Gardener

Contra Costa County's Public Works Department is seeking qualified individuals to fill multiple Gardener vacancies. Gardeners perform a range of skilled work in grounds maintenance in a team-based environment to preserve and beautify the green spaces of County facilities and parks, street medians and unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. Gardeners maintain the appearance of County grounds by planting, fertilizing, cultivating trees, lawns and shrubs and caring for ornamental flowers using various gardening hand tools and equipment. In addition, Gardeners are responsible for maintaining and controlling the weeds in open land areas. In emergencies, Gardeners may respond to situations related to public safety such as removing debris from a fallen tree.
 
The Public Works Department provides for the construction, maintenance and improvement of infrastructure within the unincorporated area of the County and the Flood Control District as well as county buildings and grounds. The department is organized to conform to the process of developing and building projects. Public Works maintains 660 miles of roads and 150 miles of streams; channels and other drainage facilities as well as maintains 93 county buildings.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is self-motivated and enthusiastic about their work;
• Is safety oriented and displays consciousness about safety application requirements;
• Works hard, displays honesty and has a positive mindset;
• Is a team player;
• Has a willingness to learn and demonstrates adaptability;
• Communicates well;
• Is accountable, dependable and reliable;
• Takes pride in their work.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Maintaining landscape at county buildings/ various road sides/ medians
• Keeping drains/ walkways clear and free from debris
• Removing litter / trash
• Using weed abatement methods throughout the county
• Operating various power tools/large equipment/towing trailers
• Reporting all safety hazards
• Apply herbicides as needed  

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will receive training on the job
• You will be part of a diverse team, where teamwork is highly encouraged
• Flexible scheduling available
• All tools and equipment will be provided

A few challenges you might face:

• You may be asked to work in adverse conditions, such as outdoors in all types of weather, and in high-speed traffic areas
• You will be performing some strenuous physical activities
• You may encounter different terrain types, such as slippery, rugged, or uneven areas
• You will have some complex time management requests, at times may need to be on pace with other working crews

Competencies Required

• Mechanical Insight: Comprehending how mechanical, electrical, and structural systems operate and interact
• Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

To read the complete job description, please visit the website; Class Specifications | Gardener | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com)
 
Candidates will remain on the established eligible list for twelve months. 

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator’s license will be accepted during the application process.
 
Experience: One year of full-time experience as a gardener or groundskeeper performing the full range of grounds maintenance tasks.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Possession of a Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) issued from the State of California
• Experience working in Horticulture
• Experience working as an Arborist
• Education in horticulture 
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Experience
• Experience using a Bobcat or Kubota
• Experience operating a wood chipper

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Gardener Multiple Choice Assessment: Candidates that possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the Gardener Multiple Choice Assessment. The multiple choice assessment will be administered via a web-based platform. The multiple choice assessment will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Gardener classification. These may include, but are not limited to: mechanical insight, safety focus, action and results focus, adaptability, attention to detail, displaying ownership and accountability, customer focus, teamwork. (Weight 100%) 

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Delaina Gillaspy at Delaina.Gillaspy@hrd.cccounty.us . For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs’ applicant support team for assistance at 1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Salary : $55,058 - $60,701