Job Description

Gardener 2 Position

The Gardener 2 position is principally responsible for garden maintenance and oversight of designated sections at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Under the direction of the Grounds Manager (or their designee), the Gardener 2 will manage their garden section(s) daily, and will proactively seek and aid other members of the Horticulture team to maintain a high aesthetic standard, across the Garden, for public enjoyment.

This is a front-line position in primary plant care, including: planting and weeding (by hand and tools); manual watering and operation of irrigation systems; mulching, pruning, grooming and dead heading; trapping rodents, removal of trash and debris; and generally maintaining aesthetic standards of the Garden for members and guests. Gardeners also participate in cleaning and maintaining tools and keeping an inventory of supplies, ensuring all equipment is in safe, working order. Gardeners should understand that the Garden is a museum-curated living collection and the importance of their role in maintaining integrity of plant labeling and high-quality plant care. This is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt position that reports to the Grounds Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Provide general plant care, including: soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, soil amending, mulching, and monitoring/controlling pest populations.
• Assist with general maintenance of Garden grounds, including: trails, brush chipping, compost pile turning and seasonal weed mitigation in undeveloped sections of the Garden.
• Participate in staff crew days outside of their section and lead volunteer work crews, when assigned.
• Operate non-mechanical tools such as shovels, rakes, shears, saws, wheelbarrows, etc.
• Operate mechanical power tools such as chain saws, blowers, line trimmers, electric carts, tractors, and manual vehicles.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems.
• Conduct all assigned tasks in accordance with the Garden's safety procedures.
• May be assigned to perform one or more of the following:
  • Water containerized plants within the nurseries
  • Substitute to cover other Gardeners' holidays, vacations, and sick days
  • Participate in setup for Garden events when needed
  • Train volunteers in safe and effective gardening tasks when needed
• Proactively participates in teamwork with coworkers to ensure the Garden is maintained to a high aesthetic degree for public enjoyment.
• Maintain positive and professional working relationships with all staff, volunteers and visitors. Assists visitors in answering questions and wayfinding as needed to ensure great customer experience.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Proficiency in MS Word and Outlook email for effective written communication in a timely manner.
• Must manage their time and work under pressure to meet deadlines and priorities.
• Knowledge of California plants and their cultivation preferred.
• Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time, lift and carry up to 75 lbs., bend, squat, and walk the Garden trails.
• Tolerance of an outdoor work environment including exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including: extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.
• Ability to perform physically strenuous work assignments on a regular basis, 8 hours a day.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Two years of applied work experience in garden maintenance, preferably in a public garden setting.
• College coursework in horticulture, ecology, wildlife science, and/or habitat restoration preferred.
• Experience with ornamental garden techniques and standards preferred.

Certificates & Licenses:

• Must have valid California driver license and maintain an acceptable driving record (this position requires driving a Garden cart and Garden vehicles).

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