Seasonal Gardener

Schedule: Part-time, three eight-hour days per week - generally 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and occasional holidays and evenings. Flexibility with scheduling is possible.

As a member of the Garden’s small horticultural and facilities team, the Gardener works independently and as part of a team to:

1) maintain assigned garden spaces and facilities;

2) support garden operations by means of a broad set of activities, and

3) support a quality visitor experience by providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Perform general garden, grounds, and facility maintenance including:

• Plant, prune, weed, remove dead plants and trees, chip branches
• Hand-water, install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and water features
• Hand-weed, mulch, assist with integrated pest management practices and fertilization application
• Clean ponds, pools, and ditches; unplug drains, sewage, and other waste lines
• Dig trenches, maintain and repair fences, paths, and roads, and other garden structures
• Operate and maintain golf carts and other power equipment such as mowers, string trimmers, blowers, and rototillers
• Straighten and clean signs, pick up litter, clean building exteriors
• Install and maintain simple electronic and electric equipment such as appliances, light fixtures, etc.
• Break out concrete or asphalt using hand tools and/or pneumatic tools; set forms, pour, tamp, smooth, etc.
• Clean the exteriors and interiors of Garden buildings, swimming pools, etc. as directed; replace light bulbs, empty trash and recycling, and other general custodial duties
• Make deliveries using company truck to relevant business throughout Sonoma County
• Apply paint, varnish, shellac etc.; prepares surfaces by scraping, sanding, etc.
• Assist visitors with directions and other information
• Assist with event set-up and tear-down
• Additional duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-year paid experience in basic gardening/garden maintenance
• Valid California Class C driver’s license
• Ability to comprehend, read, and speak basic English with co-workers and the general public
• Bi-lingual English-Spanish preferred
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions with staff and visitors following applicable health regulations and guidelines
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Dependable with a self-starter attitude; able to take initiative in seeking out work when appropriate
• Able to work independently as well as in a group setting
• Ability to follow instructions, and to be punctual, respectful, courteous, and efficient

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Demands: Requires occasionally strenuous physical activity: lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs.), performing repetitive manual tasks, and operating power equipment, and moving from place to place which may include standing and/or walking for extended periods of time.

Work Environment: Work is performed in shared indoor and outdoor space in all weather conditions with staff and visitors following applicable health regulations and guidelines.

NOTE TO ALL CANDIDATES

Due to the nature of the Garden’s work, which may include interaction with children, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check if extended an offer for employment. You also may be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses, credentials, or vaccinations relevant to the position.

Sonoma Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of individuals and the ideas, perspectives, insights, and values they bring to the workplace.