Plant Health Horticulturist (Grade 22, 14673)

Description

Are you passionate about plant health, environmental quality and the science of managing pest problems in a park setting?

If this sounds like you, The Montgomery County Department of Parks-Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division is the place you want to be! We are currently seeking a self-motivated Plant Health Horticulturist to lead the Montgomery Parks Plant Health and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. The Plant Health Horticulturist is instrumental in protecting environmental quality through teaching and promoting integrated pest management practices, including alternative methods, biological control and techniques that improve efficiency and safety of pesticide use. This position reports directly to the Horticulture and Urban Forestry Manager. Go to our website to learn more about the work of the HFEE Division:https://www.montgomeryparks.org/visit-nature/.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. The Montgomery County Department of Parks has a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, and we serve a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. We manage 424 parks on over 37,000 acres of parkland. Go to our website to learn more:https://www.montgomeryparks.org/.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT: Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, ideology or status as a Veteran. Applicants who are multilingual are encouraged to apply!

Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Examples of Important Duties

What the job will involve -

* Identifying insect, disease and weed problems
* Researching biology and best management options
* Visiting parks to Assess, observe and develop IPM plans, on an ongoing basis, for pest management in different types of park amenities
* Developing protocols for testing listed and OMRI certified products with mechanisms in place to determine product effectiveness
* Improving tracking, assuring accuracy of data and updating record-keeping formats for alternative practices, pesticide use, purchasing, inventory, and pesticide application records
* Taking a lead role on the Departmental Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Workgroup
* Developing story maps, taking photos and providing video for the Park's website, reports, public communication campaign, educational training
* Writing technical content and technical responses for pest and pesticide-related information requests
* Developing presentations, training modules and lead hands on and virtual practical staff training
* Interpreting soil test results and provide guidance on nutrient programs for plant health as needed
* Representing the Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division on Montgomery Parks' interdivisional stormwater quality team to assure good housekeeping in use and storage of pesticides and fertilizers
* Providing input and technical information for Montgomery Park's Semi-annual report to the Montgomery County Council

Preferred Qualifications:

* Certified Pesticide Applicator with Maryland Department of Agriculture or from another State
* Master's Degree in Plant Pathology or Entomology

Minimum Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field; and
* Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in horticulture or closely related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Valid driver's license.
* A Maryland State Pesticide Applicator's License may be required within six months of employment.

Supplemental Information

M-NCPPC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis ofrace, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, ordisability status. We will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals withdisabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions,and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4511 to requestaccommodation.

Class Specification: Horticulturist II #4451