Horticulturist (Maintenance Technician - Horticulture)

Salary : $73,756.80 - $91,707.20 Annually
Location : Public Works - City of White Bear Lake
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600017
Department: Public Works
Division: Parks
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 12:00 PM Central

We welcome you as an applicant for employment with the City of White Bear Lake It is the City of White Bear Lake's policy to provide equal opportunity in employment. The City of White Bear Lake will not discriminate on the basis of race (including traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locs and twists) color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other basis protected by law.
Please furnish complete information, so we may accurately and completely assess your qualifications. You may attach any other information which provides additional detail about your qualifications for employment in the position you seek. Please refer to the Applicant Data Practices Advisory for guidance regarding how your application information will be used, the consequences of providing or not providing your information, and more.
The City of White Bear Lake accommodates qualified persons with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application process. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact Sara Weber at sweber@whitebearlakemn.gov or 651-429-8504.
Opportunity

Our Horticulturist is responsible for performing skilled horticultural and grounds maintenance to support the appearance, health, and sustainability of City parks, facilities, and public spaces, including flowers, prairies, trees, shrubs, and landscape beds; Safely operate maintenance equipment and perform maintenance, repair, and inspection of parks and public facilities; Assist with seasonal snow removal on City sidewalks, streets, parking lots, trails, and park facilities.

SCHEDULE: Standard forty (40) hour work week. Subject to emergency call-outs.

REPRESENTATION: This position is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 49 ("Union"), with wages, benefits, and working conditions governed by the respective collective bargaining agreement.

Anticipated Starting Pay: $35.46 - $36.89 (CU Step 1 - Step 3)
Examples of Typical Responsibilities

The duties listed below are illustrative only and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Omission of specific duties does not exclude them if they are similar, related, or logically assigned to the position.

• Plan, order, plant, fertilize, and treat annual and perennial flower beds, planters, and other public floral displays.
• Perform horticultural work including tree and shrub planting, pruning, removal, and ongoing maintenance throughout City properties, including parks and downtown areas.
• Assist with general parks maintenance duties, including:
• Turf and grounds maintenance at parks, City-owned buildings, and open spaces.
• Construction and maintenance of playground equipment.
• Concrete work related to parks and the City sidewalk program.
• Installation and maintenance of turf irrigation systems.
• Maintenance of ice rinks and support of open skating programs.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor mechanical repairs on City vehicles, park equipment, and related machinery.
• Perform seasonal snow removal and ice control from various City buildings, sidewalks, streets, parking lots, trails and park facilities.
• Maintain safe work practices and ensure the safety of self and co-workers.
• Perform manual labor and other related duties as assigned.
• Assist other Public Works divisions as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE CRITERIA:

• City gardens and landscaped areas are consistently maintained in an attractive, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing condition through the application of sound horticultural practices and current industry standards.
• Work assignments are completed with effective planning, sound judgment, attention to detail, and strong time management, while working independently with minimal supervision.
• Assigned equipment and tools are operated safely and efficiently, demonstrating proficiency, adherence to workplace safety procedures, and a commitment to high-quality public service.
• Shows initiative in developing and maintaining knowledge of equipment operation, industry trends, streetscape design principles, and best maintenance practices.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age at time of hire.
2. High school diploma or equivalent.
3. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Horticulture or other closely related fields.
4. Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Driver's License and be able to obtain a Minnesota Class B Commercial Driver's License within six (6) months of hire.
5. Must be able to respond to the White Bear Lake Public Works facility within thirty (30) minutes during emergency call-outs.

Additional Skills and Experience Beneficial to the Position:
The following qualifications benefit overall performance in this role but are not required for consideration.

• Certification or Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Urban Forestry, Landscape Management, Environmental Science, or other closely related fields.
• Current Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector credential.
• Experience and/or post-secondary training in the operation, maintenance, and safe use of light equipment, hand tools, and general maintenance equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of horticultural principles, industry standards, and best practices related to landscape maintenance and development, including seeds, fertilizers, soil analysis, shrubs, flowers, and other plant materials.
• Working knowledge of general trades, including carpentry, plumbing, roofing, and masonry.
• Proficiency in multiple languages.

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT:
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Working Conditions

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical, cognitive, and environmental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical

• Frequently required to walk, stand, sit, drive, stoop, kneel, and crouch, while utilizing sight, hearing, and smell to perform assigned duties.
• Regularly lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires manual dexterity and visual-manual coordination to operate tools, equipment, controls, computers, and office equipment, including reaching with hands and arms.
• Requires close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel and operate a motor vehicle between work locations.

Cognitive

• Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, and implements horticultural and landscape maintenance activities, exercising sound judgment while managing multiple projects, competing deadlines, changing weather conditions, and shifting operational priorities.
• Applies knowledge of horticulture, botany, soil science, and integrated pest management to assess plant, soil, and environmental conditions; identify pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and other stressors; interpret applicable regulations, safety requirements, and environmental policies; and determine appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintains accurate records and documentation; communicates technical information effectively; coordinates work with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, departments, and the public; and responds appropriately to safety, environmental, and public concerns.

Environmental

• Work is performed in a variety of environments, including outdoor settings exposed to rain, snow, heat, and cold, as well as offices, maintenance shops, vehicles, equipment rooms, and public service areas.
• Exposure to varying noise levels, including elevated levels in maintenance and equipment environments.
• Frequent travel between work sites and navigation of uneven terrain in parks, residential, and commercial areas.
• Work requires adaptability, situational awareness, and adherence to safety practices under changing environmental conditions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) AND ADA STATEMENT:
The City of White Bear Lake is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time employees who work an average of 30 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.

To learn more details, contact Human Resources at sweber@whitebearlakemn.gov
01

Are you at least 18 years of age?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires the incumbent to possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Driver's License and be able to obtain a Minnesota Class B Commercial Driver's License within six (6) months of hire. Please select the appropriate response:

• My license is valid, and my Class B CDL is valid.
• My license is valid and I am currently working toward obtaining my Class B CDL.
• My license is valid, and I will obtain my Class B CDL within 6 months of hire.
• None of the above.

03

What is your highest level of completed education?

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Certification in Horticulture or closely related field
• AAS Degree in Horticulture or closely related field
• BA Degree in Horticulture or closely related field
• AA/AAS Degree or higher - unrelated degree

04

Do you possess a current Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector credential?

• Yes
• No

05

How many full-time years of experience do you have in Horticulture, Plant Science, Urban Forestry, Landscape Management, Environmental Science, or other closely related fields?

• No experience yet.
• Less than one year.
• One year to less than two years.
• Two years to less than three years.
• Three years to less than 5 years.
• Five or more years.

06

Are you proficient in more than one language?

• Yes
• No

07

What interests you most about this position?
Required Question