State of Connecticut Executive Branch

University Arboriculturist (40 Hour) (8930FM)

$28.27-$36.60 Hourly / $2,261.46-$2,927.74 BiWeekly /
$59,024.00-$76,414.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

At the University of Connecticut this class is accountable for performing the highly technical duties of propagating and breeding new types of trees, shrubs, flowers and plants and maintaining existing species cultivated for ornamental, scientific and educational purposes.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Director of the Arboretum or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead students and lower level employees.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Performs technical duties in propagating and breeding such plants as landscape plants, plants for limited space and difficult situations, espalier and containerized plants, indigenous plants for wild life use, fragrant and colored foliage plants, as well as hedges, ground covers, vines and turf for varied conditions;
  • Supervises the maintenance of existing trees and shrubs including labeling, layout for new planting and rearranged planting for certain featured areas with special emphasis on the azalea and rhododendron collection;
  • Operates the greenhouse and nursery system, including the planting and nurturing of seedlings and cuttings;
  • Assists in lectures and workshops designed to familiarize lay groups with the principles of greenhouse management and plant propagation;
  • Assists in the identification of plant material brought to the Arboretum by the public and in the diagnosis of plant ills;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of the cultivation and care of woody plants, particularly trees and shrubs used for decorative, shade, and ornamental purposes;
  • Knowledge of
    • the tree growth process as it relates to plant requirements, climate, soil conditions and other external influences;
    • plant physiology, soil science, insects and diseases which affect woody plants, chemistry or fertilizers, growth regulators, antibiotics, insecticides, fungicides and other chemical compounds applied to plants;
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to utilize computer software.
  • Mechanical ability

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Four (4) years of experience in the field of arboriculture or landscape horticulture related directly to woody plants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in plant science, forestry or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four years for a Bachelor's degree.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate licenses, permits and/or certifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
  • A physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents may be exposed to extreme weather conditions; may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(16)-Labor-Trades, Laundry

BARGAINING UNIT

(06)-SERVICE/MAINT (NP-2)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

FM 17

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of University Arboriculturist in Salary Group FM 17 approved effective November 29, 2013. (Reviewed for content, revised to modernize format and add an Acknowledgement section) Final No. 24-033

EFFECTIVE DATE

02/28/2024
CLASS: 8930FM; EST: 11/28/1969; REV: 3/1/2024;