Public Grounds Caretaker Gardener

The Public Grounds Caretaker Gardener performs work involved in planting, caring for, and maintaining gardens, shrubs, lawns, flowers, trees, and other plants; seeds lawns and gardens; prunes trees and shrubs; plants and transplants flowers; preforms weeding and watering; sprays for insects and plant diseases; cares for lawns and ornamental gardens. Determines care needed by plants, trees, flowers, shrubs, lawns, performs related manual tasks such as mulching, cutting grass, removing snow, raking, and digging. Uses equipment, tools, and vehicles necessary for gardening work. Performs maintenance, unskilled labor duties, of which the following are typical examples: digging holes, trenches, and other excavations; shoveling materials and leveling areas; maintenance and care of recreational areas, parks and playgrounds, planting and trimming shrubs, small trees and using hand tools or powered equipment; replacing and mowing grass; repairing fences, swings slides and other playground equipment; painting and maintenance work; cleaning grounds as directed; assisting other personnel in tasks, loading and unloading materials; emptying barrels and cleaning litter and debris from streets, parking lots and recreational areas, removing snow and ice, using manual or small powered equipment; spreading sand on icy areas, using small hand tools i.e. shovels, picks, axes, saws, heavy wrenches and small power tools. Preforms all other tasks that may be assigned.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Must have 1-2 years’ experience caring for plants and the knowledge to identify intentional plantings from weeds.

Ability to receive and interpret written and oral instructions and to give written and oral reports to supervisors.

Must have ability to use tools of trade in a workmanlike manner.

Must be in good health, dependable, and able to do hard physical work.

Must possess valid Massachusetts Class D Driver’s license.

Must have a safe driving record.

Work Environment  

Work requires agility and physical strength, ability to function in close quarters and is subject to outside environmental conditions, including wet, hot, and cold weather. Worker is subject to noise, vibrations, hazards, and atmospheric conditions including fumes, dust, and air contaminants.        

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully preform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to preform the positions essential functions.

Send your resume and cover letter by Wednesday, February 17,2021 to:

City Hall Personnel Office
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville MA 02143
Fax: 617-666-4426
TTY: 1-866-808-4851
Email: employment_opportunities@somervillema.gov

City of Somerville residents are especially encouraged to apply.

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.

Physical Skills

Position requires standing/walking most of the day, lifting/carrying up to 75lbs, pushing/pulling, climbing, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, crouching, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position requires near and far vision, acute hearing, the ability to maintain heavy physical exertion for long periods of time, operate hand and power tools, navigate rough terrain, move in or about construction sites.

 Motor Skills

While performing the duties, employees are regularly required to use communication skills and handle tools and equipment. The position requires balancing, pushing, pulling, grasping, feeling and repetitive motion to complete tasks.

Visual Skills

Visual acuity is required to operate motor vehicles, equipment, and tools.