Greenhouse Attendant

As a Greenhouse Attendant at the City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department, your primary responsibilities include participating in nursery, greenhouse, and tree planting operations. You will care for propagated trees through tasks such as watering and weeding, perform landscape maintenance, and assist in special event preparations. Each day brings a variety of activities that keep our tree farm thriving!

To apply for the Greenhouse Attendant role with the City of Fort Worth, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, alongside specialized training in Horticulture, Floriculture, or Arboriculture. Additionally, having at least two years of experience in a greenhouse or tree farm setting is crucial. A valid driver’s license is also required to help operate necessary vehicles and equipment.

Greenhouse Attendants at the City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department enjoy an attractive benefits package including 11 Paid Holidays, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, a pension plan, and professional development opportunities. These perks provide a great work-life balance and support your personal and career growth.

While specific degrees or certifications enhance your qualifications, the City of Fort Worth may consider applicants who lack formal education if they have relevant work experience. Two years of responsible experience in a professional greenhouse or tree farm environment is preferred, especially in selecting and applying pesticides, planting, and pruning.

Successful Greenhouse Attendants at the City of Fort Worth should have strong communication skills to work effectively with diverse teams and volunteers. Being able to identify common local species of trees, insects, and diseases is essential. A keen sense of safety when operating equipment and the ability to foster a positive team environment will ensure success in this role.

When answering this question, focus on specific roles you’ve held, the tasks you performed, and any special projects you undertook. Highlight your hands-on experience with plant care, pest control, or any specialized training you’ve completed related to horticulture or arboriculture.

Discuss how you assess the urgency of tasks such as watering, weeding, and plant health monitoring. You might explain using checklists or prioritizing based on the needs of the plants or upcoming events to keep operations running smoothly.

Prepare a specific example showcasing your teamwork skills. Discuss your role, what the project aimed to accomplish, how you collaborated with others, and any positive outcomes or feedback received.

Share any methods you're familiar with, including both chemical and organic approaches. You could mention preventive practices, your experience with pesticide application, and monitoring plant health to effectively manage pest populations.

Talk about your understanding of safety protocols, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting pre-operation equipment checks, and adhering to operational guidelines—including training on specific machinery you’ll be using.

Be specific about your previous roles involving tree planting, pruning, and care, and highlight any certifications you might hold, such as from the International Society of Arboriculture. Share techniques or tools you’ve used successfully in the past.

Discuss your approach to volunteer training, focusing on clear communication, step-by-step demonstrations, and the importance of fostering enthusiasm about plant care. Share past experiences that demonstrate your ability to engage and instruct diverse groups.

Name specific plants you’ve worked with, particularly local species relevant to the Fort Worth area. Explain your knowledge in plant care, disease management, and propagation techniques, which can convey your confidence as an expert in the field.

Demonstrate your understanding of the job’s physical requirements, such as lifting, standing for long periods, and outdoor work. You might share your fitness routine or explain how you stay healthy and energized to meet those challenges.

Express your passion for plants, love for the environment, and commitment to community service. Share your admiration for Fort Worth’s initiatives in urban forestry and how your values align with the city’s mission to provide exceptional services to its residents.