Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

ST. COLETTA OF GREATER WASHINGTON CLASS SPECIFICATION

HORTICULTURE SPECIALIST

Definition

Under general supervision of Assistant Principal, the incumbent is responsible for developing, planning, and presenting lessons related to growing plants, gardening, nature and science. Lessons are geared toward the individual student’s abilities through the use of adaptations, modifications and accommodations, and as appropriate aligned with the classroom teaching themes. It is important to note that while providing horticulture lessons the therapist is responsible for the supervision of the student(s) that may require the ability to keep up with a running student and or to lift or assist with lifting the student. This is essential to perform this task .

In accordance with the federal wage-hour laws, this is a salaried position and is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. Note that a part time employee will be treated as non-exempt and paid in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Other Performance Measures:

Successful performance on the job requires following safety guidelines and policies to reduce accident or injury to self or students, school dress standards, proper attendance and leave policies and compliance with other policies set forth in the Employee Handbook. Creativity, initiative and effective problem solving is also important to the success of the incumbent. Attend and participate in weekly team, staff and development meetings; read and accept responsibility for weekly staff notes and all policies and procedures. Complete all paperwork accurately and timely. Perform bus duty detail as assigned. Support the overall school mission through volunteer opportunities and contribute to the smooth operation of the school day.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Research, plan, adapt, schedule and present horticulture-related lessons based on the student’s abilities and developmental level.
• Interface with teachers to connect horticultural lessons with teaching themes as appropriate; consult with therapists to adapt lessons to individual student’s physical and communication abilities.
• Provide horticultural experiences appropriate to the developmental skills of students in conjunction with the classroom teacher.
• Research and suggest ongoing projects or community-based instruction that supports the learning concepts associated with growing plants and flowers.
• Prepare, maintain and help students to learn how to maintain the flower beds outside the school building.
• Research and consult with horticulture professionals as needed; attend events related to gardening with children.
• Determines annual plant and seed requirements for landscaping outside flower beds and in school Horticulture classroom area.
• Order supplies and materials necessary to carry out lesson plans.
• Most tasks require oral communication, visual and hearing perception, and the ability to get around the classrooms, cafeteria, gym, campus, etc.
• The ability to keep up with running children and or to lift or assist with lifting students is essential.
• Maintain confidentiality of parent, student and staff personal identifiable information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge and understanding of students with cognitive disabilities, autism and multiple disabilities.
• Knowledge of the current Federal guidelines for Special Education.
• Ability to research lesson ideas and adapt them to the abilities of individual students.
• Ability to independently problem solve and navigate the steps needed to accomplish the tasks of the position.
• Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Successful completion of the required training courses within a specified period of time
• Tuberculosis screening to assure no significant risk to the health and safety of others.
• Successfully passing a criminal background investigation and pre-employment and random drug screenings.
• COVID-19 Vaccinations

Examples of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and methods of horticulture.
• Knowledge of diseases and parasites which infect plant life.
• Knowledge of new developments and research in the field of horticulture.
• Some knowledge of horticulture landscaping including the shaping of flower beds and the selecting of plants to use under various soil conditions and for different visual effects.
• Ability to plant, transplant, and prune shrubs and flowers.
• Ability to plan and supervise the activities of students working on the outside flower beds.
• Ability to interpret and follow instructions furnished verbally, in writing, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence using English grammar and spelling.

Sensory Requirements

Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds.

Minimum Acceptable Education and Experience :

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program in special education or related field with emphasis in horticulture; and prior experience working with students with intellectual disabilities, autism and multiple disabilities is preferred.

Hours of Work - 7:50 AM to 4:00 PM – Monday Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

7:50 AM to 3:10 PM – Wednesday

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