Gardener

Gardener

Holden Arboretum

Opportunity:

The Horticulture & Collections department seeks a gardener to work with horticulturists and other team members to help maintain gardens. The Gardener will use sound horticultural principles to care for and maintain plants in the core garden areas. The Gardener will work closely with horticulture and collections staff, seasonal employees, interns and volunteers to provide plant-based experiences for a wide diversity of guests both in-person and on-line.

The Gardener will work collaboratively with departmental staff and guests sharing knowledge to provide plant-based experiences. All members of the Horticulture & Collections team contribute to elevating guest experience by knowledge sharing with guests and colleagues through HF&G education and social media streams and work collaboratively with HF&G colleagues in other departments. This position is based out of the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH with occasional travel to the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland, OH . We are looking for a team member who wants to do meaningful work in an organization that values diversity of thoughts and perspectives. Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. HF&G strives for a welcoming workplace where everyone feels that they belong.

Position Details:

• Reports to Senior Horticulturist

• Non-Exempt position

• Full Time

• Consistent Hours Monday-Friday 7:00am - 3:30 pm

• $16.00/hour

• Great entry level position for anyone looking for work to gain experience in natural sciences, horticulture or arboriculture or to gain general experience in the green industry

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Gardener include but are not limited to:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values

• Cares for and maintains various woody and herbaceous plant species within the core garden areas using sound and sustainable horticulture practices

• Participates in soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, bed renovation, mulching, propagating, pruning, staking transplanting, weeding, etc.

• Works with volunteers, interns and students

• Maintains plant records documentation on behalf of Horticulture team as needed and in adherence to the Collections Management Policy

• Maintains operational and pesticide records

• Assists with the installation and maintenance of interior and exterior displays associated with special shows, events, and exhibitions

• Safely operates a variety of machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, motorized utility cart with dump body and motorized utility cart, tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments, van, pick-up and dump truck, chainsaws, chipper, pruners, hand shears and saws, pole pruners and saws, weed eaters, sprayers, push and riding mowers, and various wheeled carts

• Inspects and maintains small equipment to ensure safe operating condition i.e. sharpening tools

• Maintains a safe and productive working environment for staff and visitors

• Interacts regularly with guests, members, and the public positively to create a welcoming atmosphere

• May share horticultural and gardening expertise, both in person and on-line, with other professionals and amateurs by coordinating and teaching classes, workshops, and public tours according to annual department goals

• May contribute photos, videos, and written content suitable for blogs for members and guests throughout the year with the Marketing Department according to department goals

• Actively participates in conferences, organizational meetings, committees, and events to promote a culture centered around trust, sharing, and collaboration

• Participates in leaf, ice and snow removal

• Contribute to internal and external publications for Holden Forests & Gardens such as blogs with photos

• Participate in internal and external educational opportunities related to horticulture

• Collaborate with various Holden Forests & Gardens' department initiatives

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrate a passion for people, nature, and the environment, with interest in working outdoors year-round performing manual labor in all weather conditions

• High school diploma or equivalent, required

• Minimum of two (2) years' of experience in landscaping, garden maintenance or a related field, required

• Combination of education and experience in horticulture, landscaping, botany, perennial plant production, ecologically informed horticulture or related fields, highly desired

• Proficient written and verbal communication skills and willingness to work alone and with a team

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or ability to learn

• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team

• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Willing and able to operate power equipment and preform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions

• Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans subzero to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, performing required tasks in all weather conditions

• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky

• Effective vision, hearing, hand, and arm dexterity

• Operating a variety of machinery and equipment including utility vehicles, pruners, shears, string trimmers, sprayers, blowers and push and riding mowers

• Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing and lifting

• Carrying up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis daily

• Ability to walk an average of 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain; occasionally more

Some of the reasons Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability & short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes |

Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!

Apply:

Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G also provides regular DEAI training for staff, managers, volunteers and Board to create a welcoming and accessible environment.

Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Qualified applicants should submit résumé, cover letter explaining why you are interested in gaining experience in natural sciences, horticulture or arboriculture and how this role is part of your career path and 3 professional references.

Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country's foremost public gardens.