HORTICULTURAL WORKER                                                                                           7014

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs specialized work in the care and planting of plants, flowers, shrubs and trees in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaped area.  The employee may assume responsibility for maintenance and repairs in a greenhouse and the supervision of other workers in routine tasks.  Work is performed with technical independence, without direct or continuing supervision.  Performance is subject to review through observation and frequent consultation.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Performs greenhouse and nursery work, such as preparing soil, sowing seeds, cultivating and transplanting seedlings or cuttings, and watering, fertilizing and potting plants.

          Does experimental planting and gardening in various mixtures of soil, sand, compost and other materials.

          Performs soil analysis and testing as to acidity, phosphates and other factors.

          Assists in the planning, preparation and completion of landscaping and gardening projects.

          Supervises other workers in the routine aspects of nursery, greenhouse and landscaping work.

          Consults with supervisor on supplies and equipment required.

          May provide information to the public on the planting and cultivation of plants and gardens, the techniques of composting and the control of insects and other pests.

          May be required to perform semi-skilled laboring duties, such as removing snow from sidewalks, mowing grass, raking leaves, picking up debris, and moving supplies and equipment.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the methods used in propagating, planting, cultivating, pruning, watering, fertilizing, and the general care of plants, flowers, shrubs and lawns; good knowledge of the growth characteristics and typical diseases of a wide variety of flowers and plants, good knowledge of the materials and tools used in greenhouse, nursery and landscaping work; skill in the use of gardening equipment and tools; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions; ability to supervise the work of a small number of subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

         

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          a) Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree or major in Horticulture; or,

         

          b) Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years of experience in the care, planting, and identification and diagnosis of insect and disease problems of plants, flowers, shrubs and trees in a greenhouse, nursery or landscaping operation; or

         

          c) Satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of a) and b).

 

 

R10/02/00

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Non-Competitive

 RR1/23/03