GARDENER (GS) Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/houston/jobs/newprint/4724562) Apply  GARDENER (GS) Salary $16.75 - $18.20 Hourly Location Various Job Type Full Time Job Number 35491 Department Parks and Recreation Division Greenspace Opening Date 11/08/2024 Closing Date 11/29/2024 6:00 PM Central + Description + Benefits + Questions POSITION OVERVIEW APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED DIVISION: GREENSPACE MAINTENANCE WORKDAYS & HOURS: MON-FRI; 6:30 AM TO 3:30 PM* *Subject to change DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to building a sustainable community and enhancing the quality of urban life by providing safe well-maintained parks and offering affordable programming for our community. To achieve this mission, HPARD is seeking a Gardener to join its Greenspace team. The potential candidate will play a key role in the following duties: + Perform horticultural duties such as planting, pruning, fertilization and other tasks needed for general care and maintenance of planting areas. + May assist in the production of horticulture crops at the city greenhouse. + Review planting plans and provide updates on plant and insect problems. + Keep records on inventory, scheduling and routine maintenance in relation to plantings. + Maintain and clean equipment and tools. Perform other duties as requested. + Requires driving to perform duties. WORKING CONDITIONS The position involves considerable physical exertion, such as regular climbing of ladders, lifting of heavy objects (up to 80 pounds) on a highly frequent basis and/or assuming awkward positions for long periods of time. There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture and air pollution. The position may involve periodic exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Basic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and simple mathematical functions like percentages, ratios, etc. as might normally be acquired through attainment of a high school diploma or a GED. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Two years of experience in a horticultural field such as landscape installation, grounds maintenance, plant production or pest control are required. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Must have a valid driver's license and comply with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2). PREFERENCES Applicants with additional training in horticultural skills and greenhouse maintenance are preferred. **Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.** GENERAL INFORMATION SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. SAFETY IMPACT POSITION YES If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test. SALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. Pay Grade 8 APPLICATION PROCEDURES Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832.395.7091. If you need special services or accommodations, call 832.395.7091. (TTY 7-1-1) If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. EOE Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include: + Medical + Dental + Vision + Wellness + Supplemental Insurance + Life insurance + Long-term disability + Retirement pension + 457 deferred compensation plan + Employee Assistance Program + 10 days of vacation each year + 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday + Compensable Sick Leave + Personal Leave + Flexible schedules + Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions + Professional development opportunities + Transportation/parking plan + Section 125 pretax deductions + Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan + Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves + Healthcare Flexible Spending Account For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html 01 Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions? + Yes + No 02 What is the highest level of education you have completed? + Less than a High School diploma/GED + High School diploma/ GED + Associate's degree or higher 03 How many years of verifiable experience do you have in the horticultural field such as landscape installation, grounds maintenance, plant production or pest control? + Less than 2 years experience. + 2 years but less than 4 years experience. + 4 years but less than 6 years experience. + 6 years or more experience. + None of the above 04 Do you have horticultural experience in any of the following? (Please select all that apply). + Planting + Pruning + Fertilization + None of the above 05 Please explain in detail how you used any of the above in Question #4 in your current/past work experience. See resume is not acceptable. If no experience, write N/A in the space below. 06 Work setting experience – Gardener (Check all that apply AND that can be verified). + Worked outside in cold and heat + Cleaned and serviced equipment and tools + Production of horticulture crop + Review planting plans + Determine plant and insect problems + None of the above 07 Do you have a valid/current driver's license? + Yes + No 08 I agree I will not apply for a lateral transfer or a position that would result in a voluntary demotion to another City department and/or division during the peak mowing season months of April 1 – October 31. + Agree + Disagree Required Question