Government - Federal, State & Local Jobs

SOMERSET COUNTY PARK COMMISSION
Job Description

Position: Rosarian
Division/Dept: Park Maintenance Division/Horticulture Department
Grade: Non-Exempt – Grade 9
Salary: Starting Rate $35,200 Max. $52,767

General Statement of Work
Under the direct supervision of the Horticulture Supervisor, maintains the highest level of horticultural care for the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden and other assigned garden areas. Performs all garden and landscape maintenance required for the design, development, installation and cultivation of roses and ornamental plantings in the Rose Garden. The Rosarian is responsible for maintaining plant records and labeling of the plant collections, maintenance and development of an aquatic water feature, and other ornamental plantings of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and turf within the Rose Garden.

Nature and Scope of Activities
Located within Colonial Park Gardens, the Rudolf W. van der Goot Rose Garden is one acre in size, and includes formal displays with approximately 3,000 rose plants of 325 cultivated varieties. The garden was named in honor of Rudolf W. van der Goot, the first horticulturist with the Somerset County Park Commission, as a tribute to his efforts in designing and developing the garden. From late spring through fall, visitors can view popular rose hybrids, species, and varieties of Old Garden Roses that thrive in central New Jersey. Approximately 10,000 people visit this Somerset County Park Commission public garden annually. The garden generates income from gate donations, guided tours and programs, and park permits for weddings and wedding photography.

Duties

1. Perform all necessary tasks and supervise other staff members, seasonal gardeners and volunteers in the daily maintenance and long term care of the rose garden and its plant collections.

2. Provide proper horticultural care for assigned garden areas, which include planting, pruning, fertilizing, deadheading, weeding, mulching, irrigating, mowing, cleaning of beds and walkways, and other routine garden tasks.

3. Monitor the health of all plants in the Rose Garden. Recommend and carry out soil testing, fertilization, and soil improvements as required to maintain plant vigor.

4. Design, organize and plan all rose garden displays. Evaluate rose collections and make recommendations for additions, removals, and replacements.

5. Update plant records and maintain current inventory of rose collection and accessioned plants within the Rose Garden.

6. Monitor the Rose Garden plant collections for pests and diseases. Perform pest management including identification of insect pests and diseases, pesticide applications, record keeping, and pesticide inventory sheets.

7. Monitor the irrigation system and watering needs of the Rose Garden and carry out adjustments as needed. Maintain and recommend repairs to irrigation system as necessary.

8. Safely operate and care for Horticulture Department tools and equipment including mowers, edgers, sprayers, chainsaws, chippers, rototillers, cord trimmers, tractors, trucks, utility vehicles, etc. Comply with established procedures in recording equipment use and maintenance.

9. Assist with the preparation, development and presentation of special events, lectures, educational and promotional literature, workshops and group guided tours as directed by Supervisor.

10. Assist with group and special projects with full time, seasonal staff, and volunteers throughout Colonial Park Gardens as requested by Supervisor.

11. Supervises, trains and assigns the work of seasonal help and volunteers, maintains a close working relationship with local and national Rose Societies and other interested organizations.

12. Weed, trim and edge around walks, flower beds, and walls.

13. Prune roses and other ornamental woody shrubs and trees to shape and improve growth or remove damaged leaves, branches, or twigs.

14. Provide proper cultural care for an aquatic water feature with hardy and tropical water plant displays.

15. Assist with maintaining plant data records, engraving plant labels and positioning labels in gardens.

16. Monitor garden areas for plant pests and diseases. Assist in implementing control programs, which include the spraying of lawn, shrubs, trees and ornamental plantings with insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and animal repellants. Maintain spray equipment and personal spray protective equipment.

17. Greet visitors to the gardens; helpful and courteous at all times. Respond to routine questions about the gardens, plants and programs.

18. Clean buildings and facilities, and shovel snow from walks and other areas as needed.

19. Present a positive image as a Park Commission representative to all facility users and the public. Maintain a harmonious and productive work environment.

20. Follow all Park Commission policies and procedures and perform other duties as assigned by the Park Commission.

Qualifications
Four years of college education in Horticulture or related field preferred plus a minimum of three years experience in horticulture with an emphasis on the care of roses and rose gardens. Skill in all aspects of horticulture with the specific knowledge and experience required in the care of rose collections including planting, rose garden maintenance, the use of necessary tools and equipment. Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of pest and disease identification and management for ornamental landscape plants including all classifications of roses. Ability to train and direct others in all aspects of horticulture, with emphasis on roses and rose gardens. Ability to work with the general public, and to communicate clearly and understand written and verbal communication. Ability to work weekends and holidays if required. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must have, or obtain within one year of employment, a NJ Certified Pesticide Applicator license.

Compensation and Benefits
The Somerset County Park Commission has a knowledgeable, motivated, and dedicated staff. Our goal is to create a working environment that will motivate all employees to provide unique, personalized, and unparalleled service. Each of us is dedicated to creating a superior work experience in a friendly, efficient, and comfortable environment. We recognize that a happy employee will lead to a satisfied customer and the result will be a successful and profitable business.

The Park Commission offers an attractive benefits package with the following components.
• Pension Plan – NJ Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Life Insurance – Through PERS, non-contributory at 1.5 x salary; contributory at an additional 1.5 x salary
• Health Insurance – The Commission participates in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ POS Direct Access and Delta Dental Premier Plan of NJ. A portion of employee/dependent coverage is paid for by Park Commission
• Holidays – 15 paid holidays per year
• Vacation – 10 days per year minimum increasing depending on years of service
• Personal Leave – 3 days per year
• Sick Leave – 15 sick days per year
• Flexible Spending Account – maximum amount $1000 annually
• Employee Assistance Program – Free counseling services for employees and their dependents including family, parenting and dependent care, education, daily living and stress management, and work and career growth
• Jury Duty Compensation
• The Commission offers Tuition Reimbursement for approved courses.
• Blood Donor Program through the County where donors can be recipients if needed.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and three professional references to Donna Umgelter in Human Resources.

Somerset County Park Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

Donna M. Umgelter
Human Resources Manager
Somerset County Park Commission
P.O. Box 5327
North Branch NJ 08876
(908) 722-1200 ext.5239
dmumgelter@scparks.org