Landscape Horticulture Intern

POSTING TYPE: Open-Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Facilities Management
HOURS: Full-time Temporary (up to 6 months)
HIRING RANGE: $16.00 - $18.00/hour (depending on qualifications)
LOCATION: Empire Maintenance Facility, Rosemount MN
POSTING CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until the ideal candidates is identified. The first review of applications will occur on Friday, February 14, 2025.

The Facilities Management Department is seeking a responsible and self-motivated candidate to provide landscape maintenance, restoration, and design services throughout Dakota County. Landscaped areas of significant importance are located at our service centers, libraries and parks. This position will also assist in plan review for upcoming construction. Variety of projects to fit many landscape related fields of study.

This temporary position is a great opportunity for a current student or recent graduate in a Landscaping, Horticulture or a closely related program to further explore their interest and gain work experience in the field. This position does not include benefits.

* One year of college course work in landscape design, horticulture or a closely related field
AND
* A valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Basic tree and plant identification
* Knowledge of proper tree pruning
* Ornamental plant care
* Knowledge in planting bed design and maintenance

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Care for designated outdoor landscape gardens (including, blowing walkways, weeding, hand watering, and planting).
2. Operate small to medium size equipment to actively maintain gardens and landscape.
3. Prune vines, small trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and annual/perennial plants.
4. Building or amending planting bed areas with mulch, top soil, and compost.
5. Complete other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions: 1-4

* Exceptional work ethic, reliable and consistent performance and attendance.
* Ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
* Ability to follow blue print and site plans to complete a project.
* Ability to follow work direction, but also work independently to complete work on time and with a consistent and satisfactory quality.
* Ability to work in a variety of outdoor weather and temperature conditions.
* Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office--Word, Excel, Outlook, or Access).
* Skill and ability to safely operate small and medium size equipment to complete work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in County Office buildings and outdoors. Driving is required. Employee will be frequently required to work in outside weather conditions, being exposed to cold and hot temperatures, precipitation, direct sunlight, wind, dust, and pollen. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Lifting requirement (team lift to 50 pounds), on an occasional basis. Types of equipment used include small and medium size landscaping equipment, telephone, computer, printer, copier/fax, conventional and digital cameras.

SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.