Trainee Native Plants Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description The Jefferson City Parks, Recreation, and Forestry is seeking a knowledgeable and dependable Parks Maintenance Worker- Landscape & Beautification to support the care and enhancement of Jefferson City's parks, select public landscapes, and naturalized areas. This position focuses on plant care, landscape improvement, ecological stewardship, and botanical expertise. Examples of Duties The Landscape & Beautification team performs a wide range of landscape care duties, including maintaining ornamental landscape beds and wetland/native plantings through weeding, mulching, pruning, deadheading, spot spraying, and seasonal clean-ups.

Staff use strong plant identification skills to recognize native, ornamental, and invasive species, assess plant health, and diagnose pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. Responsibilities include planting and establishment of trees, shrubs, perennials, and native plants with proper soil preparation, spacing, watering, and care, along with invasive species management to protect ecological integrity. Seasonal operations include leaf collection, horticultural upkeep, and snow and ice removal on trails, parking lots, and sidewalks.

Staff operate and maintain landscape tools, vehicles, and heavy/light equipment such as augers, brush hogs, mini excavators, chippers, skid loaders, and trucks, and perform preventive maintenance as needed. Duties also include site inspections to identify hazards, irrigation issues, and maintenance needs, as well as maintaining accurate records of daily work. Employees must work safely by securing worksites, following work zone safety rules, and using required PPE such as safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and hearing protection.

Staff is expected to represent Parks & Recreation positively when interacting with golfers, park visitors, volunteers, and coworkers, perform other related duties as assigned, and work under the general supervision of the Parks Resources Supervisor. Typical Qualifications The ideal candidate would have knowledge of native Missouri flora, ornamental plant species, and invasive plant identification; horticultural principles and ecological landscape practices; operation and maintenance of landscape tools and vehicles. Physical: Ability to work in extreme weather conditions; lift, carry, push, and pull up to 100 pounds; stand for extended periods; operate and maintain a variety of landscape tools and vehicles.

Mental: Ability to follow directions; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; organize equipment, supplies, and vehicles necessary for daily work tasks; work independently and as part of a team; maintain a positive Parks and Recreation image while working closely with golfers, coworkers, and the general public. Parks Maintenance Trainee: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Parks Maintenance Worker: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and one-year experience directly involved horticulture, landscaping development on grounds maintenance, or closely related field.

Obtains and maintains a public use pesticide applicators license. Obtains and maintains Missouri Class B CDL with air brake and tank endorsement. Senior Parks Maintenance Worker: Requires a high school diploma and four years' experience in construction and equipment maintenance/repair and depending on the position, horticulture, landscaping, general tree care or parks ground maintenance.

Obtains and maintains a public use pesticide applicators license. Obtains and maintains Missouri Class B CDL with air brake and tank endorsement. Supplemental Information The successful candidate possesses thorough knowledge of native Missouri plant species, ornamental plants, and invasive vegetation identification, as well as horticultural principles and ecological landscape management practices.

They understand the safe operation, maintenance, and proper use of landscape equipment, tools, and vehicles and demonstrate knowledge of safe work practices and procedures necessary for performing outdoor landscape maintenance duties effectively. Typical hours worked are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Weekend hours may be required, based on the needs of the department and community events

Specific job title and salary depend upon qualifications. Minimum starting salary for a Parks Maintenance Worker Trainee is $16.96 per hour and maximum salary for a Senior Parks Maintenance Worker is $28.04 per hour. EEO-M/F/D/V