The PRCR Department plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City. With over 10,000 acres of land, 220 parks, and 120 miles of greenway trails, the Department provides a wide range of facilities, 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 committed to building a diverse workforce; seeking candidates that align with the City's values; is team-oriented and a leader with passion and vision for parks and serving the community.

The City of Raleigh Horticulturist provides leadership, oversight, and management of all aspects of integrated pest management (IPM), landscape design, horticultural production, and display. This position mentors and supervises horticulture staff and volunteers, collaboratively plans and implements planting designs, and ensures accurate tracking and public communication. The City of Raleigh Horticulturist is responsible for developing and managing the organization’s Horticulture Training Program. This is a key public facing position within the organization and the ideal candidate must be an enthusiastic advocate for public parks. In addition, the position collaborates with and supports all city partners as needed and required.Strategic and Foundational Planning

Develop a comprehensive horticultural strategy and organizational philosophy that incorporates best practices and reflects Raleigh’s unique history and horticultural heritage. This includes working closely with key members of the planning and design team for all newly or renovated park landscapes during the park review stage. Establish and implement aesthetic and horticultural standards to maintain, upgrade and enhance the gardens and cultivated spaces under Raleigh Parks care.
Serve as subject matter expert on the use of plants in the public landscape, including plant identification, specification, and best practices.
Ensure horticultural resources, including plant materials, horticultural knowledge, and standard maintenance activities are equitably distributed across the city.

Education and Community Engagement

Serve as a public educator and an ambassador for Raleigh Parks across a wide variety of public settings. Develop horticulture and education partnerships with like-minded organizations and Universities and incorporate public education into the Horticulture Training Program as appropriate.
Strong communication and presentation skills as this position regularly interacts with a varied set of stakeholders from K-12 youth groups, Parks, Recreation and Greenway Advisory Board (PRGAB) to City of Raleigh leadership and various Boards and Commissions.
Oversees the City of Raleigh Horticulture Website, provides updates on projects, initiatives, and educational material.

Administration and Management

Annual planning, budgeting, and assessment.
Staff management and related HR functions.
Participate in cross-functional teams and projects in various areas of the organization.
Purchase, stock and inventory all horticultural chemicals and comply with all applicable laws.

Park-based IPM Horticulture

Assist in further development, management, and implementation of Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM), including writing, revising, implementing, and managing the following protocols: sanitation, cultural, scouting, pesticide usage and spraying, and biological control.
Oversee Pesticide Management Policy. Provide updates and revisions in line with industry standard, update as needed. Organize Pesticide Core Team Meetings.
Train employees in the implementation of Raleigh Parks IPM Program.
Communicate with all managers or supervisors to develop a schedule for timely chemical and pesticide applications, assist in training new employees in compliance with Raleigh Parks Standards.
Investigate and implement new IPM approaches, research new and more effective control measures, and recommend ways for future control with intention of minimizing chemical use.

Greenhouse Production

Assist Greenhouse Manager with keeping nursery in compliance with all items related to pesticide regulations, chemical handling and disposal, and recordkeeping required by the government.
Manage the Marsh Creek greenhouse and nursery operation and oversee the production of two annual bedding crops as well as a diverse selection of perennial plants.
Apply chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides, etc. following all safety policies and regulations.
Participate in weekend rotation program as needed.
Monitor all chemical application equipment ensuring routine service and maintenance is being performed and equipment operates safely and efficiently.

Education and Experience
High School Diploma or GED and six years of related experience.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Licensing/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 Operator Pesticide License.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in relevant field required, including 3-5 years of progressive related management responsibility, including proven skills relating to leadership and program development.
Certified Plant Professional.

Knowledge of:

Supervisory principles, practices and techniques (based on assignment).
Practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others (based on assignment).
Standard practices, methods and materials of assigned work.
Project management principles and practices.
Principles and practices of conflict resolution.
Basic budget administration.
Business math concepts.
Filing and record-keeping principles.
Uses and properties of supplies and equipment.
Occupational hazards and applicable safety principles and practices.
Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).
Customer service principles.
Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment.
Modern office technology.

Skill In:

Supervising and evaluating staff performance (based on assignment).
Training and coaching staff (based on assignment).
Providing direction to others in order to meet standards.
Overseeing parks maintenance and related technical and skilled support activities in area of assignment.
Business math computations.
Budget and expense monitoring.
Developing and applying work standards, policies and procedures.
Composing and maintaining basic original documents including reports, presentations, and correspondence.
Organizing tasks, meeting deadlines and prioritizing competing demands.
Overseeing and organizing and maintaining records and files.
Providing attention to detail in assignments.
Proofreading and error correction.
Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards (based on assignment).
Providing customer service.
Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

ADA and Other Requirements
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Heavy Work:
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in both the field and in an indoor office environment with moderate exposure to atmospheric conditions (such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, etc.); moderate exposure to environmental conditions (such as disruptive people, imminent danger, or a threatening environment); and frequent exposure to intense noise.

Note:
This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

City of Raleigh North Carolina

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City Horticulturist