Job Class Specification for:
GARDENER, ASSISTANT

Class Specification Schematic Number: 9100003

Class Summary:

Positions in this class perform a variety of semi-skilled work associated with gardening activities including the planting, transplanting, cultivation and general care of flowers, shrubs, trees, plants and landscape areas.

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class:

This is the entry level position in the Gardener series which, under close supervision, performs general gardening activities such as weeding, raking, pruning, mulching, fertilizing, transplanting, and clean up of landscaped areas. Positions work on landscape construction, landscape maintenance, street tree planting, or maintenance crews.

A basic knowledge of methods, materials, procedures, tools, and equipment associated with landscaping and gardening is required. Tasks are usually clear cut and call for strict compliance with existing guidelines. Contacts with the public is occasional and incidental to the performance of the work.

Examples of Work:

• Assists in the propagating, planting, cultivating, watering, and fertilizing of flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, and other plant materials.
• Plants bulbs, annuals, perennials, ground cover, shrubs, and trees.
• Under supervision, operates spray equipment to apply herbicides and pesticides to shrubs, trees, lawns, and planting areas, and inside electrical substation fences.
• Transplants and prunes trees and shrubs.
• Prepares, plants, and maintains planting beds; seeds lawn areas and cuts and transplants sod.
• Waters, fertilizes, mows, aerates, picks up litter, and generally maintains lawn areas.
• Operates motor vehicles to, between, and from assigned work locations.
• Maintains required records; prepares necessary reports.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.   Required to lift objects weighing 50 pounds or less. Requires handling or working with toxic/hazardous substances. Required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Required to work in areas of high vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

One year gardening experience (Combination of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

Current Washington State driver's license.

Comments:

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Class History:

Class adopted January 2, 1991.

Date posted 7/19/1999

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