Park Horticulturist - Denver Parks and Recreation

ABOUT THE ROLE Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking three Park Horticulturists for the East, Northeast, and Northwest districts of Denver. This position offers a unique opportunity for professionals passionate about creating beautiful landscapes and natural areas for citizens. Park Horticulturists perform restoration, cultivation, care, and management within various natural and traditional park landscapes and gardens. The role involves working outdoors, guiding less seasoned workers, and implementing best practices in horticulture. This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, typically from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform cultivation, restoration, management, and general maintenance of flower gardens, lawns, shrubs, trees, ground covers, natural areas, and wildlife habitats - Guide less seasoned workers to implement best practices in horticulture - Prepare working sketches of flower beds or water-conserving landscapes - Prepare, fertilize, amend, or condition soils for different types of plants or plant communities - Participate in planning and development of planting programs, natural open space restoration projects, and management schedules - Make recommendations for the number and types of plants to be grown in assigned locations - Perform weed management and determine appropriate growing conditions (soil, sunlight, moisture, temperature, humidity) - Prepare reports and maintain records of plant maintenance, weed management, and restoration activities - Ensure safe handling and proper utilization of hand-powered tools, motorized equipment, and spray equipment - Safely mix, prepare, and appropriately apply chemicals - Develop and modify work plans to align with innovative approaches and best practices - Perform related park maintenance tasks such as trash collection, bathroom maintenance, vandalism repair/graffiti removal, and snow removal as needed MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Education: High school diploma or GED/HiSET/TASC Certificate - Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the cultivation and care of a wide variety of ornamental/native plants OR horticultural/ecological restoration - Licensure/Certification: Valid Driver's License at the time of application SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Certification in Pesticide Application by the State of Colorado must be obtained by completion of the probationary period and kept current as a condition of employment - Equivalency: Additional appropriate education may substitute for minimum experience requirements, except for one year of experience in the care of ornamental/native plants or restoration. For example: - Master Gardener Program completion may substitute up to four semester hours - Relevant Continuing Education Units (CEU) in horticulture or Naturalist Training Programs may substitute for three semester hours (45 contact classroom hours = 3 semester hours) - Additional appropriate experience in horticulture, botany, natural resources, range management, or restoration may substitute for the education requirement - Must have valid work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship - Employees may be re-deployed to other capacities during citywide emergencies SELECTION PROCESS - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis - Selection is based on the evaluation of education, experience, and qualifications relative to the position requirements HOW TO APPLY - Submit application online via the City and County of Denver career portal - Job Requisition ID: R0082004 - Apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration - To request accommodations (language assistance, sign language interpretation, etc.), contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days’ notice EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City and County of Denver, Parks and Recreation - Location: Greater Denver Area (East, Northeast, and Northwest districts) - Job Type: Full-Time, Unlimited Position Type - Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. - Benefits: - Guaranteed life-long monthly pension (vested after 5 years) - 457B Retirement Plan - 140 hours of PTO earned within the first year - 11 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, and 1 volunteer day per year - Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date - Equal Opportunity Employer: Provides equal employment opportunities without regard to protected characteristics.