GARDENER I

Description

The Gardener I is a full-time non-exempt employee of The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands and reports to The Superintendent of Landscape, Grounds and Golf and works in partnership with other Trust employees.  This is an entry-level position that works closely with supervisory staff to gain skill and knowledge in horticulture practices and the ability to work more independently once skill sets are acknowledged. The Gardener I is a central position in the year-round care and maintenance of the grounds. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Works directly under the Superintendent of Landscape, Grounds, and Golf, becoming familiar with the landscape routine practices and special projects. 

• Basic knowledge of plant science and culture

• Ability to communicate effectively with all other employees as a team member.

• Plants and cultivates lawns and plants using gardening implements and power-operated equipment. 

• Performs repairs on established lawns using seed mixtures and fertilizers recommended for particular soil type and lawn location as directed  

• Plants shrubs, trees, and flowers 

• Mows and trims lawns using hand mower or powered equipment.  

• Trims shrubs and cleans grounds using rakes, brooms, and necessary equipment to perform tasks. 

• Digs trenches to install drain materials, irrigation, and/or perform repairs.  

• Assists with the planting, watering, fertilizing and routine care of a wide variety of ornamental plants and aquatic plant growth. 

• General clean up, including weeding, pruning, grooming, staking and deadheading.

• Ability to move equipment varying in weight as well as patio furniture. 

• Responsible for picking up litter and emptying trash cans regularly.

• Ability to safely utilize gas-powered mowers, tillers, electric clippers and edgers.

• Maintains a clean service area and maintenance building. 

• Ability to learn how to operate tractors, trucks, or utility vehicles to transport equipment, supplies and debris. 

• Inform supervisor of parts, supplies or equipment needed to safely perform assigned tasks

• Follow all Trust established safety and security policies and procedures and report defective equipment, accidents, injuries, and unsafe work conditions to supervisor. 

• Complete safety training and certifications, in addition to placing safety as a top priority at all times. 

• Available to respond to a call after hours and work weekends and holidays as per operational needs.

• Perform any additional assigned tasks per operational needs.

Requirements

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and management.

• Ability to work alone or in groups

• Ability to work in an outdoor environment during all weather conditions.

• Ability to follow prescribed maintenance techniques, policies and procedures.

• Working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of the profession.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

The Gardener I will have the following experience: 

• High school diploma. One year of related gardener experience preferred or, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

• Possession of an unencumbered CA driver’s license 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for periods of up to (8) hours per day with scheduled breaks. S/he must have Physical ability to perform life saving techniques, CPR and First Aid and the ability to utilize emergency equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, read, hear, talk, balance, climb, use hands, use fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push or pull. The employee may be required to move or lift objects weighing up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. While performing duties in this position, the employee will work outdoors and may be exposed to wet and/or hot conditions, moving mechanical parts, toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, sharp objects, extreme heat and/or open flame. The noise environment in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.  The employee may operate a golf cart, shuttle, or motor vehicle.

This position description identifies only the major functions and responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position, or additional duties that may be assigned by the supervisory staff.  Please note there may be a requirement to help others complete special projects and other work for the company’s overall benefit.