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.

 

GARDENER II, PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY is the journey-level gardener classification. 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 Field Maintenance Supervisor and assists in giving direction to the Gardener I and other special program employees. Incumbents are responsible for keeping assigned ground areas clean and attractive, planting trees and shrubs, propagating seeds, applying pesticides safely, and installing, repairing and operating irrigation systems.

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

EITHER I

Possession and maintenance of a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate, with a Landscape Maintenance (B) or Gardener Maintenance (Q) endorsement.

AND

The equivalent of one year full-time experience in the class of Gardener I in the Alameda
County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital
Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

OR

The equivalent of two years full-time experience in skilled gardening work. (Successful completion of a two-year course in gardening at an accredited trade school may be substituted for one year of the required experience.)

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:

• Modern gardening methods and procedures.
• The use, maintenance and minor repair 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 assigned staff and/or unskilled help; i.e., prisoners, and special program employees.
• Communicate in a courteous manner with the public and other County employees.
• Read, write and communicate effectively.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Newspecs: 9102-9103.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.