Horticulturist



Job Details

Horticulturist
Employer

City of Eustis

Salary

$22.95 - $34.30 Hourly

Location

400 Morin Street Eustis

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202300101

Department

Public Works

Division

Property Maintenance

Opening Date

05/08/2025

Job Characteristics

The City of Eustis is seeking a trustworthy, responsible individual who, under general supervision, performs skilled horticulture design and maintenance work involving the City's parks, business districts, and streetscapes.  Works in partnership with other employees, departments, and agencies to deliver effective and innovative services.  This position will be self-directed, highly responsive, and customer-service oriented.

Examples of Machines, Tools and Equipment Used:  Computer, city vehicles, mowers, tractors, earth tillers, landscape rakes and blades, loaders, chipper and other protective and safety equipment.

Supervision Received:  Public Works Superintendent

Essential Job Functions

  • Oversees and directs personnel involved in landscaping and horticultural tasks;
  • Responsible for submitting budget and ensuring department meets the budget objections;
  • Maintains records and inventory of horticulture and forestry materials;
  • Performs a wide variety of tasks required for design, installation, maintenance, and repair. Examples may include but are not limited to landscape design using horticulture software, plant selections, installation, and maintenance, mowing and turf maintenance for all City maintained parks, streetscapes, and properties.
  • Plans, organizes, coordinates, and integrates work planning activities and tasks of established work goals and standards;
  • Work cooperatively and collaboratively with superintendents and supervisors on standards, work planning, projects, review processes, and other departmental requests;
  • Coordinates tree planting, corrective pruning, and overall maintenance;
  • Inspects work in progress;
  • Prepares and maintains materials lists, daily worksheets, inspection forms, etc.;
  • Estimates time and materials necessary for each project;
  • Maintains greenhouse and nursery grounds.  Examples may include, but are not limited to, maintaining the health of all plants and all assets of those grounds;
  • Researches and resolves complaints or requests. Provides direct contact and site visits, as needed;
  • Assistsinthepreparationforandaftermathofamajoremergencysuchasahurricaneorotherstormor disaster;
  • Works on-call, as needed, during emergency situations such as hurricanes, severe weather, etc.;
  • Performs other related duties, as required.

Other Job Functions:
  • Responds to calls for maintenance services, taking the appropriate action;
  • Performs various duties, as assigned, associated with special events scheduled by the City.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment and techniques used in horticulture and landscaping, preparation and finishing; knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; knowledge of safe driving techniques and related occupational hazards. 

Ability to plan and direct the work of others; ability to coordinate projects and attend events; ability to make estimates of time and materials; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with city employees and the general public; ability to give individual and group instruction; ability to work as a member of a team as well as independently; ability to carry out assignments with minimal instructions; ability to maintain records and reports; ability to read and write English; ability to drive a vehicle; ability to work on call, as required, including nights, weekends and holidays; ability to remain at a city work shelter, before, during and after a hurricane or other storm or disaster, if asked.

Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or recognized equivalent; Bachelor’s Degree or college level education preferred in Horticulture, Plant Science, Master Gardener, Forestry, Natural Resource Management or related field; supplemented by two (2) years responsible experience in an organized horticultural program with knowledge of various horticultural programs and activities; a demonstrated ability to read English is a prerequisite for employment in this position.  Florida Class "B" Commercial Driver's License with an acceptable driving record or a valid Florida Driver License with the ability to obtain a Class “B” CDL within the first 6 months.

Working Hours:
Generally, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; however, due to the nature of the position, some on call and overtime hours may be required.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands:
This is moderate physical work most of the working time.  Requires frequent walking; frequent standing, climbing, stooping, reaching, bending, lifting 50+ pounds, carrying/pushing/pulling 50+ pounds; good finger/hand dexterity and hand/eye coordination; good eyesight; hearing and speech or vocal communication (for safety); working in adverse environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain etc.); regular driving and operation of assigned equipment.

