<p>Job Summary:</p> <p>The Horticulturist assists the Arborist/Horticulturist in assessing and identifying tree planting locations and monitors the health of existing trees and plants, addressing issues like disease or stress. This individual will assist with the Tree Planting Program, public outreach programs and events, as well as beautification projects on public property. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of plant care, sustainable horticulture practices, and a keen eye for design. </p> <p>Key Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Assists the arborist in identifying and assessing potential tree planting locations within NRP facilities, city-owned and other spaces throughout Norwalk</p> </li><li> <p>Monitors the health and growth of trees and plants, identifies issues such as disease or environmental stressors, and implements effective solutions to promote optimal development and longevity of planting projects.</p> </li><li> <p>Assists in maintaining and updating an accurate tree inventory database.</p> </li><li> <p>Assist in planting, pruning, and soil management tasks to ensure healthy plant growth.</p> </li><li> <p>Design and implement seasonal planting schemes and garden layouts.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain and organize gardening tools, equipment, and supplies.</p> </li><li> <p>Collaborate with team members to plan and execute landscaping projects.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure that all horticultural practices adhere to sustainability standards.</p> </li><li> <p>Keep accurate records of plant care, tasks completed, and materials used.</p> </li></ul> <p>Supervised By:</p> <p>Receives general supervision from the Arborist/Horticulturist and/or their designee</p> <ul> <li> <p>Understanding of plant growth, life cycles, and basic plant care, including water, light, and soil needs.</p> </li><li> <p>Knowledge of soil types, pH levels, and soil fertility, with the ability to amend soil to optimize plant health.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to identify a variety of plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers, and understand their specific care requirements.</p> </li><li> <p>Familiarity with common plant pests and diseases and knowledge of effective, eco-friendly management techniques.</p> </li><li> <p>Knowledge of proper pruning methods and seasonal maintenance tasks to ensure healthy plant growth.</p> </li><li> <p>Basic knowledge of landscape design principles, including layout, plant selection, and aesthetic considerations.</p> </li><li> <p>Capability to perform physical tasks such as planting, weeding, and lifting tools and plants, often in varying weather conditions.</p> </li><li> <p>Flexibility to adjust to changing weather conditions, seasonal tasks, and varying workloads.</p> </li><li> <p>Skill in documenting plant progress, issues, and tasks completed for record-keeping and reporting purposes.</p> </li><li> <p>Clear and effective communication skills, both with team members and clients, to discuss plant care and progress.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to interact professionally and courteously with public, addressing their gardening needs or concerns.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to assist in detailed landscaping tasks such as young tree training, deadheading, thinning and other seasonal maintenance activities.</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to work with GIS mapping programs.</p> </li><li> <p>Bachelor's or Associate degree in forestry, environmental science, horticulture or related field</p> </li><li> <p>Two (2) years of experience in horticulture, forestry or related work.</p> </li><li> <p>Or a combination of education, training, and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualification.</p> </li></ul> <p>License or Certificate:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Possession of an ISA or CT Arborist license, or Master Gardener certification, preferred</p> </li><li> <p>Valid motor vehicle license. </p> </li></ul> <p>Note: </p> <ul> <li>Work Hours: Up to 25 hours per week </li><li>Approximate Duration: June 2025 to September 2025 </li><li>The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility. </li></ul>