County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

This series specification unique to the Public Works Agency 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 clean and attractive; and do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

GARDENER I, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY is the entrance-level gardener class. Positions are under the close supervision of the Field Maintenance Supervisor or Gardener II. Incumbents plant, transplant, propagate and stake trees, shrubs and flowers; keep assigned grounds area clean and attractive; and do related work as required. This position is flexibly staffed, with the incumbents expected to acquire the necessary skills and certification for progression to the higher level by the completion of the training period.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

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. Police 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. Set up and maintain traffic controls, signs, barricades, etc. for safe working zones.

11. Work with unskilled helpers; i.e., inmates and other special program employees.

12. Safely apply pre- and post-emergent pesticides.

13. Lead and train Gardener I and unskilled helpers; i.e., inmates and other special program employees.

14. Prepare and maintain accurate time reports, chemical use report and other logs/reports as related to their work or as assigned by their supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE:

The equivalent of one year full-time experience in grounds maintenance work.

License:

Possess and maintain a valid California Motor Vehicle Class C Driver’s License. Candidates must submit evidence from the DMV showing current status of their license at the time of application and must have a clean driving record for the previous three-year period.

Physical Characteristics:

May require heavy lifting and the ability to stoop, crouch, climb ladders, and work outside in all weather conditions; work around heavy equipment, in noisy environments, on roadways and medians, etc.

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

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

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.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 9102.doc
MH:cs 3/2/11
CSC Date: 7/27/11
MH:cs Revised 2/3/15
CSC Date: 4/29/15

BENEFITS

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.