The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is seeking an experienced Gardener to become part of a team that creatively develops outdoor spaces for the community's enjoyment. The Gardener will prepare, install, and maintain landscape beds, assist in planning new landscape areas, and maintain plants within parks, streetscapes, gardens, facility grounds, and public areas. Additionally, this position provides technical horticultural information and advice to staff and the public on garden-industry best practices and the science behind gardening, designing, and landscaping.

Specific duties:

• 
  Operating small power tools and equipment to install and maintain landscape beds, natural woodland areas, and trees on streets and in parks;
• Monitoring the growth, development, and functionality of landscapes at County sites;
• Performing diagnostic horticultural work to monitor plant health, managing weeds and other pests;
• Driving various vehicles, including pickup trucks, trailers, and trucks; and
• Collaborating with team members on landscape maintenance and installation, tree planting, and insect/disease control.

Minimum:

• 
  High school diploma/GED; and
• Two (2) years of experience in landscaping, gardening, horticulture, or a related field.

• Experience with plant material identification, including the uses and cultural requirements for trees, shrubs, and perennials;
• Formal horticultural training;
• Using an automated work order system;
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A or B; and
• Possession of certification(s) from: Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS); International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP); Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA), and/or similar organizations.

• Applicant must obtain and maintain a Virginia Registered Technician's License within six (6) months of hire.
• Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of placement in role. Any employee hired without this certification will be appointed as a trainee, until the certification is obtained. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
• Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test if applicable. The successful applicant will be subject to drug screening, at such times during employment, as required by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
• A pre-hire background check will be required, which may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
• The work environment includes exposure to drafts, varying weather conditions of heat and cold, noise, dust, grease, and dirt; including extended periods of standing, walking, bending, crouching, and lifting light to very heavy objects and equipment.

Work hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The employee may be required to work some weekends and evening hours and must be available for emergency callback and hold-over.

Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

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