What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gardener position at NELDA C AND H J LUTCHER STARK FOUNDATION?
Job Title:
Gardener
Location:
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Reports to:
Director of Horticulture, Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation
Supervises:
0 Direct and 0 Indirect
Classification:
Nonexempt
Salary Level:
Hourly
Category:
Full Time
Effective Date:
April 2025
Approved By:
Director of Horticulture
Job Summary: Maintains and cultivates landscapes at assigned areas at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Planting, pruning, watering, mulching, applying soils and soil amendments, applying organic IPM measures as directed to ensure good plant health
- Removing unsightly or unwanted plants, litter, replacing dead plants as needed
- Transports, plants, and transplants plants including flowers, shrubs, bushes, and trees as needed to complete assigned tasks
- Transports tools, equipment, and supplies necessary to support work assignments
- Assists with crew projects such as major pruning projects, seasonal color change-outs, display setups, freeze protection and hurricane preparation, and special projects
- Performs other tasks as directed by supervisor
Note: Despite current assignment(s) for performance of duties, Gardeners may be assigned from time to time and at any time to any Foundation property, venue or operation, including Downtown Properties, Service Center, as directed by a supervisor.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Expectations:
- Work duties are performed to maintain the highest quality landscapes inside and outside Shangri La including visitor parking lot
- Support Foundation?s goals and values
- Employ proper methods and use of materials, products, and equipment in maintaining the gardens
- Provide courteous, professional, timely and accurate service and support to all visitors, volunteers and co-workers
- Give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit
- Follows safe work procedures, reports potentially unsafe conditions, notify supervisor of damages, defects, or the need for repairs that could prevent deterioration of equipment or possible injury to employees or others
- Exercise care, perform required maintenance, and follow all operating instructions, safety standards, and guidelines when operating tools, equipment or vehicles
- Properly store all supplies, materials, and equipment
- Observe scheduled work hours
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Experience:
Six months experience and/or training in landscaping, botanical garden, or nursery preferred
Interpersonal Skills:
Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals and take direction. Must be a team player able to work comfortably and effectively in cross- functional teams as well as independently.
Other Skills:
- Be an organized and a results oriented individual
- Valid Driver?s License and good driving record required
- Ability to operate various landscape equipment
- Ability to speak, read, and understand English as it relates to the duties and safety requirements of the position
- Ability to add/subtract two digit numbers and to multiple/ divide with 10s and 100s
- Ability to operate battery, electric, and/or gasoline-powered tools as needed with proper training (i.e. drill, saws-all, string trimmer, chainsaw, rototiller, mower, etc.)
Physical Demands:
Job involves the regular and, at times, sustained performance of strenuous physical tasks in all weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle and use objects, tools, equipment and control devices. The employee will be frequently standing, walking, stooping, reaching for objects, walking over rough or uneven surfaces and using a ladder. The ability to see, with or without corrective measures, and to adjust focus, see in color, and see objects at a reasonable distance is essential. Employee may be required to move, push, pull or lift objects ranging from 10-80 pounds.
Work Environment:
The employee will work outside most of the time in an environment that is commonly wet, humid, hot or cold. Noise levels are generally moderate; however, the use of certain equipment may require the use of hearing protection. Environment includes blooming plants, plant saps, fertilizers and other possible allergens, as well as possible exposure to chemicals, herbicides and pesticides. Tasks may require exposure to insects, snakes and/or rodents according to prevailing habitat conditions.
Work Schedule:
Work schedule may include weekends and occasional evenings.
This Job Description does not necessarily constitute a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising this position nor does it constitute a contract for employment.