Gardener/Landscape Caretaker
George Washington's Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon, VA
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Gardener/Landscape Caretaker Full-Time, Non-Exempt General Description: The Gardener/Landscape Caretaker is a full-time, non-exempt status position, working within the Historic Preservation and Collections Department under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager for Horticulture ("Senior Manager"). The Landscape Gardener supports the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association and the Department to preserve, care for, and interpret the Association's historic, cultural, and natural resources. The Landscape Gardener cares for the gardens and landscaped areas outside of the historic area that are primarily associated with non-historic buildings and structures, some of which require seasonal color changes. Responsibilities include: planning, plant selection, planting, pruning, applying soil amendments, water management, weed control, inspection and regular grooming. Please submit Cover Letter along with Resume. Compensation: starting at $21.00/hour Expected Hours: 40 hours/week. Typical week is Monday-Friday 6:30 am to 3:00 pm. Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings. Essential Functions: * Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to: the George Washington Library, Mount Vernon Inn Complex (MVIC), the Orientation Center (OC), the Education Center (EC), the Texas Gate, the Ann Pamela Cunningham Building (APC), the Bolton, the Lamont Garden, the Bayard Garden, Ladies' Quarters, the Director's House, the Wedding Court and Food Court Pavilion and Livestock. * Tasks include: planning, plant selection, planting, pruning, applying soil amendments, water management, debris removal, weed control, inspection and regular grooming, mulching, and applying herbicide to pathways. * Installs seasonal garden displays using bulbs, annuals and other ornamental plants in designated areas: MVIC, OC Ellipse, EC entrance, Director's House, APC. * Uses current best practices, responsible stewardship, and environmental stewardship when performing the tasks outlined above. * Working with the Senior Manager, identifies landscape areas that are underperforming and need revitalization or enhancement. Recommends replacement plants and design ideas. * Responsible for identifying and controlling insects, diseases, and weeds. Applies insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides safely and properly, and maintains pesticide records. * Understands basic soil structure and soil health and the relationship to plant health. * Works closely with all other horticulture personnel and assists where needed. * Operates and maintains equipment and power tools as needed. * Maintains records of work activities and submits information for monthly reports. * Responsible for staying up-to-date and informed on latest horticultural practices and pesticides. * Interacts positively with visitors, answering questions and giving directions. * Works with little direction or supervision. * Practices and maintains safety standards and procedures in all work areas and assures others' work safely as well. * Works independently and with minimum supervision, however, certain tasks require individual to work closely with other horticulture staff in a team setting. * Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within the Horticulture department and throughout the Estate, with co-workers, management, and volunteers. * Conducts all work in accordance with the Mount Vernon Ladies Association's procedures and guidelines. * Performs other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and carries out the completion of special assignments. * Undertakes other duties as assigned. * This position is classified as essential and the incumbent must be able to participate in ice and snow removal as well as storm damage clean-up as needed. Qualifications: * A bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field of study; and minimum of two years' work experience in horticulture, preferably at a public garden; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * Knowledgeable in the cultivation practices of native and non-native trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and bulbs. * Ability to implement proper pruning techniques for all types of woody plants. * Experience in operating a variety of equipment, including assorted hand and power tools, chainsaws, electric and diesel gators, tractors, loaders, and dump trucks. * Valid driver's license. * A background in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, experience and knowledge of pesticides, including the proper application of pesticides and possession of or the ability to obtain a Virginia pesticide applicator's license is essential for this position. * Detail oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. * Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with Google Earth Pro or ArcGIS, a plus to assist with mapping and documenting important landscape features. * Ability to perform strenuous work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme high and low temperatures. * Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending stooping, squatting, kneeling, and the ability to navigate uneven terrain. * The incumbent will frequently handle objects weighing up to 30 pounds (occasionally 50 pounds) unassisted. On a regular basis, drag, lift and carry heavy debris and watering hoses and load or unload heavy items from powered and hand operated carts. * Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings. Benefits: * 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching * Employee recognition at 5 years of service * Monthly employee events * Employee referral program * On-site Library * Discount on Public Event Tickets * Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops * Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion * Free parking * Health, Vision, and Dental insurance * Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance * Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays * Flexible spending account for medical care Application Review: Begins mid-August Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Created: 2024-09-27