|
Department: Horticulture & Garden Operations
Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, 40 hours weekly
Reports to: Director of Horticulture and Garden Operations
____________________________________________________________________________
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Descanso Gardens seeks a Gardener responsible for garden maintenance including landscaping
and waterscape and hardscape duties in collection zones. The Gardener will also participate in,
and may lead, group work days and may support and oversee horticultural volunteers. Reporting
directly to the Director of Horticulture and Garden Operations, this position interacts with staff,
Guild members, volunteers, and garden visitors.
JOB CLASSIFICATION:
This is a full-time, non-exempt position and includes evening and/or weekend hours depending
on the needs of the organization.
*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:
*
- Responsible for planting, fertilizing, irrigating, staking, pruning, removing plants, and other
general gardening duties, as assigned.
- Responsible for prioritizing and accomplishing daily individual assignments, as assigned.
- Participates in group work projects.
- Coordinates with Horticultural staff to determine best course of direction for control of
weeds and pests.
- Learns plant identification and botanical names, as appropriate.
- Responsible for maintenance of tools, water features and hardscape, as assigned.
- Identifies items in the landscape that need attention and brings to staff attention through
written work order forms.
- Supports and oversees volunteer activities.
- Participates in safety meetings and is responsible for adhering to Descanso Gardens’
guidelines for worker safety.
- Occasionally interacts with visitors and members by answering questions and providing
information and directions.
- Adheres to established Code of Safe practices when performing various jobs duties which
also includes the safety of staff, visitors, volunteers, and communicates any hazard
concerns as needed.
- Maintains gardens using organic pest control, weed control, and fertilization.
- Completion of other job related duties as assigned.
EQUIPMENT USED:
This position is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of a full range of standard
manual and power gardening equipment and tools, including hedge trimmer, extendable gas-
powered tree trimmer, soil tiller, compactor, seated lawn mower, bypass pruner, loppers, chain
saw, folding saw, or any other related tools. Position may require operating knowledge of heavy
equipment such as bobcat and tractor. Position requires operating knowledge of computers,
standard office equipment, vehicles and two-way radios.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This is an outdoor physically-orientated and demanding position which requires:
- Ability to move equipment to various locations within the Gardens which may not be
accessible via motor vehicle or paved road.
- Must be able to walk long distances and access various areas of the Gardens including
areas not accessible by paved roads or dirt trails.
- The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
- The ability to walk, kneel, bend, stoop, sit, crouch, drive vehicles, and climb ladders on a
regular and ongoing basis.
- Exposure to various noise levels on a daily basis.
- Working outdoors in inclement weather, including cold, rain and heat, as well as night
time conditions.
*QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
*
- Must demonstrate a strong knowledge of plants, general landscape maintenance, planting
techniques, pruning, mulching, and other horticultural practices.
- Two years of work experience in a garden setting as part of the horticulture or gardening
team may substitute for degree.
- Experience with organic gardening preferred.
- Must demonstrate strong organizational skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills required including speaking clearly to
diverse audiences.
- Individual must be able to work unsupervised and to see projects through to completion.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and also as a member of a team.
- Valid Class C California Driver’s License required.
Compensation: *$17.00 per hour
*
To apply: Interested parties may apply by submitting a MS Word or PDF Letter of Interest and
Resume to jobs@descansogardens.org with GARDENER2204 in the subject line. Only those
meeting the minimum requirements and submitting all required information may be contacted for
further inquiry. We will accept Letters of Interest and Resumes until the position is filled.
No phone calls, please.
Descanso Gardens Guild Inc. acknowledges that equal opportunity for all persons is a
fundamental human value. Each employee and applicant will be considered on the basis of
individual ability and merit, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, physical disability,
mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected military or veteran status, or
any other characteristics.
Location: 1418 Descanso Drive,La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $17.00 per hour