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 position is the journey-level classification with the Gardener flexibly-staffed series.  Positions in this class perform functions which require the exercise of independent judgment and skilled gardening knowledge.  The Gardener II works under the general supervision of the Landscape Supervisor and assists in giving direction to the Gardener I and other special program employees.  Incumbents are responsible for keeping assigned grounds areas, including hardscape adjacent to County buildings, clean and attractive, planting trees and shrubs, propagating seeds, applying pesticides safely, and installing, repairing and operating irrigation systems.  The Gardener II is distinguished from the lower-level classification of Gardener I in that the latter is expected to acquire the necessary skills and certification for progression to the higher-level by the completion of the training period.

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 apply pesticides and other chemicals.
13. Work with and train unskilled helpers, (i.e., inmates and other special program employees).

EITHER I  

Experience:  

The successful completion of the equivalent of one (1) year of full-time experience in the class of Gardener I in the Alameda County classified service.   

OR II  

Experience:  

The equivalent of two (2) years of full-time experience in skilled gardening work.   

Substitution:  

Successful completion of a two (2) year course in gardening at an accredited trade school may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.  

AND  

Possession and maintenance of a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate, with a Landscape Maintenance (B) or Maintenance Gardener (Q) endorsement issued by the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation by date of the Civil Service exam and maintain said certificate throughout employment.                                                                      

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:  

• Modern gardening methods and procedures.
• The use of gardening tools and equipment.
• Pruning, and fertilizing of trees, shrubs, and lawns.
• Diseases and insects common to plants in these areas and pesticides commonly used for their control.
• Safety practices.  

Ability to:

• Trim and prune trees and shrubs.
• Spray and fertilize plants, shrubs, and lawns.
• Use and maintain gardening equipment.
• Safely lift and operate power tools commonly used in gardening.
• Lead and direct the work of unskilled help; i.e., prisoners, and special program employees.
• Communicate in a courteous manner 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 06/13/2022

CSC Date: 7/28/2022

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.