Seasonal Gardener

Summary

Seeking a passionate, committed Seasonal Gardener to perform seasonal manual labor and care of formal and informal gardens and landscapes throughout the park system; including our four formal garden sites at Lyndale Park, Minnehaha Regional Park, Loring Park, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and our park gardens and landscapes located in our five service areas which make up our city wide park system.

Position is temporary with an expected duration from approximately late-April through late-October, weather dependent. Hours/days vary throughout season, dependent upon garden needs; 40 hours per week. Work schedule may include consistent weekend shifts. Regular attendance at work is expected.

Certified Seasonal positions are eligible for a number of benefits including:

• Potential for full season bonus of $0.80/hour for all hours worked if you work at least 690 hours in a season and receive a qualifying performance rating score, to be paid on the final paycheck of the season
• Paid for holidays that fall within the work season
• Safety shoe reimbursement
• 16 hours of compensatory time per season
• Sick and safe time under the MN Earned Sick and Safe Time ordinance

Join the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and make a difference in your community!

What You'll Do

• Maintain existing plant collections and surrounding turf
• Plant herbaceous and woody plant species in a variety of sites
• Provide daily care of garden/landscape areas using best management practices, including weed control and irrigation
• Assist and may take direction from full-time Horticulturalists pertaining to daily park care and landscape maintenance.
• Assist with volunteer events, special projects and programs
• Assist Parkkeepers with daily assignments
• Assist MPRB in identifying and addressing the park and recreation needs of underserved and under-represented communities.

What To Bring

Need to Have:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver's license

• Previous experience working with public preferred
• Previous experience working with volunteers preferred.
• Coursework in one of the following disciplines: horticulture sciences, ecology, natural resources, botany, landscape architecture, earth sciences or biology.
• Previous experience in garden or landscape maintenance.

• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, drive, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions.
• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as incumbents are subject to local travel to and from work locations. Operating or utilizing equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements. The ability to remain in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time.
• The incumbent may be required to traverse on rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces and to ascend and descend ladders to access work areas.
• Work for prolonged periods of times outdoors under strenuous conditions in all weather conditions. Frequent exposure to insects, pollen, unpleasant odors, wind, and sun. Occasionally drives local roads using riding mowers and MPRB utility vehicles.

• Working knowledge of herbaceous and woody plants, garden/landscape design and maintenance
• Basic professional conduct in the workplace, including respectful communication and civility toward others
• Use and properly operate tools necessary for the performance of duties.
• Learn to read and follow work plans
• Work independently
• Understand and follow supervisor directions, work rules, policies, and procedures
• Outstanding customer service principles and practices and standards for a diverse customer base.

Additional Information

FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Union: Seasonal Laborers Local 363

Selection Process:
To apply for this seasonal certified position, applicants must complete an online application with supplemental questions at www.minneapolisparks.org/jobs. This position is open until filled.
What steps the selection process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your training and experience based on application materials and supplemental questions (100%).
• We calculate your civil service score based on the above components and place you on the eligible list if all testing components are passed (passing score is 70.00 or above). Eligible list will expire on September 30, 2025.
• We conduct an interview.
• References, including verification of employment and work performance, may be considered. Past performance and discipline may be considered.
• We conduct a background check. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be asked to sign an informed consent allowing the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to obtain their criminal history in connection with the positions sought.
• Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, applicant must also successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination with work simulation paid for by the MPRB.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board- a great place to play, work and make a difference in the lives of others.

MPR123

Positions in this job title are eligible for a number of benefits:

• Recall eligibility for subsequent summers
• Potential for full season bonus
• Paid holidays that fall within regular schedule
• Accrue sick and safe time under the City of Minneapolis ordinance and Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time
• Receive 16 hours compensatory time per season
• Safety shoe reimbursement