Job Information
The City of Rochester, MN Landscape Technician in Rochester, Minnesota
Landscape Technician
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Landscape Technician
Salary
$28.46 - $36.93 Hourly
Location
Rochester MN 55904, MN
Job Type
Regular FT
Job Number
20250018
Department
Parks and Recreation
Opening Date
03/11/2025
Description
Benefits
Questions
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The City of Rochester invites applications for:
Landscape Technician
Parks and Recreation Department (https://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation)
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together.
The City of Rochester, Minnesota (pop. 115,000+) Parks and Recreation Department provides a variety of leisure time opportunities for people to enjoy and manages more than 5000 acres of park land and open space including over 140 individual parks and 85 miles of paved trails.
"Providing traditional, innovative, and affordable quality services (activities, programs, and facilities) for Rochester's citizens and visitors."
Nature of Work
This position is part of a team that is responsible for the care and maintenance of various City properties including park grounds, public plazas, streetscapes, trees, urban & naturalized landscapes, roadway medians and roadway right-of-ways and utilizes light to medium types of equipment including, but not limited to, utility vehicle, pick-up truck, dump truck, aerial lifts, log loader, refuse collection vehicles, snowplow, sander, large and small mowers, tractor, skid steer loader and front-end loader.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Employees in this classification/position will be required to work early mornings and weekends as part of their normal work schedule, during the active park season (April – November) or any other periodic times determined by management or contract; and/or may be assigned to perform duties such as snow plowing for other City Departments, with work schedules and work locations determined by management.
Pay
Starting rate is $28.46 an hour with advancement to $36.93.
To have your application considered in the first round of reviews, please apply before March 26, 2025.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.
*Maintain park grounds, public plazas, streetscapes, trees, urban & naturalized landscapes, roadway medians and right-of-ways and other public areas that the City is responsible for:
Operate all hand and power tools, saws, light and heavy duty equipment, and various other grounds & tree maintenance equipment necessary to maintain assigned areas of responsibility.
Perform grounds, landscape and tree maintenance tasks i.e. mow, fertilize, spray, prune, sweep, rake, dig, water, shovel, plant, snow removal, waste removal, etc., including formative pruning and integrated pest management.
Perform activities associated with landscape creation including grading, site preparation, seeding, sodding, planting, retaining wall construction, plant material installation, site restoration etc.
Plow and remove snow from parking lots, sidewalks and plazas and other properties.
Install, operate and maintain irrigation systems and components.
Perform necessary repair and maintenance of parks, plaza, buildings, facilities, infrastructure, furniture and equipment.
Operate and maintain seasonal & decorative lighting fixtures and electrical services.
Occasionally lead other team members and/or provide daily work direction for seasonal workers, volunteers and temporarily assigned City employees.
*Assist with other Park Department and Recreation facilities and divisions operations and maintenance activities, as needed, examples include:
Graham Arena Complex - assist with setting and removal of hockey boards, set up chairs and tables for events and perform maintenance in the buildings
Golf Division - assist with clearing debris from courses, haul and distribute wood chips, sand and topsoil to courses
*Assist in non-departmental community events:
Event set up and clean up – ie: Rochester Fest, Thursday's on First, Down by the Riverside, 4th of July Celebration, etc.
Participation with providing operational support for activities at City Facilities ie: baseball/softball tournaments, Rugby tournament, Soccer events, etc.
Perform other duties as assigned.
*ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
An Associate's degree or two-year vocational certificate in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology or closely related field; AND six (6) months of experience:
operating and maintaining landscape or other applicable maintenance equipment
performing general grounds and landscape maintenance of out-door areas
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
Licenses and/or Certifications
Valid Minnesota Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement; and non-commercial pesticide applicator license categories A and E; within six months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Desirable Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology or closely related field.
Experience in sports field management; turf management; pesticide application and integrated pest management; and landscape design, installation and maintenance of outdoor areas including naturalized landscapes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
*THIS POSITION MAY BE COVERED BY THE CITY'S RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM (based on job assignment)
Employees in this position are required to use respiratory equipment and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.
*THIS POSITION MAY BE COVERED BY THE CITY'S HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM (based on job assignment)
Employees in this position are required to use hearing protection and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.
*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY OF ROCHESTER DRUG TESTING POLICY
The drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements, including Minnesota Statutes 181.950 through 181.957; the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; and/or the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
*Pre-employment and/or periodic testing may be required.
THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY PARK AND RECREATION AREA RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
In order to provide timely services, P&R has designated specific positions which must comply with an area residency requirement, based on job-related necessity where employees in such positions must reside within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location.
New Hires
Individuals hired for designated positions with P&R covered by an area residency requirement who do not meet this requirement shall be allowed no more than twelve (12) months, from their date of hire, in order to meet the thirty (30) driving mile requirement.
Current Employees
P&R employees in designated positions covered by the area residency requirement and who reside at a location that allows them to report to work within an approximate thirty (30) minute timeline from the time notified, prior to (1/1/2012), shall be deemed to comply with P&R's area residency requirement provided that they remain at their current address. If a current P&R employee in a designated position covered by the area residency requirement relocates, their new address/residence must be located within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location and notice must be given to their immediate supervisor prior to relocating to ensure compliance with the area residency requirement.
Promotional Opportunities
Job change opportunities pursued by the employee to designated P&R positions covered by an area residency requirement shall be withheld from employees whose address/residence is located more than thirty (30) driving miles from the normally scheduled work reporting location of their new position, with the exception of employees who are willing to relocate within 12 months from date of job change in order to comply with the thirty (30) driving mile area residence requirement; OR employees who immediately prior to their job change were in a designated position and resided at a location that allowed them to report to work within the approximate thirty (30) minutes (as noted under the Current Employee section) from the time notified.
