Gardener

Gardening Position

To perform gardening duties which maintain the integrity and beauty of the Gardens and grounds. To be responsible for the care and cultivation of our garden, which includes annual and perennial plantings, pathways, water bodies, lawns, wildlife, garden furnishings, while demonstrating the ability to work independently or in a team effort towards the goal of garden maintenance and preservation. In general, the successful candidate will understand gardening practices and plant materials appropriate for the nature of the Gardens.

Schedule is Monday - Friday 7am - 3pm. Hours will change to: 6:30am - 2:30pm in summer months.

Essential Duties

The successful candidate is a highly organized individual with a good eye for excellent care and management of the grounds. (S)he will perform general gardening duties in order to maintain the integrity and beauty of the Gardens and grounds, including:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of plants and planting locations
• General upkeep of the grounds, garden buildings, and equipment.
• Pruning and maintenance of assigned area(s) of the gardens including, shrub borders, hedges and other garden plantings
• Communicate daily with Garden Supervisor for work assignments or garden concerns; schedules or concerns may change throughout the year based on planting schedules, weather concerns or possible design changes by the Gardening Supervisor.
• Responsible for the use and maintenance of tools, equipment, and materials; performs minor maintenance, lubrication, and cleaning of power equipment; refers more serious problems to the Garden Supervisor or Mechanic
• Responsible for maintaining required knowledge of established garden plants and understanding the cultural requirements to maintain their growth and cultivation.
• Tree work, leaf removal as well as irrigation systems
• Lawn mowing & care as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Horticultural education, training, and "hands-on" experience of at least five years preferred

• At least three years' experience in the estate or public gardening preferred

• Experience in shrub and hedge pruning

• Familiarity with operating irrigation systems

• FNGLA certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Interest in and willingness to learn Central Florida horticulture and the aesthetic ethic of the Gardens

• Ability to operate various types of power equipment (lawnmower, front-end loader, tractors, etc.)

• Practical knowledge of the use and basic maintenance of garden equipment

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

• Ability to understand and interpret instruction to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision

• Ability to perform strenuous physical work outside in the Florida weather year-round

• Ability to lift at least 60 lbs

Working Conditions

• Continual or prolonged periods of time standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, and lifting

• Continuous communication and/or interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors, and management

• Occasional holiday work required to meet departmental deadlines or to provide staff support for BTG special events

• This position is required and scheduled to work weekends as their primary workdays

• Working outside in the Florida weather year-round