Vision: Seattle is a thriving and equitable community powered by dependable transportation.

Mission: To deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities.

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is a nationally recognized municipal transportation agency at the leading edge of multi-modal transportation.  In our quickly growing city, accessibility, safety, affordability, and reliability – are top of mind for us every day! Our core values drive our work toward creating an equitable, sustainable, and vibrant city for all. SDOT’s core responsibilities include maintenance and operations of the city’s transportation right-of-way, the expansion of the city’s bicycle and pedestrian network, care of over 240 bridges, permitting use of public spaces and enhancing access to the regional transit system. With approximately 950 dedicated staff, SDOT maintains an operational presence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in all weather conditions to serve and ensure Seattle’s public mobility.

Position Overview: 
Work in the Urban Forestry unit of the Maintenance Operations division of the Seattle Department of Transportation performing skilled and complex work in propagation, planting, soil preparation, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, and caring for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and turf areas within the city of Seattle. The gardener teams with other gardeners in close proximity to the public, performing work in SDOT landscapes located within the right-of-way (ROW). This position reports to the Landscape Supervisor.

• Work independently and occasionally lead small crews of intermittent and regular laborers and assistant gardeners;
• Evaluate conditions and situations in the field and take appropriate action without direct supervision on a regular basis;
• Utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in order to control invasive and noxious weeds;
• Operate and perform minor maintenance of small hand and power tools such as hedge trimmers, string trimmers, edgers, mowers, and chainsaws;
• Plant, transplant, weed, prune, and care for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees and turf areas; maintain landscaped areas along high-volume transportation corridors where traffic control measures are required to protect the safety of the work crew and the public;
• Estimate, plan, and coordinate work for safety and efficiency;
• Prescribe and oversee the management of traffic control set-ups as well as the transport of materials and equipment to and from worksites;
• Implement projects to install new or renovate existing landscaped areas based on work instructions and project plans;
• Responsible for the proper use of safety gear and work practices to ensure safety for all work activities including work in highly urban areas where it is common to encounter refuse for which specific safety measures, handling, and disposal techniques are required;
• Communicate effectively with the public and community groups and oversee volunteer-supported efforts;
• Respond to emergencies in the ROW involving vegetation, landslides, or other weather-caused events
• Work in a multicultural work place and with diverse customers, emphasizing communication for cooperation, collaboration, and inclusiveness in support of department goals to promote diversity and social justice.

These responsibilities are only a summary of typical functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Two years’ work experience in landscape construction or maintenance or in the propagation and maintenance of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees at a conservatory, greenhouse, or nursery.

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

Desired Qualifications: 
• One-year lead/supervisory experience and training overseeing maintenance of landscaped areas along high volume transportation corridors or similar sites where pedestrian and traffic control measures are required for work operations;
• Six months experience operating commercial riding mowers;
• One-year experience in the prescription and implementation of Integrated Pest Management strategies for the management of invasive weed species and other pests specific to Pacific NW plant materials;
• One-year experience in the interpretation of work instructions including landscaping plans;
• Class B CDL with tanker endorsement and airbrake restriction removed;
• ISA Certified Arborist. WSNLA CPH (Certified Professional Horticulturalist).

Other Requirements: 

Work Environment/Physical Demands:
• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Required to lift objects that weigh 50 pounds or less.
• Handles or works with toxic/hazardous substances.
• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Required to work in areas of high vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education.
3. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including potential background check, pre-placement physical exam, and full driver’s abstract.
 
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.