Parks Horticulture Foreman at CITY OF MEMPHIS in Memphis, Tennessee

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Works under the general supervision of assigned supervisor to direct and coordinate small crews responsible for a city-wide horticultural program. Supports the efforts of all General Services’ departments to beautify city parks and parkways through planning, designing, planting, and maintaining various species of plants and flowers. Instructs assigned crew on dispensing and mixing of chemicals, proper use and operation of assigned equipment. Inspects equipment, oversees routine maintenance and notifies supervisor of needed repairs. Plans and designs floral displays and landscape plantings. Determines the appropriate species of plant to use based of aesthetic value and climate conditions. Coordinates with city arborists, landscape architects, and local managers. Schedules, trains, supervises, and participates with a work crew to plant shrubs, trees, perennials, and seasonal and floral displays. Develops and oversees a maintenance program for highly specialized planting areas to ensure that plants can survive in 
their environment including examining plants for disease and treating appropriately. Monitors work crews performing their assigned duties by driving to various locations throughout the city. Instructs and participates with staff in the safe and effective application of chemicals and agricultural products and maintaining records of all work performed. Coordinates special planting projects including training and supervising volunteers.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:
1. Coordinates and participates in horticultural workshops and public seminars.
2. Prepares and makes presentations to secure financial grants and sponsorships.
3. Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Requires the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Requires the ability to perform gardening duties including bending, stooping, shoveling, and traversing uneven ground. Requires the ability to operate lawn and garden equipment such as a power trimmer and riding mower. Requires the ability to lift and carry objects such as leaf blower or bags of fertilizer weighing up to 50 lbs. Requires the 
ability to operate an automobile, dump truck, or tractor.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Majority of work is performed at various outdoor locations. May be exposed to dust, fumes, odors, noise, heat and all types of weather conditions. Requires exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals and equipment such as a chainsaw. Travels to various Memphis Park locations to oversee and inspect projects. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field and three (3) years’ professional experience in horticulture and landscape maintenance including specific experience in designing horticulture displays and greenhouse production techniques with one (1) of the three (3) years in a supervisory capacity; or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Must possess 
and maintain a valid driver’s license as a condition of continued employment. Must possess and maintain a Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification as a condition of continued employment.

The City Charter requires that City Employees must establish residence within Shelby County within six (6) months from date of Employment. Proof of residence will be required at the time of hire. The City Charter requires that City Employees, with the EXECEPTION of “first responders”, must establish residence within Shelby County within six (6) months from their date of Employment. Proof of residence will be required at the time of hire. As defined by Tennessee House Bill 105, "first responder means paid, full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel and dispatchers of law enforcement, fire and emergency medical service departments." 
 
The City of Memphis is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Office of Talent Management at talent.management@memphistn.gov.