This position is responsible to maintain the City of Portland’s rose collection at the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park; it also plans, schedules, oversees and participates in horticultural work needed to maintain roses located at three sites: The International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park, Peninsula Park Rose Garden and Ladd’s Addition Rose Garden.  Responsibility includes implementing and organizing an IPM program, under the direction of the Integrated Pest Management Coordinator, for the care and health of the rose collection.

The Botanic Specialist II – Rose Garden specialty recruits, trains and manages volunteers working in rose gardens including inspecting work of other staff and volunteers to assure quality.  This position organizes and leads garden tours by visiting dignitaries and international visitors; maintains knowledge of Rose Garden history and current collection, including species, color, placement and significance of particular roses to various groups; provides expertise, information and assistance to committees, residents, industry representatives and other public and nonprofit agencies; resolves inquiries and complaints from citizens, organizations and agencies.

This position respond to emergencies calls for incidents in the gardens, as necessary.

The City of Portland, Oregon is a growing and diverse city of 620,000 residents, nearly 20% of whom speak languages other than English at home. Portland Parks & Recreation values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. PP&R encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Although not required, PP&R encourages candidates that can fluently speak another language to include that information in their resume. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

The City is offering an optional information meeting for this recruitment please see the Additional Information section below for details.

1. Knowledge and experience maintaining rose gardens, applying horticultural and botanical science as it relates to roses, including a broad, in-depth knowledge of roses, rose culture and garden management, equipment and supplies used.
2. Knowledge and skill recruiting, motivating, organizing and providing direction to volunteers within applicable rules and policies regarding volunteers.
3. Knowledge and experience applying pesticides and chemicals, their properties, interactions, toxicology, chemistry, legalities, environmental and health impacts.
4. Knowledge and experience applying methods for properly using, storing and disposing of a wide range of chemicals and hazardous materials related to assigned work.
5. Ability and experience presenting specialized rose-related information clearly, logically and persuasively, communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
6. Ability and experience working collaboratively, developing and maintaining good relationships with PP&R Development team, community partners and industry groups, including participating in public meetings to provide information, promote the generation of ideas to provide financial support and program development.

• A valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record at time of hire.
• An Oregon Pesticide Applicators license within six months of hire.
• Ability to become a Rose Trial Judge within six months of hire.

• Your cover letter should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the “To Qualify” section of this announcement.
• Your resume should support the details described in the cover letter.
• If you are requesting Veteran’s Preference, as identified below, please describe in your cover letter any transferable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the “To Qualify” section above.

Questions?
Tamara Larison, Sr. Human Resources Analyst
Bureau of Human Resources
Tamara.Larison@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 823-3523

OPTIONAL INFORMATION SESSION