Gardener

Position Title:     Downtown Gardener 

Department:     Horticulture  

Reports To:     Horticulturist 

Location:     Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, and Audubon Woldenberg Riverfront Park 

General Summary:  Provides routine maintenance of garden zones under the direction of the 

Horticulturist. Assists the horticulturist with daily care including planting, weeding, pruning, watering, mulching, and hauling of plant debris. Assists Horticulturist with large scale garden projects. Responsible for park facility services and minor park maintenance. 

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Downtown Gardener will:  

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality. 

•    Physically perform general landscape maintenance, including planting, mowing, leaf-blowing, weeding, watering, fertilizing, spraying, doing minor irrigation repairs, pruning, and pest control according to written maintenance and safety standards. 

•    Maintain garden projects on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis with a critical eye on detail. 

•    Contribute to scheduled manicuring of all turf areas. 

•    Contribute to educational and research projects as need to aid in community knowledge of plant materials and landscape maintenance practices. 

•    Apply pesticides using appropriate safety procedures as provided and according to OSHA standards. 

•    Assist in group activities and special projects as needed. 

•    Work effectively and maintain good working relationships with other department staff. 

Weave quality entertainment through the guest experience. 

•    The Downtown Gardener will contribute to group effort to provide beautiful gardens of varying color 

and texture that enhance the guest’s visit that will serve to provide a memorable guest experience.  

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis.  They do not exclude other duties as assigned. 

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Downtown Gardener will:  

Welcome 

•    Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings. 

•    Wear identification badge. 

•    Walk individual to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people who look confused. 

•    Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).  Always have the camera-ready look. 

Share 

•    Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it). 

•    Co-workers are to be coached on service expectations. 

•    Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service. 

•    Know when to involve management. 

Inspire 

•    Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers. 

•    Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold). 

•    Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business. 

•    Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming. 

•    Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage). 

Experience:   

•    Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time with attention to detail and ability to follow through. 

•    Follow schedules. 

•    Work collaboratively and cooperatively. 

•    Work as a team or independently. 

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:   

•    Must have the ability to use handheld gardening tools, such as shovels, rakes, and brooms.  

•    Must be able to operate and maintain fuel in gas powered hedgers, weed eaters, power blowers, riding and push mowers, and extension chain saws.  

•    Must have a valid La. driver’s license and be capable of driving golf carts, gas powered utility vehicles, and pickup trucks as well as the ability to tow a trailer with weight. 

Physical Requirements: 

•    This position is a physically demanding one. This job requires 100% working out in the elements, so the ability to withstand hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters is a must.  

•    You must be a team player and be able to interact well with others within the department, as well as staff from other departments. Good communication is important within the team. 

•    This job requires the ability to pick up items weighing up to 40 lbs. 

•    Must be able to operate power equipment in varying degrees of temperatures for long periods of time. 

•    Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected. 

•    Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds. 

•    Ability to read and write required. 

•    Use of chemicals is limited, but a part of the job. Chemical application will be taught. 

Environmental/Working Conditions: 

•    Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required. 

•    May be exposed to high, medium, or low noise intensity. 

•    Constant contact with co-workers required. 

•    Affinity for animals preferred. 

•    Contact with zoo guests is expected to be courteous and respectful. 

•    This position requires exposure to the elements and to dirty conditions.  

•    Understanding of safe practices is essential in order to minimize unsafe working conditions. Use of safety gear required.  

•    Be knowledgeable of proper PPE and safety practices.