County of Alameda

This series specification describes two gardener classes which, under close supervision at the lower level and under general supervision at the higher level, plant, transplant, and propagate trees, shrubs and flowers; keep an assigned grounds area including hardscape adjacent to County buildings, clean and attractive; and do related work as required.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

This classification is part of a two-level flexibly-staffed class series of the Gardener I/II classification.  Gardener I is the entry-level gardener class in the series.  Positions are under the close supervision of the Landscape Supervisor and are in frequent contact with a journey-level Gardener II.  Incumbents plant, transplant, propagate trees, shrubs and flowers; keep assigned grounds area, including hardscape adjacent to County buildings, clean and attractive; and do related work as required.  The class of Gardener I is distinguished from the next higher one of Gardener II in that the former is the entry level in the series and is in training, learning the full scope of the assigned duties and responsibilities, while the latter class is the journey level, independently performing journey level work and having full responsibility of an assignment.  

Gardener I’s are expected to acquire the necessary skills and certification for progression to the higher level by the completion of the training period and demonstrate proficiency that qualifies them to promote to the higher-level class after the equivalent of one (1) year of full-time services.  Appointment at the Gardener I level will not be extended beyond one (1) year.

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Plant, transplant, prune and care for trees, shrubs, and annual and perennial flowers.
2. Prepare soil for plants and lawns, using natural and artificial fertilizers.
3. Maintain grass lawns with mowers, edgers and blowers.
4. Prune trees and shrubs.
5. Maintain grounds, walkways, and parking lots.
6. Clean up brush and other debris.
7. Install, repair and operate irrigation systems.  
8. May construct paths and walks and occasionally do routine cement work.
9. Use and maintain power and hand tools in good, safe condition.
10. Work with unskilled helpers; i.e., inmates and other special program employees.  
11. Perform all duties in a safe manner.
12. Safely use chemicals.

EITHER I  

Experience:  

The equivalent of six (6) months of full-time experience in grounds maintenance work.  

OR II  

Experience:  

The equivalent of six (6) month combination of related education and/or training and appropriate experience.                                                                      

AND

License:  

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.    

Physical Characteristics:  

May require heavy lifting and the ability to stoop, crouch, climb ladders, and work outside in all weather conditions.  

Special Requirements:  

Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance.  

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:  

• Basic gardening practices.
• Safety awareness.
• Tools and equipment commonly used in ground maintenance work.  

Ability to:

• Learn the gardening trade.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Work in a team.
• Communicate courteously with the public and other County employees.

Revised: 7/80

SP:jc/lm

Revised: 8/22/95

Old document:  0688h

New document:  Jobspecs/7205-7210

ys/3/01

CSC Date:  8/23/95

CH:cs  Revised/Retitled 12/29/10

Old Title:  Gardener I/II

CSC Date:  7/27/11

DR:sa Revised 06/10/2022

CSC Date: 7/27/2022

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.