is a popular site for weddings, shares the property with the Raleigh Little Theatre and boasts an outdoor amphitheater. 

John Chavis Memorial Park is located in the heart of downtown and consists of a new central plaza with an interactive splash pad, renovated former carousel house, and a large playground for variety of ages and abilities. The existing park amenities also include a historic Herschell carousel, baseball field, outdoor walking track with multipurpose field and 3 picnic shelters.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor plants for pests and diseases and apply appropriate treatments to protect plant health.
• Coordinating the installation and maintenance of flowers, perennials, tropical, shrubs and small trees.
• Researching and recommending plant species selection.
• Participation in the completion of traditional grounds maintenance tasks including litter pick up and trash removal. 
• Inspecting trees and plants and monitoring for signs of disease or pest presence.
• Leading maintenance staff assigned to assist. 
• Planning, coordinating and leading volunteer groups and events of various sizes on both a single session and recurring basis.
• Participating in emergency responses such as storm clean up and snow removal.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: This position may indirectly supervise full time positions, part time positions, volunteers and may be required to serve in a supervisory capacity in the absence of the Crew Supervisor

Education and Experience:

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

• Knowledge of landscape design, installation, renovation and maintenance, disease and pest control, fertilization, extensive plant knowledge and other cultural practices
• Experience in rose culture
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Ornamental Horticulture
• North Carolina Public Pesticide Applicator's License in Tuft and Ornamental or the ability to obtain within 45 days of hire 

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent attention to detail that is critical to sustaining the high quality and aesthetics expected at all park areas and surrounding sites.  
• Identification and proper management of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.  

• Extensive experience in site, soil and environmental needs, hardiness zones, water, nutrition and maintenance.  
• Experience in proper pruning techniques for formal boxwood hedgerows, rose culture and other specialty plant species found in our parks. 
• Operate all types of equipment associated with turf and landscape maintenance. 
• Submit required documentation associated with daily tasks and herbicide applications into a digital work order database.
• Work with the Horticulture Supervisor and City Horticulturist to design, layout and install new landscape beds as well as renovate existing beds.  
• Utilize excellent communication skills and a positive attitude to work with the Horticulture Team, other city staff, outside entities and volunteers.
• Time management skills, punctuality, dependability and the ability to prioritize and multi-task and the willingness to go above and beyond to achieve outstanding results.