Greenhouse Production Grower – Denver Parks and Recreation

Denver Parks and Recreation is seeking an experienced and passionate Greenhouse Grower to perform growing and horticultural related duties in the effort to continue Denver's long tradition of resiliency efforts. The City and County of Denver's Department of Parks and Recreation maintains nearly 400,000 square feet of highly visible and greatly valued annual flower and perennial plant displays. The Greenhouse Grower position performs propagation, scheduling and finishing of greenhouse crops for installation citywide. This position will also assist with planning, design, and installation of annual and perennial plant displays throughout Denver's park system, which in most cases, are the focal point of historic parks and require the highest level of professional care possible. Additional responsibilities may include general park maintenance, trash pickup, restroom cleaning, graffiti removal, and more.

About Our Job

DPR recognizes the importance of diversity in the representation of our organization to best serve our customers and community. To that end, DPR is committed to:

• Examining department policies and processes that value diverse perspectives and eliminate barriers to inclusion

• Identifying where inequities exist and implementing strategies to ensure equitable outcomes

• Strengthening diversity in Parks and Recreation services by transforming policies to institutionalize equity

• Reinvesting in resources aimed at ensuring DPR is an equitable and just organization

Job duties and responsibilities of these positions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Determine nutrient and watering/moisture requirements and troubleshoot crops for possible issues involving a wide variety of plants including natives, perennials, shrubs, and annuals

• Follow principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM); research, specify, and execute control tactics such as implementing measures to mitigate soil and water borne pathogens, monitoring pest and predator populations; release of beneficials; preparation and application of fungicides and insecticides, or other pest control methods for use in the nursery and greenhouses. Move, space, and cut crops as needed

• Regulate environmental conditions by modifying humidity, ventilation, and temperature utilizing Wadsworth Climate Control software

• Determine crop schedules with coworkers and supervisors to include propagation via seed, vegetative and stem cuttings with a willingness to experiment and do research of various propagation methods

• Order fulfillment

• Upkeep and maintain greenhouses; upkeep and maintain garden spaces and property surrounding the greenhouse including planting, weed control via pulling and/or spraying, deadheading, soil improvement

• Interact/communicate with Citywide Parks team making plant type recommendations and assist with planting and scheduling management

• Prepare reports and maintain records of plant maintenance, weed management, and/or restoration activities

• Observe all common safety standards, follows safety rules and regulations

• Provide work instruction and assist employees with difficult and or unusual assignments with recommendations for proper completion

• Resolve problems encountered during daily operations and determine appropriate solutions

• Respond to informal grievances and relay information to the supervisor. Document situations which may be cause for disciplinary action and provide this information to the supervisor

• Participate in snow removal duties as assigned

About You

We are looking for a knowledgeable and passionate greenhouse grower who will positively contribute to the development and culture of a growing team. The ideal candidate will be able to apply best practices and maintain high quality and attention to detail in a greenhouse setting.  Additionally, our ideal candidate will have:

• Proficiency in growing and caring for ornamentals, perennials, and vegetables

• Experience directing/coordinating seasonal staff and/or volunteers to accomplish tasks and projects

• Current Certification or ability to attain a Pesticide Application by the State of Colorado

• Proficiency with Microsoft Software

• A background and interest in the greenhouse production of annuals, perennials, and vegetables

• Ability to network with diverse partners in the region to help build relationships within the horticulture world

• Ability to work independently and with others with a positive motivated attitude

We realize your time is valuable so please do not apply if you do not have at least the following required minimum qualifications:

• Education: Graduation from high school or the possession of a GED, HiSET, or TASC Certificate

• Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the cultivation and care of a wide variety of ornamental/native plants OR horticultural/ecological restoration

• Licensures/Certification(s): Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application. Requires Certification in Pesticide Application by the State of Colorado by completion of probationary period. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment

• Equivalency: Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement except for one year of experience in the care of a wide variety of ornamental/native plants or horticultural/ecological restoration. For example, successful completion of a Master Gardener Program may substitute up to four semester hours of course work. Relevant Continuing Education Units (CEU) in horticulture or Naturalist Training Programs may substitute for three semester hours at the rate of forty-five contact classroom hours of seminars, workshops, etc. Additional appropriate experience in horticulture, botany, natural resources, range management, or horticultural/ecological restoration may be substituted for the education requirement