What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gardener position at Lan Su Chinese Garden?
JOB TITLE: Gardener
REPORTS TO: Curator of Horticulture
STATUS: Full-Time Non-Exempt Hourly, Fully Benefited, On-Site (schedule may include one weekend day per week)
LOCATION: Portland, Oregon
COMPENSATION: $20.00 per hour Benefits
Lan Su Chinese Garden’s mission is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.
About Lan Su Chinese Garden: More than just a botanical garden, Lan Su Chinese Garden opened in 2000 through a collaboration between Portland and its sister city, Suzhou. Built by Suzhou artisans, it stands as one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. Inspired by Ming dynasty scholars' gardens, Lan Su evokes beauty, provokes thought, and offers over 500 programs annually through community partnerships. At Lan Su, we proudly embrace our mission to inspire, engage, and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.
POSITION SCOPE:
This position will be scheduled to work 07:30am to 04:00pm, as well as occasional evenings to meet the demands of visitors, the garden’s activities, special events and weather.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Lead, follow and embrace the Lan Su Vision, Mission & Values.
· Assist with maintaining the superior health and appearance of a variety of plants including many rare and prized specimens.
· Assist with manual irrigation needs and maintenance of in-ground irrigation system.
· Assist with garden pruning of trees/shrubs, planting, weeding, general clean up.
· Assist with IPM and Nutrient Management.
· Assist with Penjing (bonsai).
· Assist in the presentation of garden displays which could include – floral arrangement, Penjing, and seasonal/culturally significant plant-related exhibits.
· Interact with garden visitors and members, answer questions, occasionally lead plant walks.
· Assist in maintaining garden structures, pathways, facilities, equipment, and storage facilities to a high level of order.
· Assist in care of plants in greenhouse and community garden.
· Assist with volunteer task-orientation and giving volunteers access to the garden prior to open.
· Assist in the fish program.
· Assist with pond/filter/pump maintenance as needed.
· Contribute to routine maintenance and facilities tasks and projects.
· Provide support to other departments as needed.
· Other duties as needed.
PREFERRED EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bachelor, Associate or certificate in horticulture or related subject.
· Two or more years’ work experience in horticulture.
· Proven work history showing attention to detail and care in executing and completing work.
· Previous experience in garden maintenance including pruning, planting/design, bamboo fence building and maintenance, garden clean up.
· Experience with IPM (Integrated Pest Management) systems.
· Experience in plant propagation and greenhouse work.
· An understanding of public garden standards and an eye for detail.
· Ability to safely operate and maintain hand tools, ladders, and garden equipment.
· Ability to occasionally perform heavy physical labor in all weather conditions.
· Ability to lift 50 lbs.
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
· Ability to work with volunteers and interact with the public.
· Valid driver's license and ability to safely drive automatic transmission truck occasionally.
· Excellent communication skills with visitors, colleagues, volunteers, and members of all ages and backgrounds.
· Aptitude for independent problem solving with a positive, calm, and professional demeanor.
· Knowledge of Chinese/Asian culture advantageous
For your personal well-being, Lan Su offers: (Full-time, fully benefited positions)
· Beautiful Garden environment with areas to walk and enjoy an oasis of tranquil beauty.
· Employer Paid Health and Dental Insurance for employee only coverage.
· Employer-paid Group Life/ADD and short-term disability insurance.
· Vacation time accrual.
· Sick time accrual.
· One (1) Personal Floating Holiday per year.
· Holiday pay or accrual of floating holiday if you are scheduled to work on a Lan Su recognized paid holiday.
· Garden Shop & Teahouse Discount.
· 401K Participation and Employer match.
· Complimentary Family & Friends Membership to Lan Su Chinese Garden.
· Complimentary gym access to the workout facility in the administrative office building.
· Complimentary access to reciprocal venues throughout Portland.
TO APPLY
We look forward to hearing from you, just follow these few steps to send your information to us: Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references. E-mail the applicationto lansuhr@lansugarden.org. In the email subject line, please put “Gardener”. Please also direct any questions regarding this job opening to lansuhr@lansugarden.org. Phone calls regarding this position will not be accepted at this time.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is committed to maintain an environment where employees contribute to the organization’s achievement, take pride in the results of their work, are appreciated as individuals, and are encouraged to develop to their fullest extent. Lan Su is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy that employees will not be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other classification protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
- Year round work
Ability to Commute:
- Portland, OR 97209 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Portland, OR 97209: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20