FRANKLIN-MCKINLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS TITLE: GARDENER I BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Director of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation, perform a variety of grounds maintenance and gardening duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Incumbents in the Gardener I classification perform general gardening and groundskeeping work. Gardener II incumbents perform more technical groundskeeping activities including maintenance of equipment and irrigation systems in addition to regular groundskeeping activities. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Perform a variety of grounds maintenance and gardening duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas; irrigate and cultivate trees, shrubs and other plants. E Mow, trim, edge and water lawns, fields and other turf grounds; remove weeds; prepare and fertilize soil; reseed bare grass areas as needed. E Spray, prune and trim trees, hedges and shrubs; remove protruding tree roots. E Operate a variety of hand and power tools; drive a service vehicle to and from work sites. E Rake leaves and remove trash; sweep walkways; perform routine clean up activities following assigned tasks. E Maintain playgrounds and fields; flatten ground around playground equipment and fill in holes with dirt, wood chips or other materials as necessary. Assist with the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems as requested. Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of: Operation of hand and power tools and equipment use in gardening and groundskeeping. Basic gardening and grounds maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking and weeding. Methods, equipment and materials used in gardening and groundskeeping work. Health and safety regulations. Ability to: Perform general gardening and grounds maintenance activities including mowing, edging and weeding. Use a variety of tools and equipment utilized in gardening and groundskeeping. Operate power equipment safety and effectively. Mow, edge, water, weed, fertilize, rake and cultivate lawns, fields and other landscaped areas. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Work cooperatively with others. Maintain regular attendance. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with others. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year general gardening or groundskeeping experience. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid California driver’s license. WORKING CONDITIONS: Environment: Outdoor work environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions. Physical demands: Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling heavy objects. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate grounds equipment and tools. Seeing to perform grounds work. Heavy physical labor. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching. Walking and standing for extended periods of time. Climbing ladders. Hazards: Working around and with machinery having moving parts. Working at heights.