Senior Gardener - Destination Parks

Destination Parks is a newly formed work group within the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department residing in the Parks Maintenance division. This dynamic new work group plays a vital role in the management and development of four of Raleigh’s most visited parks; Dix Park, Pullen Park, John Chavis Park and Raleigh Rose Garden. The Senior Gardener - Specialty Parks will be the field crew leader for all aspects of horticulture at these parks, managing day to day horticultural operations and will work collaboratively with Horticulture Crew supervisor in planning landscape design. Together this work group manages all aspects of Horticulture, Turf and Grounds Maintenance and Special Events. Our departmental goal is to enrich our community through exceptional experiences. maintenance and installation of plants throughout our parks.

About You:
The ideal candidate for the Senior Gardener - Specialty Parks position is a reliable, safety-conscious, and customer-focused individual with strong communication skills and a solid work ethic. They are team-oriented, with a passion for parks and community service. A valid NC Class "C" driver's license is required, along with the ability to operate park maintenance equipment and perform preventative maintenance. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to high-quality work, safety standards, and community engagement. 

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

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

The PRCR Department plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of The Capital City. With nearly 10,000 acres of land, 220 parks, and 120 miles of Greenway Trails, the Department, provides a wide range of facilities and amenities, and programs that support the social, cultural, mental, and physical well-being of citizens. The Department is guided by a comprehensive 20-year System Plan that identifies the overall vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People. The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department is seeking candidates who align with the City's values, is team-oriented, and leads with passion and vision for parks and serving the community.

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.

• Leads and coordinates the work of a group of employees; assigns and prioritizes tasks; guides employees to instruct or advise on tasks or assignments.
• Provides turf management. Fertilizes, performs weed and noxious insect control, aeration, soil sampling, and verticutter operation on high-quality athletic fields.
• Coordinates equipment operation and commercial driving. Uses tractors and various implements for spreading soil; a backhoe for loading trucks and in construction and demolition; a bobcat dozer for grading; a forklift for loading pallets of material; and a tandem dump truck to transport materials to athletic fields.
• Performs garden maintenance including pruning, weeding, mulching, soil amending, and watering of perennial, annual beds as well as trees. Works as a team to carryout maintenance, and in conjunction with Turf Specialists to maintain grounds. 
• Performs inspections of cemetery areas, cemetery monuments and/or landscape; identifies visual obstructions or safety issues; initiates corrections. Reports any safety concerns outside the scope of abilities.
• Prepares daily maintenance reports reflecting the allocation of resources in regard to each park. Monitors and maintains inventory of supplies, materials and equipment, and may provide delivery and/or pick up of materials and equipment as needed.
• Applies pesticide chemicals to rights-of-way and other landscape areas within the City, using a spray-truck to maintain beautification and appearance. Maintains pesticide application reports in accordance with City and governmental regulatory rules.
• Plans and designs plantings and provide feedback and recommendations on park redesigns. Identifies opportunities for park improvements for the beautification, safety, resiliency and community engagement of the City's parks.
• Leads volunteer and special projects. Leads volunteer individuals and groups to perform large- and small-scale tasks such as mulching, planting, litter clean-up and invasive plant removal.
• Identifies and controls invasive exotic plant populations. Researches and utilizes the appropriate control methods including herbicide selection, timing, and application method, as well as other physical controls.
• Maintains irrigation systems and identifies irrigation malfunctions.
• Completes daily work orders to monitor completion of pesticide distribution on various landscape areas throughout the City of Raleigh.
• Responds to weather emergencies by working with a team to clear fallen trees and remove snow from City streets and parks using heavy equipment and trucks.

Education and Experience:

Licensing and Certifications:

• Valid North Carolina Class C driver's license with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
• North Carolina Public Pesticide Applicator's License in Tuft and Ornamental or the ability to obtain within 45 days of hire 

Knowledge Of:

• Horticultural techniques
• Tree, shrub, and herbaceous plant pruning
• Ornamental, native, and invasive plant identification
• Ecology, and how to encourage healthy ecosystems
• Weed, disease and pest identification and control
• Soil composition and knowledge regarding the modification of soil media
• Pesticide regulations and policies
• Basic equipment handling and maintenance

Skill In:

• Attention to detail in garden maintenance
• Identifying potential hazards, and opportunities for park improvements  
• Garden bed design and landscaping 
• Team collaboration and customer service
• Using a database and record keeping

Ability To:

• Train, lead, and work with maintenance crews and volunteers
• Communicate with the general public in regard to questions, complaints and education