Horticulture and Conservation Field Assistant

Department of Parks & Recreation Full Time Seasonal Position

DATE: Spring/Summer 2009
Must be able to start by May 20, 2009.

ORGANIZATION: Department of Parks & Recreation, City of Burlington
CONTACT PERSON: Lisa Coven, Land Steward 863-0420; lcoven@ci.burlington.vt.us
Warren Spinner, City Arborist, 862-8245; wspinner@ci.burlington.vt.us

POSITION: Horticulture and Conservation Field Assistant
Working closely with the Land Steward and the City Arborist, this position will help manage Burlington’s natural areas and plant and maintain flowers beds throughout the City.

While under the direction of the City Arborist, this position will plant, weed, water and pick up debris in and around designated flowers beds located in City Parks. Other tasks include but are not limited to deadheading, mulching and fall clean up.

--Assist with annual and perennial flower planting and cultural maintenance.
--Pruning, mulching, edging, weeding, and watering of ornamental shrub beds.
--Assist with Tree Crew Activities

Under the direction of the Land Steward, this position will identify, locate and remove noxious invasive plants from Burlington’s parks, natural areas and community gardens. This position will develop a strategy to involve the community in removal efforts on public lands. Using the Wise on Weeds program, the Assistant will reach out to homeowners to educate them about invasive in landscaping and help identify noxious weeds such as garlic mustard and Japanese Knotweed. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Researching effective methods for removal
2. Documenting removal activities
3. Leading volunteer removal activities on Saturdays
4. Educating volunteers about invasive

This position will also maintain and monitor all trail systems with in the Burlington Parks System. Trail work will include cutting back brush, digging out water bars, closing off unauthorized trails and working on erosion issues. Additionally, this position will assist the Land Steward to mark and monitor Park boundaries.

The Assistant will be required to keep a log of complete activities, photograph before and after pictures and complete a summary report at the end of the season.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Dedicated interest in conserving and preserving open spaces in Burlington
• Ability to work with the public and motivate volunteers
• Strong communication and writing skills
• Must be willing and able to work Saturdays
• Prefer prior GIS/Arcview skills
• Ability to work independently
• Valid Driver’s license
• Prior landscape maintenance experience preferred
• Experience in caring for annual and perennial flowers.
• References required.

Work Week – Tuesday – Saturday 7am-3:30pm

SALARY/STIPEND/HOUSING: $10.00/ hour –40 hours/week

HOW TO APPLY: Send letter of interest and resume to:
Conservation Legacy Program
Department of Parks & Recreation
645 Pine Street, Suite B
Burlington, VT 05401