CITY OF OVERLAND PARK - POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY STATEMENT: This twelve week internship is located at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Overland Park, Kansas. This is an educational internship, where the intern will work closely with the Arboretum staff, volunteers and visitors. The emphasis of the internship will be on practical horticulture. Tasks shall include, but are not limited to, planting, maintenance and care of plants, trees and shrubs. Educational sessions will be offered in addition to field trips to other public gardens, nurseries and greenhouse operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participates in planting, maintenance and care of plants, trees, shrubs and landscaping.

Assists in coordinating tasks with other volunteers on site.

Cares for plants within the greenhouse prior to installation into the landscape.

Loads, transplants and unloads plants and materials.

Studies and uses proper horticultural techniques to water, prune, fertilize, weed and mulch.

The assigned Intern for this position must be able to work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.

The assigned Intern must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks, where applicable.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & SPECIAL LICENSE(S)/CERTIFICATIONS:

Current Enrollment in a degree program with concentration in horticulture, plant science, environmental science or related field from an accredited college or university. Third or fourth year given preference and is preferred.

Must have a valid driver's license and maintain an insurable driving record.

SKILLS:

Oral and written communication skills.

Interpersonal and customer service skills.

Attention to detail.

Manual dexterity.

Effective listening skills.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Ability to carry out assignment through oral and written instructions.

Ability to work independently with self-starter abilities.

Ability to work in a hectic environment with interruptions and distracting conditions.

Ability to analyze safety situations.

Ability to calculate and mix proper fertilizer, chemical and pesticide formulations in a learning environment.

Ability to apply diplomacy and sound judgement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to make and receive phone calls.

Ability to operate power tools and hand tools.

Ability to operate City vehicles and equipment.

Exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Exposure to chemical liquids, dust, sprays, mists, powders and fumes.

Ability to identify and distinguish colors.

SEE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ATTACHED FOR ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (Direct & Indirect):

None.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.