Horticulture Specialist

DescriptionJOB SUMMARY This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems throughout all Richland County Recreation Commission parks. The role ensures reliable and efficient watering of fields and landscaped areas to support healthy turf and grounds. In addition to irrigation duties, the position assists ground maintenance staff with equipment transport, construction projects, turf management, and a variety of landscaping activities, contributing to the overall upkeep and appearance of park facilities.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Performs aerification of ball fields and park grounds. Fertilizes ball fields and park grounds. Maintains ball field turf through cutting cycles. Repairs irrigation leaks and makes other irrigation adjustments. Make sure pump stations and timers are working properly. Assists in the planning and overall health of landscaped areas. Driving to and from different locations within the Agency. Assists other departments when needed. Sprays chemicals on ball field turf and other areas assigned by Agency. Performs various landscaping duties including transporting of equipment. Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSHigh school diploma or GED.Two (2) years of related work experience with experience in the safe operation of landscape/horticulture maintenance and grounds equipment, arboriculture or an equivalent level of experience to include operation or compact loaders, chainsaws, chippers, sprayers, sod cutters and various hand tools.Experience is required in construction, building and ballfield maintenance.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESKnowledge of standard practices and procedures for maintenance and repair of equipment.Knowledge of operation and repair turf and gas-powered engines.Knowledge of safe driving and traffic rules and practices.Knowledge of sports field construction, maintenance, and upkeep.Knowledge of job hazards and appropriate safety precautions and equipment to maintain a safe work environment. Knowledge of the operation and preventive maintenance of various types of trucks and light to heavy equipment.Knowledge of ball field construction, maintenance and upkeep procedures.Time management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.Project management skills, including organization, coordination of duties and/or accomplishment of goals.Skill in the operation of heavy equipment.Ability to follow oral and written directions.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.Ability to work as a team member.Ability to operate light and heavy trucks and other equipment in a safe manner, and in accordance with traffic laws and ordinances.Ability to diagnose and repair a wide variety of vehicles and equipment.Ability to meet RCRC standards and assigned functions. CERTIFICATION, LICENSE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSMust possess a valid South Carolina Driver's License and produce an acceptable 10-year driving record.A pesticide applicators license categories General and 3A is preferred or obtained within 6 months of employment.Six months to one year's experience in landscape/horticulture maintenance, arboriculture or an equivalent level of experience to include operation of compact loaders, chainsaws, chippers and hand tools.PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is medium to heavy work and requires exerting up to 70 pounds of force occasionally, up to 40 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work may also require balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, distinguishing among sounds, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity in data/color/observations/equipment, and walking.WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is typically performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands. Requires working weekends and being able to withstand exposure to various climatic conditions.Richland County Recreation Commission has the right to revise this position description at any time and does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

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