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This role performs skilled landscape and grounds work to support the appearance, functionality, and long-term care of the Exploration Gardens and Extension grounds. Contributes to the safe and effective operation of the gardens as an educational and community resource for Orange County residents.

Work is performed with independence under the general direction received from the assigned supervisor. Work is reviewed and evaluated for satisfactory performance.

Duties may vary based on area of assignment. The following are representative duties, it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.

• Performs skilled landscape maintenance throughout the Exploration Gardens and Extension grounds, including planting, pruning, mowing, trimming, mulching, watering, fertilizing, weeding, and other horticultural activities.
• Installs, inspects, diagnoses, repairs, and maintains irrigation systems and related landscape infrastructure.
• Identifies and addresses landscape pests, plant diseases, and other plant health concerns. Applies fertilizers and pesticides in accordance with established safety procedures and maintains required application records.
• Operates and performs routine preventive maintenance on grounds and landscaping equipment, including mowers, tillers, edgers, trimmers, blowers, loaders, chainsaws, and other specialized equipment.
• Installs, renovates, and maintains educational and demonstration landscapes within the Exploration Gardens in support of The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension programs.
• Coordinates the work of volunteers assisting with landscape and garden maintenance activities. Provides task instructions and promotes compliance with established safety practices.
• Develops and maintains landscape maintenance schedules, monitors landscape conditions, and identifies maintenance, repair, and replacement needs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

High School diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of landscaping and grounds maintenance experience.

An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted.

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) Pesticide Applicators License or obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Associate degree in horticulture or related field.

Experience with public/private gardens, pest control, and irrigation.