Gardener

Invitation to Compete #21-24 : Gardener

Facilities and Capital Improvement, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle

Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full-time position (80 hours per pay period)

Salary Range : $30.32 - $36.71 per hour

This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

This position is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library's employees. Candidates are asked to submit an application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV.

This recruitment will be open until the position is filled. Online applications that have been submitted with a cover letter and resume by September 5th, 2024 will receive first consideration.

Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information.

The Gardener position will be assigned to work at multiple sites. Candidates must be able to work flexible hours, and the work shift is subject to change depending on operational and customer needs.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library is Seattle's center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city.

Library staff members are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. Staff members are committed to the Library's organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity, transparency and recognition.

In particular, they demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions.

A strategic priority of the Library is to foster an internal culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning and staff development.

Each Library location throughout the city has varying needs for gardening, landscaping and grounds maintenance depending on seasonal factors, types and condition of facilities, and large improvement projects.

The position reports to and works under the general supervision of the Building and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor. The work of the position is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, involves repetitive work and medium-to-heavy lifting.

Primary duties include gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance tasks such as preparing beds, planting, mowing and maintaining lawns, maintaining irrigation systems, fertilizing, weed and pest control, pruning trees and shrubs, cultivating, edging, and performing general grounds clean-up.

This position will also be responsible for :

• Safely loading, transporting, and unloading materials, supplies and equipment to and from worksites by Library motor vehicle.
• Maintaining gardening equipment and ensuring that stocks of consumable supplies and materials are maintained. Reporting repair and supply needs.
• Operating safely and properly all hand and power tools needed for gardening work.
• Weed and pest control is managed primarily via an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system. Duties may also include use of horticulture chemicals that are approved by the City of Seattle chemical usage guidelines.
• Performing other duties related to landscaping, gardening, and grounds care and maintenance, as directed.
• Vocational training in horticultural trades or demonstrated experience in similar commercial horticultural services.
• Possession of a valid State of Washington driver's license and ability to obtain a City of Seattle driver's permit.
• Knowledge of horticultural chemicals and practices necessary to obtain a Washington State pesticide operator's license and other licenses as the duties may require.
• Ability to follow complex written instructions, including landscaping blueprints and instructions for mixing chemicals and operating equipment.
• Ability to perform tasks under minimal supervision, assess situations and take appropriate action.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including but not limited to ability to perform heavy and prolonged lifting and bending, physical strength and stamina, dexterity, balance, and good vision and hearing.

No allergies to materials or environments commonly found in horticultural trades. Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.

Desired Qualifications :

• A minimum of 2 years previous experience performing professional gardening, landscaping and / or grounds maintenance work, including a minimum of 1 year working in a commercial or institutional setting.
• Perform duties while standing, stretching, bending, reaching and able to lift up to 50 pounds, on a regular basis.
• Completion of a training program in the horticultural profession.
• Ability to work efficiently and cooperatively with others in a diverse team environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills and experience performing grounds maintenance and landscaping to include the following areas : planting, plant identification and care, landscaping, turf maintenance, and irrigation systems.
• Proficient computer skills including the ability to write documents using word processing software, access and operate e-mail, and navigate the internet.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Able to communicate clearly and interact effectively with the public, Library staff and administration and other Facilities personnel, responding with tact and courtesy in the resolution of problems or complaints.
• Safety skills and knowledge must include :
• Knowledge of safety codes and practices.
• Experience reading and working from shop drawings and blue prints.
• Knowledge of or experience using Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5 : 00 p.m. on Thursday September 5th, 2024, will have first considered for this position.

Your application will not be considered if these items are missing or incomplete :

• Online application
• A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.

Please let us know why you are interested in this position.

Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Applications that do not include a cover letter, resume, and complete online application will not be considered.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials.

The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate / support your responses to the supplemental questions.

If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review / selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information

The full salary range for this position is $30.32 - $36.71 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at : https : / / www.seattle.gov / human-resources / benefits / employees-and-covered-family-members / most-employees-plans

Retirement information can be found here : https : / / www.seattle.gov / retirement.

Additional Information

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.

org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.

Last updated : 2024-09-20

Salary : $30 - $37