Gardener I, GSA

Please note that applications will only be accepted on line for this recruitment during the period of July 20, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. to July 23, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.  On July 20, 2012, the apply button will appear which will allow you to submit your application.

The General Services Agency is searching for an energetic Gardener I to keep assigned garden and hardscape areas clean and attractive, plant trees, shrubs and flowers. Positions in this classification are entry level and work under close supervision of the Landscape Supervisor and with journey-level Gardener II’s.  The successful incumbent will be expected to acquire the necessary skills and a Qualified Applicator Certificate for progression to the higher level of Gardener II.  Additionally, due to the work locations, Gardener I’s must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance.  Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator license is required.  For more information regarding Alameda County’s General Services Agency, please visit their website at www.acgov.org/gsa.  The Department’s latest Annual Budget Document can be found on www.acgov.org.

 

DEFINITION

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

GARDENER I is the entrance-level gardener class. 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. 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.

The Ideal Candidate

In addition to meeting the established minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate must possess the following critical attributes:

• Demonstrated experience in grounds maintenance, which includes transplanting, pruning and caring for trees, shrubs, annual and perennial flowers.  Must be physically able to work in inclement weather.
• Proven dedication to Agency, position, co-workers and customers by consistently maintaining a high level of dependability.
• Strong ability to make decisions and prioritize work for varying work sites.
• Consistently maintain effectiveness when experiencing changes in work responsibilities, pest prevention and operational procedures.
• Proven safety record as demonstrated by the ability to identify safety issues and take appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to effectively complete tasks in a timely manner while continuously reviewing work to ensure completeness.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service
• Effectively manages time by appropriately prioritizing work.

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

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

Or II

The equivalent of six-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.

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

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.

Alameda County utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit.  Such a system is competitive and based on broad recruitment efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to test in an examination process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position.  Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, the eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position.  Other recruitments many be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work.

To learn more about our recruitment and selection process, please visit the "What You Need To Know" section of our website:  www.acgov.org/hrs.

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS

Applicants will be informed via email with reasonable notices in advance of any examination process which will require their attendance.  The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the Agency.

Deadline for filing:  Applications will only be accepted on line during the period of July 20, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. to July 23, 2012 by 5:00 p.m. 

Application and minimum qualification review to be completed by: August 6, 2012

Notification to applicants to be issued on August 9, 2012

Performance examination will be conducted on August 25, 2012

Oral examination panel interviews to be conducted on September 6, 2012. 

The examination will consist of the following steps:

1. A review of candidates' application to verify possession of minimum requirements.  Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process.
2. A performance/written component that will be weighted as 50% of the candidate's final examination score.
3. An oral interview which will be weighted as 50% of the candidate's final examination score.  The oral interview may contain situational exercises.

Candidates must attain a qualifying rating on each portion of this examination.  WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ANNOUNCED EXAMINATION STEPS.

Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in the Ideal Candidate section of this brochure. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the selection process.

The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request an accommodation due to a disability during this or other phases of the selection process, please contact the Human Resource Services Department at (510) 272-6472 before the final filing deadline. Alameda County Human Resources Services will require documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation. In order to qualify for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must have a permanent disability pursuant to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's statute of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, as amended, and/or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) Act.

For more information regarding our Reasonable Accommodation procedures, please visit our website, www.acgov.org/hrs

 

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

ABOUT THE COUNTY

Alameda County, located on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is California’s seventh-largest county.  The County employs 9,080 full-time employees and operates on an annual budget of $2.39 billion.  Oakland, the County seat, is California’s eighth largest city.  One and a half million people call Alameda County home and live in a variety of incorporated cities, unincorporated communities and rural areas.  As a major urban county, Alameda provides a full range of services to its citizens.  The County is a blend of culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and its mixture of cosmopolitan and suburban areas provides the perfect environment for families and their active lifestyles.  The County offers extensive cultural resources, countless recreational opportunities and an array of fine public and private colleges and universities.

 

BENEFITS FOR NON-MANAGEMENT POSITIONS

MEDICAL PLANS

The County offers HMO and PPO medical plans.  The County has two contributions structures, 1) County contributes 100% of the lowest cost HMO; or 2) County contributes 90% of the HMO plans and 90% of the lowest cost HMO towards the PPO.  The County contribution can be prorated based on the number of work hours up to 50% of the standard hours in a pay period.  If an eligible employee waives all medical coverage through the County, a monthly stipend may be provided.

DENTAL PLANS

The County offers two Dental Plans: PPO and Dental Maintenance Option (DMO). The County contributes 100% of the family coverage for both plans as long as the employee works at least 50% of the standard hours in a pay period. The PPO option plan design is 100% Preventative, 80% Basic Care, 80% Major Care with a $45 per individual deductible and annual maximum up to  $1,450 per year.  The DMO option has an orthodontic benefit for children as well as adults.

VISION BENEFIT

The County offers two Voluntary Vision Plans through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eligible employees.  The two plans consist of a low option and a high option that offer annual eye exams and coverage for various frames and lenses.  The Voluntary Vision Plan is 100% employee paid and is available for employees and their dependents.  In addition, an annual eye exam is covered for participants in the HMO Medical Plans with corresponding co-pay. 

