Lead Horticulture Technician (Facilities)

The Lead Horticulture Technician coordinates and supervises technical and manual work while participating in horticulture functions related to the planting, removal and care of various plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees located on County-owned grounds. Additionally, the incumbent keeps county grounds clear of any branches or debris for safety and appearance.The following statements describe the principal functions of this job and its scope of responsibility but shall not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including working in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. - Participates in and provides lead direction over employees engaged in planting, removing, transplanting, cultivating, trimming, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, and irrigation necessary for the healthy growth of trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers on County-owned grounds. - Makes inspections to detect evidence of diseases, insects, or other conditions endangering or inhibiting the proper growth of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers. Takes corrective measures when such conditions exist by mixing and applying fertilizer, pesticide or herbicides. - Provides instruction to subordinate personnel in the proper horticultural maintenance of flowers, trees, and plants. - Makes minor repairs to tools and irrigation equipment used on County premises. - Create master calendar for applications of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and make sure applications are coordinated with other horticulture staff. - Prepared detailed list of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides to be used by Department Manager for annual budget and place orders working within the established budget - Sprays County buildings for pest control. - Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel. Emergency Response County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description. Employees may request an exemption from this requirement by submitting the appropriate exemption form, subject to review and approval.Minimum Qualifications - High school diploma or equivalent (GED) - Two (2) years’ experience in landscape maintenance, nursery or horticultural operation, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion. Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations - Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida and be insurable by current insurance carrier, or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle. - Certification as a Public Applicator by the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to purchase and use restricted pesticides pursuant to Chapter 487 of Fla. Statutes. - Licenses in all of the following areas: apply pesticides correctly (Core Test), ornamental and turf. - Must take annual inmate supervision training given by Sheriff’s Office. - This position may be subject to the Hepatitis B Vaccine and other vaccines as necessary. - Must have or be able to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses: - IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS) - IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents - IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System Required Competencies - Knowledge of modern practices and principles of horticulture, arboriculture, agronomy and related fields. - Knowledge of insects, parasites, diseases, and other infestations which affect trees, shru…