Horticulturist 
Stevens Point Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department

Job Description
Performs skilled horticultural and arboriculture work in the care, maintenance, and preservation of landscaped areas, horticultural features and trees throughout the City’s park system. These areas include the Cultural Commons, landscape beds, city orchards and pollinator areas. In addition to specialty work with plant health, this role includes a wide range of general Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department tasks. Responsible for the health and appearance of plantings, safety of the public, and general upkeep of both natural and built park environments.

Tasks Routinely Performed

• Maintain horticultural displays, native plant areas, and specialty gardens such as the Cultural Commons using appropriate techniques for each plant type and site.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides using industry-standard safety protocols and documentation practices.
• Identify plant species, pests, and diseases; make recommendations and implement treatment or control methods.
• Assist in the design and implementation of planting plans and garden renovations throughout park spaces.
• Perform all aspects of tree care, including planting, pruning, removal, disease and pest diagnosis, and root zone management in accordance with best practices.
• Performs turf maintenance including mowing, trimming, seeding, fertilizing, watering and pesticide applications.
• Prepares and maintains grass and synthetic turf athletic fields for various recreation activities.
• Assists in training seasonal employees. Leads seasonal crews at park areas and park facilities with tasks, projects and processes.
• Assists with the seasonal start-up and winterization of parks and recreation facilities.
• Conducts daily operations /maintenance of indoor/outdoor facilities.
• Performs minor repairs and preventive maintenance to park facilities and park related equipment including: mechanical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and electrical.
• Constructs, assembles, repairs, installs and renovates park facilities including buildings, pavilions, restrooms, skate parks, fences, signs, picnic tables, benches, trails, steps, ramps, guard posts and rails, etc.
• Supports and performs landscape methods and procedures with an emphasis on plant health, irrigation, and aesthetic design.
• Perform snow and ice control and removal procedures from parking lots, walkways and park roads. Including plowing, sanding, spreading deicing chemicals, loading trucks, hauling snow, and shoveling sidewalks.
• Assists with pruning and/or removal of trees along street rights-of-way and park areas using approved safety and arboriculture practices.
• Collects refuse and fugitive trash at outdoor recreation areas and at park facilities.
• Operates pick-up trucks, tractors, large and small mowers, ice resurfacing equipment, powered grounds equipment, hand tools and power tools.
• Responsible for cleaning and care of assigned equipment.
• Reports needed repairs or malfunction of equipment to supervisor.
• Establish and maintain a positive working relationship with peers, supervisor, seasonal employees and the general public.
• Performs a variety of custodial tasks typical of public buildings and indoor/outdoor facilities.
• Tasks include but are not limited to: cleaning floors, remove and empty trash; clean windows, walls, ceilings and light fixtures; clean sinks, lavatories and urinals in restrooms as needed.
• Assist the public as needed, while conveying the mission of the City of Stevens Point in a positive and professional manner.
• Perform other related work as assigned for the efficient operation of the department.

Qualifications
Associate’s degree in horticulture, landscape management, arboriculture or a related field is required. Two to four years of work experience in horticulture, landscaping, arboriculture, park maintenance, or a related field is also required. Formal certifications are strongly preferred.

Possession of a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by the State of Wisconsin or ability to obtain CDL within six months of hire, with a safe driving record.

Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within twelve months of hire required.

Salary/Salary Range
$27.23 - $27.98/hourly

Apply To
Apply Here
Contact Dan Kremer, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry with questions by calling 715-346-1536.

Closing Date
September 12, 2025