The apprenticeship program for Gardener Apprentice learns to perform routine work in grounds maintenance, basic tree and shrub planting, pruning, turf maintenance, irrigation management, and general maintenance of landscapes and facilities located throughout the City of Phoenix. Each task is performed under close supervision, the degree of which varies as the Apprentice acquires proficiency. Work is performed under the direct instruction of an experienced Gardener or a Parks Foreman I, who inspects the work in progress and upon completion. Newly selected apprentices will not need past experience or training prior to starting the program. All required training is paid for and provided by the City of Phoenix while on the job and being employed full-time.

Job duties include learning the proper techniques and principles of the following:

• Plants, irrigates, cultivates, fertilizes and weeds gardens
• Mixes soils, makes cuttings, transplants seedlings, trims hedges and stakes and prunes trees
• Performs sprinkler system repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Applies herbicides and Pesticides
• Digs ditches and holes
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Demonstrates superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.

Apprentices must successfully and satisfactorily complete all assigned classroom and equipment training and 4,000 on-the-job training (OJT) hours. During the period of the program, apprentices will be non-classified and paid as a Gardener apprentice. After successful completion of the program, apprentices will promote into the Gardener classification, and serve a one-year City probationary period.

To help prepare for the Apprenticeship, the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is holding an information session at Encanto Park Special Operations. Session will provide general information about the program as well as the skills and job duties of a Gardener then applicants will go outside to participate in planting and tree care demonstration of the daily activities of the gardener position. Staff will be on site to answer questions related to the program, benefits, and employment with the City of Phoenix.

• Complete manual labor activities associated with gardening, including, but not limited to digging, using power equipment, using hand tools, mowing, using gardening tools, etc.
• Comply with department’s policies and procedures while demonstrating superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Provide customer service to internal and external customers.
• Meet established performance standards.

$15.67 / hour starting wage as an apprentice.

$16.09 / hour after 1,000 OJT hours (approx. 6 months) of successful performance.

$16.61 / hour after 2,000 OJT hours (approx. 12 months) of successful performance, including promotion to Gardener.

$17.05 / hour after 4,000 OJT hours (approx. 24 months) of successful performance.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes traditional pension with employer and employee contributions; choice of medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plan; wellness incentive of up to $720 annually; dental; vision; life insurance; long-term disability; 401(a) and 457 plans; medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan; bus/light rail pass; tuition reimbursement program; paid time off includes 12.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days. Additionally, effective 10/1/2022, Paid Parental Leave is now offered to eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period.

For more details, visit: Unit 001 Benefits

Pension Information

• High school diploma or GED .
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds may be required.
• Requires working outside in a variety of environmental extremes such as heat, cold, rain, air pollution, and dust.
• Any combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the work.
• The City job description can be found here.
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

Recruitment closes January 15, 2023. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.

This recruitment and any interview process as a result of this recruitment may be used by multiple hiring managers and multiple departments throughout the City to fill any related current or future vacancies; other recruitments and appropriate eligible lists may also be considered.

1. Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include any experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above.

2. To qualify for an interview, the applicant will be required to attend the information session. This all will take place at the Phoenix Encanto Maintenance Yard, 1802 W. Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Please call 602-534-9440 to RSVP. Appropriate work clothes must be worn. Shorts, tank tops, or open toed footwear will not be allowed. Gloves and tools will be provided.

Required to attend Information Session: (Applicants must be on time)

• Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM (Training Program & City Benefit Information)

8:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Participate in Planting & Tree Care demonstration)

The results of the screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

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• If you need assistance applying for this job, please contact our HR Connection Center at (602) 495-5700.

General Apprentice, JC:00010, ID# 48257, 12/15/22, 6 mos, MR, Benefits:001

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