| Under direct supervision of the Horticulturist and/or Senior Gardener, the Gardener is responsible for installing and maintaining horticultural displays to meet the standards of horticultural excellence set for the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Knowledge of maintenance or installation for display and educational purposes in public gardens is especially desired. This position will require communication and teamwork in addition to independent work in assigned area. Typical work schedules are either Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday, 7:00am-3:30pm; however this may change due to work load.
COMPETENCIES/SKILLS
- Specifically, the Gardener will have responsibility for the following activities:
- Installation and maintenance of horticultural displays which includes: planting, fertilizing, mulching, weeding, watering, pruning, pulling plants, mowing, removing trash and other general gardening duties.
- Responsible for the maintenance of tools, equipment and water features in assigned area.
- Responsible for prioritizing and accomplishing daily tasks in a diligent and timely manner.
- Proactively identifies items within assigned area that need attention, and updates Horticulturist and/or Senior Gardener as necessary.
- Coordinates pest and weed control with Horticulturist.
- Participates in group work projects and assists co-workers in garden areas beyond the assigned area.
- Learns plant identification, botanical names and cultural practices specific to assigned area. Additionally, it is encouraged to learn the responsibilities, plant material and horticultural practices of other garden areas.
- Management and supervision of volunteers.
- Interact in a professional manner to provide appropriate customer service to visitors, volunteers and staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Degree in horticulture, botany, floriculture, arboriculture, land management, biology, or related field, or at least 2 years’ experience in the industry.
Experience: At least 2 years’ relevant experience in the industry.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of horticulture, botany, floriculture, arboriculture, or closely related fields.
- Ability to perform horticultural practices and skills; as well as irrigation repairs.
- Ability to work with staff, volunteers, and the general public.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Eye and appreciation for detail.
- Experience working with volunteers and the ability to train and serve as a team leader of volunteers is preferred.
- Initiative and follow-through, as well as the ability to multi-task, set priorities, and maintain a positive attitude at times of increased workload are crucial.
- Good organizational skills are required, with strong attention to details in all tasks.
- Successful candidates will also have the ability to work productively and positively in a team-oriented environment and to provide quality customer service in a professional manner. Flexibility to work occasional long hours, including weekends and evenings, is needed.
Working Conditions
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Work is most frequently performed outdoors, but may be performed in greenhouses, maintenance facilities or grounds of the Botanical Garden.
- Expected to perform under minimum supervision and act independently within the scope of normal duties and responsibilities. Difficult or unique situations are referred to the supervisor.
- Work will be performed in areas with frequent high levels of visitation, requiring excellent customer service and professionalism at all times while balancing the need for productivity.
- On occasion, required to work extended hours.
- Must have dependable transportation.
Compensation: Compensation will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the individual.
Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize major duties and responsibilities of employees and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At the San Antonio Botanical Garden, they are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive.
The San Antonio Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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