A Vision Reimbursement Plan is available for some union bargaining units who have a provision in their Memorandum of Understanding that after six months of continuous service, Vision Reimbursement for eye lenses or contacts is provided up to a set dollar amount. This vision reimbursement benefit is available to employees only.

COUNTY ALLOWANCE DOLLARS

The County provides up to $300 of flex dollars annually, dependent upon the eligible employee's represented or unrepresented classification.  These flex dollars can be used to pay for medical premiums.  The unused portion of these flex dollars are deposited into a Health Flexible Spending Account for the employee, which can be used for unreimbursed medical expenses. 

HEALTH FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

Employees may opt to salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 for eligible out of pocket medical, dental and vision expenses such as: prescription co-pays, office visit co-pays, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses.

DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

For employees who have either children under age 13 or dependents (parent, sibling or in-law incapable of self-care) that are dependent upon the employee for care can salary contribute on a pre-tax basis up to $5,000 annually. These pre-tax dollars can be used to pay for day care expenses provided by a licensed facility.

LIFE INSURANCE

The County pays for a Basic Life Insurance policy of $9,000 up to $20,000 for an employee based on the affiliation with their appropriate union.

COMMUTER BENEFITS

For the 2011 Plan Year, an employee can set aside up to $230 a month in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified work-related parking and commuting to and from work transit fees.

HOLIDAYS

Most employees are provided 11 paid holidays plus four floating holidays dependent upon the union bargaining unit.

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE WITH PAY

Vacation accrual ranges from two weeks to five weeks depending upon years of service and the union bargaining unit to which the position is assigned. Sick leave accruals are based on the union bargaining unit and are defined in the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The County has an EAP available for employees, spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependents.  This program provides services such as: counseling, financial consulting, child and elder care consulting and some legal counseling.

DISABILITY or INCOME REPLACEMENT

Two voluntary plans are offered: Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability can be purchased through a payroll deduction or with accrued vacation hours depending upon the union bargaining unit.

LONG TERM CARE

This voluntary benefit extends care for yourself and/or your spouse and/or your parents who experience a serious accident, chronic illness or frailties of old age. Places where care can be provided are: in one’s home, at a nursing home, at an assisted living facility or adult day care center.

 

RETIREMENT

The County retirement program is a Defined Benefit plan and is governed under the provisions of the 1937 Act systems. The County’s retirement is based on one’s age upon entrance, compensation, years of service and specific percentage of employee/employer contributions with the County’s portion vesting after five years of employment.
 
DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The County offers a Deferred Compensation program where an eligible employee can voluntarily contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis, a minimum of $20 per pay period up to the total annual contribution limit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

VETERAN’S PREFERENCE
Those claiming additional preference points as a VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form on the day of the oral examination. Those claiming additional preference points as a DISABLED VETERAN must submit a copy of the DD214 form and a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs confirming eligibility for additional points on the day of the oral examination.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Human Resource Services Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA), Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, and Alameda County Resolution No. R-83-773.  To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.                                                               (510) 272-3703 (TDD)

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All government employees are disaster service workers as defined by California Government Code Section 3100.  In addition to everyday duties, employees have the added responsibility of helping throughout any disaster.

DMV EMPLOYER PULL NOTICE PROGRAM
All county employees who drive on county business are required to enroll in the California Department of Motor Vehicles Employer Pull Notice Program in an effort to promote driver safety.  Employees’ driver record reports will be released to the County Safety Officer in Risk Management to ensure that employees have valid driver’s licenses and are eligible to drive on county business.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
An applicant’s previous employment may be investigated.  Results of this investigation may be cause for disqualification.  Also, all convictions will be reviewed and may result in a request for additional information or termination of employment.  A conviction record will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.  Each case will be given individual consideration, based on job-relatedness.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
All prospective county employees must pass a medical examination before beginning employment.  For positions which require a commercial driver’s license and the performance of functions defined as “safety sensitive,” Federal law and County policy requires that the examination include a drug screening process.  Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of this examination.

Alameda County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  Women, ethnic and racial minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants will be considered without regard to their race, color, religion, sex national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other non-job-related factor.

 

All notices related to County recruitments for which you have applied will be sent/delivered via email. Please add @acgov.org and alamedacountyHR@acgov.org as accepted addresses to any email blocking or spam filtering program you may use. If you do not do this, your email blocking or spam filtering program may block receipt of the notices regarding your application for recruitments. You are also strongly advised to regularly log into your County of Alameda online application account to check for notices that may have been sent to you. All email notices that will be sent to you will also be kept in your personal online application account. You will be able to view all of your notices in your online application account by clicking on the "My applications" button on the Current Job Openings page.

Please take the steps recommended above to insure you do not miss any notices about a recruitment for which you have applied. The County of Alameda is not responsible for notices that are not read, received or accessed by any applicant for a County recruitment.

NOTE: All notices are generated through an automated email notification system. Replies to the email box alamedacountyHR@acgov.org are routed to an unmonitored mailbox. If you have questions please go to our website at www.acgov.org/hrs. You may also contact the Human Resources Analyst listed on the bulletin for the recruitment for which you have applied.

Cheri M. Harraway, Human Resources Analyst II
Human Resource Services Division, County of Alameda
510-208-9593
www.cheri.harraway@acgov.org

www.acgov.org