Salary Information:
$22.9521 to $34.3021 per hour ($47,740.30 - $71,348.43 per year); EXCELLENT benefits (Note: See Benefits Tab for more information).  Applicants should expect a starting salary of $22.9521 per hour.  Only applicants with the most job-related qualifications will be selected for interview and further consideration.  Additional consideration may be given to applicants with more extensive education, training, or experience.  Following a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history and driver’s license check, the candidate will be given a conditional offer of employment.  The final candidate will be required to pass a drug test and medical exam.

Closing Date:
Open until closed by the City

Important Information:
Applications must be received no later than 5:00 pm on the closing date as listed above.  The City may close positions that are posted with an Open closing date at any time, without prior notice.  The City’s application is required.  The online application is the preferred method but printed applications are also available in person at 109-A East Orange Ave, Eustis.  Office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday.  For assistance or more information, please visit Human Resources atwww.eustis.org or call 352-483-5472.  Under Florida Law, all application materials are public record and subject to public scrutiny. 

To:  Candidates for Employment with the City of Eustis

The City is Proud to Announce the Following General Employee Benefits:
(Please note:  This is a summary only and is not intended to be a complete description of covered benefits.  This information does not replace, add to or change the City’s personnel rules or other written policies, regulations, contracts or certificates.  If a discrepancy arises, the actual policy, regulation, contract or certificate will prevail in all circumstances.)

Health Insurance:
Florida Blue Plans 05901 and 03559 are available at no cost to the employee.  Florida Blue PPO Plan 03769 and HMO Plan 55 are available buy-up plans.  Dependent coverage is available on all plans for a monthly premium.

Dental Insurance:
Cigna Dental benefits are available at no cost to the employee.  Dependent coverage is available for a monthly premium.

VisionCare:
Vision benefits are available through National Vision Administrators (NVA) for a modest premium.  Dependent coverage is also available.

Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance:
The City provides $20,000 group life insurance and $20,000 accidental death benefits for general city employees. The City provides $50,000 group life and $50,000 accidental death benefits for Department/Division Directors.  Employees may purchase supplemental policies through payroll deduction.

Empower 401 Money Purchase Plan:
Funded 6% by City contributions and 4% by employee contributions—must work five (5) years to have a vested interest.  Employee contributions are pre-tax.  Comprehensive range of investment options is available through Empower.

Empower 457 deferred compensation plan and 457 Roth options are available.
 
Annual Leave:
Annual leave is earned at the rate of eight (8) hours per month through six (6) years.  After seven (7) years, additional accruals per year to a maximum of 188.4 hours (23.55 days) per year.

Sick Leave:
Sick leave is earned at the rate of eight (8) hours per month of employment, not to exceed 96 hours (12 days) per year.
 
Holidays:
Paid holidays include New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday.  Full time employees (except Directors, Deputy Directors or equivalent positions), who are required to work on an approved holiday, receive pay at one and one half (1.5) times their regular hourly rate for time worked on that holiday.
 
Merit Plan/Pay Increases:
Yearly merit increases, when funded, are based on a Performance Evaluation Score.

Funeral Leave:
The City provides for up to 3 days in state and 5 days out of state, upon approval.

Uniforms:
Furnished by the City in certain departments.

Direct Deposit:
Optional but recommended.

Financial Advice:
Free financial advisor available, by appointment.

Tuition Reimbursement:
Approved reimbursement after initial trial period (contingent upon availability of funding).

Other Benefits:

  • Cemetery & Urn Interment spaces for deceased employees and retired employee with 7 or more years of service
  • Prepaid LegalShield and ID Theft Protection
  • Aflac supplemental insurance policies
  • Flexible Spending Reimbursement Plans for Medical Expenses and/or Childcare
  • Free Employee Fitness Center
Optional Employer Program:
Section 125 Cafeteria Plan – Supplemental insurance costs may be deducted from pre-tax dollars, at the option of the employee.

01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in Horticulture, Plant Science, Master Gardener, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
03
Do you have a valid Florida Class B Commercial License with an acceptable driving record?
  • Yes
  • No
04
How many years of experience do you have in an organized horticultural program?

* Required Question

Employer
City of Eustis
Address
109-A East Orange Ave

Eustis, Florida, 32726
Phone
3524835472

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