Horticulturist

Job Description:

Horticulturist

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position requires a CDL Class A or B and Horticulturist Experience.

This is a skilled and hands-on lead position of more than average difficulty, performing progressively responsible routine and extensive horticultural tasks on city properties. The Horticulturist displays more specialized and technical knowledge of South Florida plant identification including native and invasive species, Florida friendly landscaping, pruning, planting, relocating, cultivating, weeding, chemical application, irrigation operation and repair, and operation of specific horticulture equipment. The Horticulturist may be assigned to parks, cemeteries, medians, wetlands, preserves, natural areas, greenways, barrier island, and Environmentally Sensitive Areas or other areas within the City. Assignment(s) in these areas includes working in wet conditions and exposure to a wide variety of insects, reptiles and animals.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and Teamsters Local Union 769, for posting purposes this open-competitive job posting shall be considered as a simultaneous internal and external posting (it is open to both internal City employees and external applicants).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Leads and participates in the planting and maintenance of a wide variety of South Florida flowers, plants, shrubs, trees and turf which can be planted and grown successfully in a sub-tropical climate. May lead one or more subordinate.
• Perform site/soil preparation, cultivating, weeding, fertilizing, mulching, watering, pruning, planting, relocating, mowing, removal.
• Diagnoses pests, diseases, cultural problems and mixes and applies chemicals or technique for their control.
• Identify invasive plant material and develop/implement plans and techniques for efficient and ecologically stable maintenance strategies.
• Prune plant material according to ANSI A-300 and ANSI Z-133 and in compliance with City ordinances. Pruning will be performed from both ground level and/or a 60' boom lift.
• Ability to interact in an appropriate and professional manner with staff and public and interpret and communicate botanical and horticultural subjects in fluent English.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs to complete work duties. Monitors and process work orders, keep track of work in progress, maintains detailed records and prepares reports, prepares requests for material and supplies.
• May perform lubrication and minor-electrical maintenance on large and small engine mechanical equipment.
• May attend meetings with management, contractors, and code inspectors regarding special events, construction of new areas, and maintenance problems at assigned areas.
• Be self-motivated, organized, generous team player, attentive to details, with ability to manage time and function effectively without close supervision.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
• Assist with educational horticultural programming and ability to lead a horticulture tour and or horticulture related class.
• Performs related work as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS, PREFERENCES & WORK ENVIRONMENT

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in horticulture, two (2) years of which must have been in Florida. Work experience with native, wetland, and salt tolerant plant species is preferred. A current and valid State of Florida Class "A" or Class "B" Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date. FNGLA Florida Certified Horticulture Professional is preferred. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) to the online application
As public servants, employees may be required to work immediately before, during, and/or after an emergency. All employees must be available and able to work assigned shifts as determined by their Department Heads.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The position involves medium physical demands, such as the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. The ability to work outside in heat, cold, and light rain; continuously walk, stand, bend, twist, and stoop.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; interview; employment record, background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, inclusive employer and a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Fort Lauderdale does not discriminate based on age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Veterans' preference per Florida law. If claiming Veteran's Preference, candidates must attach a DD214 Member 4 form, and the City of Fort Lauderdale's veteran's preference claim form ( J-204) . to the online application.



The City of Fort Lauderdale offers a comprehensive benefits package to all regular full-time employees including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability insurance.

Click here for an overview of employment information including our benefits package.

Say "Hello" to the City of Fort Lauderdale and Say "Goodbye" to Your Student Loan!Under the U.S. Department of Education's Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, the remaining balance on your student loan may be forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time at the City of Fort Lauderdale. Click here for more information or to see if you qualify.

In addition to the competitive benefits package and salary, the City of Fort Lauderdale participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) which offers an investment option and a pension option and requires a 3% contribution from employees. All new City of Fort Lauderdale employees are automatically enrolled in FRS. Click here to view additional information on the Florida Retirement System.

Closing Date/Time: 8/25/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Salary:

$23.65 - $36.66 Hourly