Downtown Gardener

JOB TITLE: Downtown Gardener

DEPARTMENT:  Community Development Department, City of Toccoa

JOB SUMMARY:  This position is responsible for maintaining a clean and litter-free downtown environment and monitoring the health of all plants, shrubs, trees, and greenspaces in the downtown area, giving the grounds a manicured look. This is a multifaceted position that requires flexibility, vision, self-motivation, creativity, time management, excellent communication skills, prioritizing, professional interaction with the general public and prompt response to special events or immediate needs of the City.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Maintain grounds and public greenspaces at: Library, Pool, Ritz Theatre, Currahee Street & Big A Road Greenspace, Currahee Street & Broad Street Greenspace, RC Bottling Greenspace, Tugalo Street Sign, Currahee Street Billboard, City Hall Parking Deck, North Broad Street Underpass, North Pond Street Bridge, and Lake Toccoa Facilities.
• Mow grass, fertilize, mulch, edge, weed, trim shrubs and clear debris and litter in the above locations as needed.
• Check in daily with the Community Development Director to keep all aware of project status.  Take before and after photos in showing completed projects.
• Keep inventory of downtown trees and plants, and prune and trim as necessary.
• Monitor and maintain the health of plants and shrubs.
• Install and maintain seasonal plants.
• Deal with pest problems that could damage plants.
• Eliminate grass and weeds from public areas.
• Clean sidewalks, curbs, and medians, including downtown parking lot medians.
• Remove litter from public walkways, streets, decks, lots, curbs, etc.
• Assist with landscape duties at Lake Toccoa as requested by Community Development Director.
• Erect Fall and Christmas decorations for downtown, Tugalo Street sign, and Currahee Street & Broad Street greenspace.
• Take on special landscaping or planting projects as deemed necessary by the Community Development Director and City Manager.
• Keep all equipment in good working order; i.e. weed eater, blower, small sweeper, walk behind mower, tiller, chain/pole saws, etc.
• Purchase supplies/plant materials as needed.
• Look for and report safety concerns, business changes, signage changes, graffiti, light outages, signal outages, banner repairs, etc.
• Remove posters from poles, benches, vacant storefronts, etc.
• Weekly clean tops of trash cans.
• Serve as downtown ambassador, greet and give directions to visitors, as needed.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

• Knowledge of general gardening practices.
• Familiarity with landscaping design.
• Knowledge of regional plant life, plant identification, and best results planting consideration.
• Knowledge of local pests and how to eliminate them.
• Knowledge of synthetic and natural fertilizers, herbicide and insecticide application, disease management, lawn care.
• Knowledge of state health and safety regulations for landscaping.
• A love of the outdoors and plant life.
• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations.
• Knowledge in the use of tools such as a yard rake, broom, shovel, etc.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:  The Community Development Director assigns work in terms of specific instructions. The Community Development Director reviews all or most of the completed work with respect to the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES:  The guidelines for this position include oral instructions from the supervisor. These guidelines are clear and specific and do not require interpretation.

COMPLEXITY:  The duties of this position are clear-cut and directly related; however, the work may be made difficult due to inclement weather.

SCOPE AND EFFECT:  The purpose of this position is to sustain the cleaning and maintenance of the downtown environment and monitor the health of all plants, trees, and greenspaces. The effect of this work is to ensure a concentrated effort of cleanliness and a healthy landscape for a sanitary downtown environment.

PERSONAL CONTACTS:  Contacts are typically with co-workers and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS:  Contacts are typically to exchange information and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Physical demand typically includes standing, stooping, bending, crouching, walking, frequently lifting of light and heavy objects, using tools, climbing ladders, and physically exerting oneself over long periods of time. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work is typically performed outdoors exposing the employee to machinery, noise, dust, direct grease, inclement weather, and sometimes the extreme heat and cold. The work may require the use of protective devices such as gloves, masks, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:  None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent
• Landscaping experience is required.
• 2+ years of groundskeeping experience required.
• Strong attention to detail required.
• A certification in a horticulture or landscaping would be preferred.
• Must be able to perform manual labor and work independently without supervision in adverse weather conditions.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.