Gardener: Part-Time

Gardener Holden Arboretum Opportunity: The Arboretum Landscapes department seeks a gardener to work with horticulturists and other team members to help maintain gardens. The part-time gardener will use sound horticultural principles to care for and maintain plants in the core garden areas. The Gardener will work under the direction of a Horticulturist and with horticulture and collections staff, seasonal employees, interns and, volunteers to care for a wide diversity of plant material. All members of the Horticulture team contribute to elevating the guest experience working and collaborating with departmental staff to provide positive plant-based experiences. Occasional work may be required at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus with occasional evening and weekend requirements. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio's communities through our mission-driven programs. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work. Position Details: * Reports to Senior Horticulturist * Part-Time * Consistent Hours * 7:00 am-3:30 pm * 24 hours each week * Helps maintain gardens throughout the Holden Arboretum * A great position for anyone looking to work in the natural sciences, horticulture, arboriculture or to gain experience in the green industry Key Responsibilities: Key responsibilities of the part-time Gardener include but are not limited to: * Under the direction of a Horticulturist, cares for and maintains various woody and herbaceous plant species within the core garden areas including but not limited to: soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, staking, transplanting, weeding, bed edging, string trimming, push mowing * Contributes to the Annual Operation Plan for assigned garden areas along with horticulturist * Participates in group work * Works alongside volunteers, interns, and students * Maintains operational and pesticide records in accordance with law * Safely operates a variety of gas and electric machinery and equipment including, including but not limited to, motorized utility cart with dump body and motorized utility cart, tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments, van, pick-up and dump truck, chipper, pruners, hand shears, saws, weed eaters, sprayers, push and riding mowers, backpack blowers, and various wheeled carts * Maintains a safe and productive working environment for staff and visitors * Positively interacts regularly with guests, members, and the public to create a welcoming atmosphere * Actively participates in organizational meetings, committees, and events to promote a culture centered around trust, sharing, and collaboration * Inspects and maintains tools to ensure safe operating condition and reports problems to Horticulturist * Assists Horticulturist in teaching classes and leading tours, as requested * Assists with the installation and maintenance of interior and exterior displays associated with special shows, events, and exhibitions, as necessary * Participates in leaf, ice and snow removal, as necessary * Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities * Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor * Participates in internal and external educational opportunities for professional growth * Collaborates to advance various Holden Forests & Gardens' department initiatives * Maintains and develops horticulture qualifications Qualifications and Skills: * Supports Holden Forests & Gardens' mission, vision, and values * Demonstrate a passion for people and nature * High school diploma or equivalent * Minimum of 2 years of experience in landscaping, garden maintenance or a related field or a combination of education in horticulture, landscaping, botany, perennial plant production, ecologically informed horticulture and/or related fields * Interest in cultivating ornamental and native plants * Excellent communication skills and willingness to work alone and with a team * Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive or ability and desire to learn * Desire and ability to work outdoors, year-round, performing manual labor in all weather conditions * A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team * Has and maintains a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record Physical Requirements Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodations * Ability to work primarily outdoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit * Willing and able to operate small power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions * Ability to transport oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky * Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb, reach, pull, push, sit, grab and lift. * Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis daily * Ability to walk an average of 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain; occasionally more Apply: Holden Forests & Gardens values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G also provides DEAI training for staff, managers, and volunteers to create a welcoming and accessible environment. Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Qualified applicants should submit résumé, cover letter explaining why they want to work at Holden Forests & Gardens & how they see this role as part of their career path along with 3 professional references. Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country's foremost public gardens.

Created: 2025-02-10