Gardener

Full Job Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

SDOT’s Right of Way Maintenance and Urban Forestry Division is looking for two (2) Gardeners to join the team. In this role you will perform skilled and complex work in propagation, planting, soil preparation, pruning, fertilizing, weeding, and caring for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and turf areas within the city of Seattle.

Requirements

• Team with other gardeners in close proximity to the public, performing work in SDOT landscapes located within the right-of-way (ROW).

• Work independently and occasionally lead small crews of intermittent and regular laborers and assistant gardeners.
• Evaluate conditions and situations in the field and takes appropriate action without direct supervision on a regular basis.
• Utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to control invasive and noxious weeds.
• Operate and perform minor maintenance of small hand and power tools such as hedge trimmers, string trimmers, edgers, mowers, and chainsaws.
• Plant, transplant, weed, prune, and care for annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and turf areas; maintain landscaped areas along high-volume transportation corridors where traffic control measures are required to protect the safety of the work crew and the public.
• Oversee the management of traffic control set-ups as well as the transport of materials and equipment to and from worksites.
• Drive truck/trailer combinations in heavy traffic and in tight spaces is needed on a frequent basis.
• Implement projects to install new, or renovate existing, landscaped areas based on work instructions and project plans.
• Communicate with the public and community groups and oversees volunteer-supported efforts.
• Respond to emergencies in the ROW involving vegetation, landslides, or other weather-caused events.
• Work in a multicultural workplace and with diverse customers, emphasizing communication for cooperation, collaboration, and inclusiveness in support of department goals to promote diversity and social justice

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum of two years work experience in landscape construction or maintenance, or in the propagation and maintenance of flowers, plants, shrubs, and trees at a conservatory, greenhouse, or nursery

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.

License, Certification:

• Required to obtain a WSDA Public Operator’s License within one year of appointment.
• Current Washington State driver's license

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• One year lead/supervisory experience and training overseeing maintenance of landscaped areas along high volume transportation corridors or similar sites where pedestrian and traffic control measures are required for work operations.
• Six months experience or more operating commercial riding mowers.
• One-year experience in the prescription and implementation of Integrated Pest Management strategies for the management of invasive weed species and other pests specific to Pacific NW plant materials.
• One-year experience in the interpretation of work instructions including landscaping plans.
• Class B CDL with tanker endorsement and airbrake restriction removed.
• Experience driving truck/trailer combination not requiring a CDL.
• ISA Certified Arborist.
• WSNLA CPH (Certified Professional Horticulturalist).

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Required to lift objects that weigh 50 pounds or less.
• Handle and/or work with toxic/hazardous substances.
• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Required to work in areas of high vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
• Anticipated Schedule: Monday - Thursday 6:00 am - 4:30 pm (4/10)

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a pre-placement medical examination, a review of driving history, and reference information.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $34.32 - $37.06 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.