Horticultural Technician I or II

Technical Landscape & Grounds Maintenance – North Florida

We are seeking a skilled and dependable Horticulture Technician I or II to perform technical landscape and grounds maintenance work consistent with North Florida industry standards. This role requires strong horticultural knowledge, hands‑on equipment experience, and the ability to work independently while maintaining high standards of safety, productivity, and quality.

Under general supervision, the incumbent performs landscape installation and maintenance functions including pruning, planting, fertilization, irrigation system operation and repair, and chemical application. Work is evaluated through observation and results achieved.

• Perform landscape and grounds maintenance including pruning, planting, fertilization, irrigation operation and repair, and general landscape installation.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides in accordance with safety standards and conduct Integrated Pest Management (IPM) scouting to identify and control insects, weeds, and diseases.
• Safely operate and maintain handheld tools (chainsaws, pole saws, trimmers, blowers, sprayers, spreaders, hand tools) and larger equipment (mowers, tractors, mini‑excavators, backhoes).
• Complete manual labor tasks such as hand weeding, debris removal, litter collection, and maintenance of equipment and shop areas.
• Support Park Operations by assisting with special event preparation and participating in emergency response efforts during hurricanes, floods, and other natural or man‑made disasters.
• Assume Foreman‑level responsibilities when assigned, including directing staff, planning weekly work activities, and submitting administrative reports.

• Demonstrated experience in landscape maintenance, horticulture, or groundskeeping.
• Working knowledge of plant health care, irrigation systems, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
• Ability to safely operate a wide range of landscape tools and heavy equipment.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and the ability to work independently for extended periods.
• Willingness to perform physically demanding outdoor work and assist during emergency response situations.

Candidates who bring strong technical expertise and a commitment to maintaining high‑quality public landscapes are encouraged to apply.

Horticultural Technician I: Possession of a high school diploma or an equivalent recognized certificate and one year of experience that includes landscaping, grounds care, lawn maintenance, nursery operations, irrigation, or a related field.

Horticultural Technician II: Possession of a high school diploma or an equivalent recognized certificate and two years of experience that includes landscaping, grounds care, lawn maintenance, nursery operations, irrigation or a related field.

Horticultural Technician I: Must possess a valid Class E State driver’s license at the time of appointment; or positions designated by the department director must possess the appropriate State Commercial Driver License (CDL) and endorsement(s) within 180 calendar days from date of employment as a condition for continued employment. Must obtain the City of Tallahassee Turf and Landscape Fertilizer Certification within twelve months of employment and maintain the certification as a condition of continued employment in the position.

Horticultural Technician II: Must obtain a Florida Certified Horticultural Professional (FCHP) certification within 90 days of employment and maintain valid certification as a condition of continued employment. Must obtain the City of Tallahassee Turf and Landscape Fertilizer Certification within six months of employment and maintain the certification as a condition of continued employment in the position. Must possess the appropriate State Commercial Driver License (CDL) at the time of appointment, or must have passed the appropriate written CDL test and obtained a CDL permit at the time of appointment and obtain the appropriate CDL licensure within 90 calendar days from date of employment as a condition for continued employment.