Horticulture Technician

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Salary offers are based on information contained within the application and any attachments (licenses, certifications, etc.). Please ensure your profile and resume are up to date with all experience, education, and skills you wish to be considered.

Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services (PRCS) is dedicated to connecting all communities through exceptional people, parks, and programs. Our goal is to make Loudoun the community of choice through outstanding experiences while promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We collaborate to deliver programs and community services that provide social, personal, economic, and environmental benefits to last a lifetime. Come be a part of something that matters!

The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services in Loudoun County is currently in search of qualified candidates for a full-time Horticulture Technician position. This position primarily entails executing specialized horticultural tasks at municipal facilities within the county, both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. This role is centered on the application of herbicides and pesticides, in addition to performing pruning, installation, and maintenance of high-value plantings. It also involves conducting root-flare excavations, managing invasive exotic species, editing plantings in the field, and applying precision fertilization methods. The Horticulture Technician periodically provides training and oversight to contractors engaged in horticultural tasks for the program.

We are currently hiring for the following location(s):
* Ashburn Recreation & Community Center, Ashburn, VA

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Implements pesticide treatments; executes advanced pruning, watering, soil assessments, and fertilization; designs, constructs, and repairs landscape installations; in addition to testing, programming, and supervising.
* Evaluate the facilities within the county.
* Performs research and analyzes soil conditions to facilitate effective turf grass management, alongside strategies for weed and pest control.
* Conducts operation and maintenance activities for machinery, equipment, vehicles, and tools.
* It is possible that other essential duties related to the specific role and department may be performed.

**Expected start date to coincide with substantial completion of the new Ashburn Recreation Center in late April/early May 2025.

High school diploma or equivalent and three (3) years of related work experience in horticulture or arboriculture; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
* A preferred background includes an understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques associated with horticulture, arboriculture, tree physiology, and the ANSI A300/Z133 industry standards, along with knowledge in biology, taxonomy, grounds maintenance, and landscape construction.
* Capability to operate and handle backpack sprayers, chainsaws, blowers, water trailers with pumping systems, trucks for trailer towing, and mobile computing tools for field reporting, pesticide record-keeping, and inventory control.
* ISA Certified Tree Worker or Arborist certifications preferred.

Must undergo criminal, credit, and DMV backgrounds. A valid driver's license and good driving record are required. Driving records may be evaluated on an annual basis to ensure ongoing qualification. Valid Registered Technician certification is required. Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Certified Fertilizer Applicator certifications are required within 6 months of employment. County, e-learning, and MOAT training as required. The department may require additional certifications related to the position.

Preferred Qualifications:
* ISA Certified Tree Worker or Arborist certifications preferred.