Pima County is currently looking for a highly motivated Horticulturist to join our team and support the production, irrigation, and salvage efforts at the Native Plant Nursery (NPN) and other restoration programs. The NPN plays a critical role in helping Pima County meet its biological goals as outlined in the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan by providing the highest quality, locally grown plant stock for county projects, educational initiatives, and pollinator gardens. Working alongside a passionate team of county staff and volunteers, the Horticulturist will be responsible for maintaining nursery systems, promoting optimum plant health, and ensuring program and project success. While the position requires minimal office work such as record keeping and coordination with county staff in other departments, the majority of the role will be hands-on in the field. This position will require at least two weekend days per month during the spring and summer months.

Duties/Responsibilities

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the application or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Performs daily inspections and assessments of living inventory and irrigation systems and reports known issues to supervisors.
• Applies prescribed disease, weed, and insect pest control treatments using integrated pest management (IPM) protocols or other approved control measures.
• Assists with inventory production and quality-control measures including seeding, replanting, pruning/root pruning, fertilizer application, seasonal adjustments, and post-salvage care.
• Performs minor irrigation maintenance, repair, construction, and troubleshooting.
• Works with volunteers and partners to salvage native plants growing within Pima County project development sites.
• Works with volunteers and interns in day-to-day nursery operations as well as in specialized tasks or projects within the Natural Resources Division.
• Assists with invasive weed treatments in natural areas managed by Pima County.
• Monitors tools and equipment for proper functionality and reports deficiencies to supervisors.
• Lifts heavy loads (up to 50 pounds) and works outside for long periods of time in inclement conditions.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned in support of the overall goals and functions of both the Human Resources Department and Pima County.
• Work schedule to include some weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED.

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

• Minimum six (6) months of experience in a plant nursery, farm, or botanical garden setting, including working in extreme heat and cold.
• Experience with/knowledge of native plants and/or natural history of the Sonoran Desert.
• Experience with/knowledge of common invasive plant species in our region and experience with control methods.
• Experience working independently, making sound, independent judgment(s) leading to program success.
• Professional or accredited certification(s) in horticulture, arboriculture, irrigation, or related fields.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or prior to completion of an initial/promotional probation. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. As a condition of hire, selected candidates must take the Arizona Department of Agriculture - Pest Control Applicator Core test within 30 days of passing the required background check, and fully obtain Pesticide Applicator Certification/License during the probationary period. Additionally, selected candidate must possess and maintain an Arizona Class D driver’s license free of restrictions during employment. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Due to need for access to law enforcement, detention or correctional facilities, some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by law enforcement agencies. Some positions may carry the risk of exposure to infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, asbestos or wastewater products, therefore special medical screening prior to or during employment may be necessary to assure employee health and safety.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Some positions may require any or all of the following: lifting and carrying up to fifty pounds or more; working in extremes of heat, humidity, dust, or cold; walking/hiking on uneven terrain; standing or walking for extended periods of time, sometimes while carrying equipment; frequent bending and stooping; exposure to variable weather conditions working outside year-round to include high heat, freezing temperatures, wind, rain, and ice or snow; exposure to venomous and/or potentially harmful animals and insects that exist in the Sonoran Desert and frequent exposure to plants with thorns or spines.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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