Gardener – EXAM

Definition

Under general supervision, is responsible for planting and cultivating trees, plants, and shrubs, and for maintaining landscaped grounds and/or tree nursery; performs related duties as required.

Examples of Work

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

• Plants and transplants bulbs, seeds, flowers, shrubs, and small trees;
• Prunes trees and shrubs; weeds, waters, and cultivates flower beds; maintains landscaped grounds;
• Harvests bare root trees from the nursery field; plants and stakes tree whips;
• Applies mulch to gardens and areas around small trees and shrubs;
• Removes dead leaves, flowers, small trees, and shrubs; mows and edges around gardens, trees, and shrubs; removes ice and snow from steps and walkways; maintains grates and guards around trees;
• Collects and grows plants from seeds, cuttings, and/or seedlings; tends to seedlings and young trees;
• Operates and maintains machinery and vehicles; checks fluid levels, greases parts, and sharpens and/or replaces pruner or mower blades;
• Operates a laptop computer or tablet to access and complete work orders;
• Applies pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizer to flowers, trees, shrubs, and landscaped grounds;
• Grounds out tree stumps for preparation of planting new trees;
• Removes trash, litter, and debris from flower beds and landscaped grounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of nursery, greenhouse, and/or professional gardening experience. Substitution(s): Three (3) courses in arboriculture, floriculture, horticulture, entomology, or plant pathology may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

By the completion of the probationary period, must possess a valid Commercial Applicator License (Ornamental Plant and Shade Tree Pest Control category) issued by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Test/Job Contact Information

The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE, eligible list, and will replace the names on the current list. If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Test Center at 614-645-7439.

The examination process will consist of a computerized exam weighted 100% covering Tool Use, Plant Diseases & Pest Infestations, Safety, Gardening Techniques, Plant/Tree Identification, Public Relations, Map Reading; and Microsoft Outlook 2016/2019.

The exam is expected to be administered in July. Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidate’s name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test. 

The certification process will be: Fixed Band

The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the City’s Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the City’s human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.

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