Gardener

As a Gardener at the City of Fort Worth, your primary responsibilities will include skilled gardening and landscape work such as design, installation, and maintenance of parks and gardens. You'll also supervise subordinate grounds personnel, operate a variety of landscaping tools and machinery, process work orders, and maintain equipment. It's a role where you’ll actively contribute to enhancing the beauty of our community’s green spaces while ensuring they are well-kept.

To qualify for the Gardener position with the City of Fort Worth, candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, supplemented by college-level course work in Horticulture or a related field. Additionally, you’ll need at least two years of experience in professional gardening or a nursery environment and a valid Texas driver's license. A pesticide applicator's license is also necessary, which you can obtain during your employment.

The Gardener position at the City of Fort Worth comes with a robust benefits package including 11 paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a pension plan, and opportunities for professional development. We believe in taking care of our employees as they take care of our city's green landscape!

Yes, prior experience is needed for the Gardener position at the City of Fort Worth. Specifically, you should have a minimum of two years of responsible experience in a professional gardening or nursery environment, including skills in selecting and applying pesticides, planting, and pruning. However, candidates with relevant work experience might still be considered even if they don’t meet all educational requirements.

The Gardener role at the City of Fort Worth typically requires working Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM. However, you should also be prepared for potential weekend work, holidays, and overtime as needed, especially during peak gardening seasons.

When discussing your experience with landscape design, focus on specific projects you contributed to, including the processes you followed from concept to execution. Highlight your ability to read and interpret landscape plans, your knowledge of local climate considerations, and how your designs contributed to aesthetics and ecological sustainability.

In answering this question, it's important to mention integrated pest management techniques including identifying pests accurately, determining the suitable chemical or organic methods for control, and being cautious about environmental factors. Share any relevant experiences where you successfully managed pest issues in a garden setting.

Explain how you regularly perform maintenance on gardening equipment, such as checking oils and fluids, cleaning tools after use, and ensuring that all operations are safe. Highlight your understanding of the importance of equipment maintenance in extending the lifespan and effectiveness of tools.

When discussing supervisory experience, emphasize your leadership style, and how you motivate and guide your team. Cite examples of how you communicate job expectations, provide training, and foster a collaborative environment that values each team member's input.

Talk about your experience with computerized irrigation systems and your strategies for water conservation. You might mention how you've adjusted irrigation schedules based on seasonal changes or plant needs, and how you troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems when necessary.

Discuss the importance of following safety protocols, using protective gear, and being aware of your surroundings while working. Give an example of a time when you identified a safety hazard and took steps to mitigate it to ensure a safe working experience.

In your response, detail a particular project that posed challenges, such as extreme weather conditions, pest infestations, or limited resources. Highlight how you approached the challenge, the steps you took to overcome it, and the outcome of your efforts.

When answering this, showcase your knowledge of local flora and your understanding of sustainable gardening practices. Mention specific plant varieties that thrive in your area and explain why you would choose them based on factors like drought resistance or maintenance needs.

Share your strategies for staying informed, such as attending workshops, pursuing certifications, following industry publications, or joining local gardening clubs. Your answer should demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field.

In your response, mention how you gather quotes, assess material costs, and allocate resources effectively. Sharing a specific example of a past project budget you've prepared would emphasize your practical knowledge and organization skills.