Gardener Full Time Sustainable Gardener

Position Summary:

Work as a member of an experienced horticultural staff in a world-class botanical garden! You will be responsible for all aspects of the care and maintenance of a 37-acre botanical display garden. Plant collections include bromeliads, cacti, and other succulents, cycads, palm, ferns and water plants.

Practical experience in horticulture/landscape maintenance and a California driver license with a good driving record are required. Experience should include a basic knowledge of sustainable/organic horticultural practices, including the use of compost, compost tea, mulches, beneficial organisms, etc. Must be capable of strenuous physical work and working in inclement weather (50 lb. lifting requirement).

• This is a full-time 5 days a week position with occasional work on weekends.
• Benefits include health insurance, vacation and sick leave as well as a 403(b) Retirement Plan.
• Opportunity for advancement based on meeting approved job specific educational goals and/or combined performance and experience.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Watering:
• Waters by hand and with automatic systems based on cultural requirements.
• Monitors soil moisture with a soil probe or other devices.
• Maintains irrigation system to ensure system is operating properly.
• Installs and maintains drip irrigation and low flow irrigation systems.

• Weeding:
• Uses hand tools, power tools, and herbicides.
• Completes training before using restricted products.
• Mulches planting beds and open areas to control weeds.

• Fertilizing:
• Calculates rates.
• Calibrates application equipment prior to applications.
• Prepares and appies compost tea.
• Submits detailed reports of all applications.
• Follows plant nutrition programs based on plant health care needs.
• Monitors conditions and effects.

• Pest control:
• Follows safety precautions and wears protective clothing when applying pesticides.
• Traps gophers, moles, voles, raccoons, etc.
• Monitors for pests, diseases, etc. and reports to plant health care.
• Submits detailed reports of all applications.
• Cleans-up and stores pesticides (if certified).

• Planting:
• Follows accepted Lotusland planting procedures.
• Makes and maintains soil basins if needed.
• Stakes and ties for support when needed.

• Soil improvement

o Provides appropriate cultural and soil improvement material as required, including: compost, compost tea, mulch, beneficial inoculants, mineral/organic amendments.

• Record keeping:
• Submits timely reports of observations and practices.
• Records all material usage.
• Maintains curatorial and display labels.
• Reports lost or damaged labels to the curator.
• Submits documentation of plant acquisition, relocation, or loss.

• Organizes and works with volunteers and interns.
• Works indepentally and with other garden staff on crew projects.
• Set up for special events.

Essential Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Is proficient in the safe and proper use of gardening hand tools and garden power equipment, i.e., mowers, edger’s, hedge trimmers, chain saws, chippers, rototillers, trenchers, tractor, dump truck, electric carts, ladders, hand saws, hand pruners, loppers, shovels, rakes, hoes, etc.
• Properly maintains and stores tools and supplies.
• Is familiar with the principles of sustainable horticulture and of cultural care in keeping with those principles. Follows Lotusland’s Plant Healthcare Guidelines and Best Management Practices as they apply to cultural requirements in areas of responsibility and throughout the gaden.
• Must be able to lift heavy objects, i.e., equipment, fertilizer, potted plants, etc. (50 lb. minimum lifting requirement).
• Ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• The Gardener must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. Lotusland will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Lotusland is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please send to HR@lotusland.org

1. Your resume 2. Include a cover letter or e-mail

3. Three professional references with phone and e-mail contacts

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
We have COVID-19 safety precautions in place and these are reviewed and updating per CDC, local ordinances and best practices.

Application Question(s):

• In your resume or cover letter, please describe your experience with any of these: Plant, transplant, water, prune, weed a garden. Fertilize, pest control, soil improvement. Garden equipment. Knowledge of horticulture methods and materials, landscaping and cultivation. Knowledge of sustainable horticulture.

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20