This is professional and supervisory work in the development of a horticultural program in the Park and Recreation Department.

An employee in this class is responsible for developing a department-wide horticultural program to assure the growth and healthy development of non-turf plant materials at the various metropolitan parks, community parks and other park facilities. Responsibilities include supervising field and container nursery operations, reviewing horticultural matters with a variety of department officials, purchasing horticultural materials and coordinating plant material propagation and acquisition activities. Supervision is exercised over a staff of supervisors, equipment operators, semi-skilled and unskilled laborers engaged in various phases of the program. Supervision is received from a technical and administrative superior who reviews work for effective on-going development and implementation of the horticulture program through personal conferences, written reports and observation of field activities.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Supervises through a subordinate supervisor an extensive plant and tree and tree nursery operation including pruning and transplanting of trees and shrubs, pruning and trimming of trees, and weed control in the field and container nurseries.

Develops a comprehensive department-wide horticulture program to assure the growth and healthy development of plants, trees shrubs and other non-turf materials.

Consults with a variety of park and recreation officials concerning horticultural matters pertaining to their respective areas of responsibility.

Analyzes horticultural needs and purchases horticultural materials for nursery and field operations.

Works with landscape architects and landscape supervisors in the selection, propagation and installation of plant material; reads landscape plans prepared by landscape architects and determines horticultural materials required and physical arrangement of landscaping; assists in installation and authorizes substitution of horticultural materials or relocations as needed.

Coordinates plant material propagation and acquisition with other horticultural programs of other jurisdictions.

Examines horticultural materials to determine the presence of plant and tree diseases and pests.

Prepares a variety of reports, forms and requisitions.

Makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; authorizes leave and overtime; evaluates and rates employee performance.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of modern Horticulture.

Considerable knowledge of park and recreation landscape operations.

Considerable knowledge of the location and nature of park and recreation horticultural areas and facilities.

Considerable knowledge of plant and tree diseases and pests.

Considerable knowledge of the operation of extensive plant and tree nurseries.

Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Knowledge of established safety practices and procedures.

Ability to develop and implement a comprehensive horticultural program.

Ability to supervise subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to recognize plant and tree diseases and pests.

Ability to keep records and prepare reports.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

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