Noncompliance with Residency Requirements
In the event that an employee fails to comply with the residency requirement, the employee will be considered to no longer meet the minimum requirements of the position. In such instance, the City will take formal action, up to and including termination. An employee may be granted an extension if there is credible basis, as determined by the employer, for justification as to why the employee has failed to comply. Said basis shall consist of circumstances not caused or controlled by the employee.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Continuous demands: standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling
Frequent demands: sitting, kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, foot controls
Occasional demands: fine dexterity, crawling
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, touch, and smell.
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)
Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities of whole body)
Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals
Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)
Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)
Work at heights (such as on scaffolding or ladders)
Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers)
Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, etc.)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (https://www.rochestermn.gov/home/showdocument?id=36357&t=637987529126409989)
01
The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?
Yes
No
02
What is your preferred name?
03
Which of the following best describes your level of education?
High School Diploma or equivalent GED
Less than 2 years of post-secondary training
Completion of a 2 year program or degree in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology, ground maintenance or related field.
Completion of a 2 year program or degree in a field NOT RELATED to horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology, or ground maintenance.
Completion of a 4 year program or degree in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology, ground maintenance or related field.
Completion of a 4 year program or degree in a field NOT RELATED to horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology, or ground maintenance.
None of the above
04
Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment experience performing general outdoor grounds keeping and landscape maintenance duties?
Less than 6 months
More than 6 months, but less than 2 years
More than 2 years, but less than 4 years
More than 4 years, but less than 6 years
More than 6 years, but less than 8 years
More than 8 years, but less than 10 years
10 or more years
05
Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment experience operating and maintaining landscape equipment?
Less than 6 months
More than 6 months, but less than 2 years
More than 2 years, but less than 4 years
More than 4 years, but less than 6 years
More than 6 years, but less than 8 years
More than 8 years, but less than 10 years
10 or more years
06
Did any of your grounds or landscape maintenance experience include operating any of the following? (Check all that apply)
Spray rigs
Refuse collection vehicles
Truax drill
Garden tractor mowers
Large commercial mowers
Tractors
Skid steer loader
Front-end loader
Lawn edgers
Lawn aerators
Fertilizer spreaders
Utility vehicles
Aerial lifts
Log loader
I do not have employment experience operating any of this equipment
07
Which of the following best describes your years of experience performing athletic field maintenance?
Less than 1 year
More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
More than 5 years
08
Which of the following best describes your years of experience performing maintenance of ice rinks or ski trails?
Less than 1 year
More than one year, but less than 3 years
More than 3 years, but less than 5 years
More than 5 years
09
Which of the following best describes your snow removal experience:
No experience
Limited - I have used a snowblower on my driveway at home
Moderate - I have experience plowing snow with a pick-up truck
Extensive - I have employment experience plowing snow with a dump truck
10
Which of following best describes your employment experience working with turf irrigation systems?
N/A – I do not have any experience in this area
Limited – I am somewhat familiar with them, but never really worked with them
Moderate – I worked with some turf irrigation systems, turning them on and off, replacing valves and heads, etc.
Extensive – I install, monitor, operate and troubleshoot commercial turf irrigations systems as a regular part of my job
11
Which of the following best describes your experience with developing and maintaining naturalized landscape areas:
N/A - I do not have any experience with developing or maintaining naturalized landscape areas
Limited - I am somewhat familiar with naturalized landscapes, but have never really worked with them
Moderate - I have developed some natural areas in my yard or on my property
Extensive – I have employment experience developing naturalized landscapes and/or can accurately distinguish desirable native plants from weeds
12
Did your experience with developing and maintaining naturalized landscape areas include any of the following? (select all that apply)
N/A - I do not have any experience with developing or maintaining naturalized landscape areas
Evaluate vegetation, prepare burn plans, supervise controlled burns of prairie sites
Plan, plant and maintain rain and butterfly gardens
Evaluate site vegetation and determine methodology for control of invasives
Maintain and establish wetlands and wetland buffers
Other (list below)
13
Which of the following best describes your experience with developing and maintaining high visibility landscape beds that include a mixture of shrubs, perennials and annuals?
N/A - I do not have any experience with developing or maintaining high visibility landscape beds
Limited - I am somewhat familiar with high visibility landscape beds, but have never really worked with them
Moderate - I have developed some landscape beds in my yard or on my property
Extensive – I have employment experience developing and maintaining high visibility landscape beds and/or can accurately distinguish desirable shrubs, perennials and annuals from weeds
14
Do you possess a current Minnesota Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator license in categories "A" and "E"?
Yes
No
15
Which of the following best describes the level or class of the driver's license that you currently possess?
N/A - I do not currently possess a valid driver's license
Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds
Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR
Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials
Class D: passenger car or truck
16
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), please indicate which endorsements, if any, that you currently possess. (Select all that apply)
N/A - I do not have any of these
T - Double/Triple Trailers
P - Passenger
N - Tank Vehicle
H - Hazardous Materials
X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials
17
If hired for this position, do you agree to comply with the City of Rochester's Response Time / Area Residency policy where you must reside within 30 road miles of the Park Shop located at 403 Center St E in Rochester, Minnesota?
Yes
No
18
The Parks departments provides storm clean up services 24 hours a day, and other weekend work as necessary for events. Are you willing to be on-call or called in to work additional hours with little or no advance notice, and to work on the weekends from time to time?
Yes
No
19
Tell us how your professional, educational and lived experiences would help you be successful in this role.
20
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Rochester
Address
201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904
Phone
(507) 328-2555
Website
https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment
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