Temporary Horticulture Specialist II

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities. I am excited that you are considering joining our team. Every day, we have the privilege of serving a city that values connection, creativity, and community. Our parks, programs, and cultural spaces reflect Alexandria’s diversity and spirit, and our people are the heart of it all.

As you explore opportunities within RPCA, know that you are stepping into a department where teamwork, curiosity, and service guide everything we do. We take pride in our work, we find purpose in our impact, and we celebrate the difference each team member makes. Together, we are building something meaningful for the people of Alexandria, and I am grateful for your interest in being part of it.

Hashim T. Taylor, Director, Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

Temporary Horticultural Specialist II Part Time Hours About You

You are service-minded, dependable, and take pride in your work. You bring energy, professionalism, and a sense of purpose to every task, whether maintaining a park, supporting a program, or greeting visitors.

By joining RPCA, you become part of a team that takes pride in serving Alexandria and shaping experiences that last a lifetime.

As Part Of RPCA, You Will Be Expected To

• Serve with purpose and approach each day with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence
• Embody accountability and curiosity by taking initiative, asking questions, and seeking solutions
• Demonstrate teamwork and respect, supporting colleagues and fostering a positive, inclusive environment
• Stay responsive and reliable by being attentive, dependable, and engaged with the community
• Reflect our values through transparency, professionalism, and wholehearted dedication to service

Horticultural Specialist II performs horticultural tasks of a specialized nature. The Specialist will assist in the development and coordination of a comprehensive Natural Resource Management Plan and Natural Resource Inventory to protect and preserve natural resources throughout the City. Work sites include office and field sites across the City. Work will consist primarily in invasive species management.

This work is performed under the general supervision and guidance of the Natural Resources Manager. Illustrative Examples of Work

• Conducts vegetation and natural resource inventories throughout the City.
• Produces maps, technical reports, flora lists, and natural resource assessments to aid planning, management, and resource preservation.
• Consults with Federal, State, and City agencies, consultants, contractors, organizations, and those involved with land‑use planning and the management of Alexandria’s natural resources.
• Coordinates with the Natural Resources Managers for control and eradication methods where applicable, including efforts by Federal State, and local agencies, contractors, consultants, organizations and citizens.
• Performs hands‑on removal of invasive exotic plants and works with citizen and volunteer groups to remove invasives (mainly during growing season).
• Implements plantings, site restoration and maintenance at parks and natural areas throughout the City to include planting design; selection of plants, soils fertilizers and materials; and coordinates planting with citizens and organizations

Essential Knowledge,

Skills And Abilities

Good knowledge of safety precautions applicable to various chemicals, including herbicides and pesticides; good knowledge of the methods, practices, tools, and materials used in horticulture, skill in the use and care of tools and equipment used in grounds maintenance tasks; ability to interpret and work from landscape plans and planting diagrams; physical ability to perform manual job tasks.

Job Family, Contribution Level and Career Ladder

Job Family:
Medical/Scientific/Engineering/Technology Professions Contribution Level: 3

Career Ladder:
This job class is not part of a Career Ladder program

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Two-Year College Degree;
Five-ten years experience working with a combination of botany/plant ecology of the local region, geology, soil science, hydrology, wetlands science,…