Landscape Technician

Landscape TechnicianThe Public Gardens and Landscapes Team is looking for full-time seasonal Landscape Technicians to work with our gardening team providing quality horticultural care and maintenance across a variety of garden sites in Philadelphia. Technicians will work as part of a core team performing all aspects of gardening and horticulture at some of the most prominent and visible gardens in the city, such as The Philadelphia Navy Yard, Logan Square, Rodin Museum, Philadelphia Art Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, and The Delaware River Waterfront. A Landscape Technician will perform general grounds and landscape maintenance duties along with garden installation and renovation/maintenance type work in support of the Public Gardens and Landscapes team.This role requires the ability to remain in a stationary position as well as the ability to move about in the workplace for long durations. It requires effective communication, and the ability to operate power tools and equipment safely. The role requires the ability to perform tasks as directed by the Head Gardener that may be repetitive and mundane in nature, such as weeding beds, perennial/annual cutbacks, edging beds, mulching, leaf clean-up, etc. This is a rain or shine position that will require individuals to work during inclement weather as well as through periods of cold and hot weather seasonally. There is NO smoking or vaping permitted on PHS sites or in PHS vehicles. Though our sites are some of the most prominent in the city, they can at times be environmentally challenging based on their urban locations.This position will help ensure properties remain maintained in a clean and presentable manner aligned with the high standards and image of PHS. This role requires maintaining properties throughout the City of Philadelphia.Functional Responsibilities:Safe operation of handheld power equipment such as string trimmers, backpack blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and power augers.Ability to safely load and unload materials onsite and into different vehicles.Ability to safely perform debris removal and property cleanup.Weeding large garden beds across multiple accounts as a primary task for a good portion of the season. Repetitive weeding in full sun areas around heavy traffic is often required all day.Preparing planting beds with hand and power tools during the process of planting bulbs, flowers, ground covers, trees, and shrubs; applies mulch as required.Plant nursery care such as watering, grooming, receiving deliveries, and organization of plant material designated for garden sitesPruning trees, shrubs, vines, and hedges; rakes leaves.Performs general bed and landscape maintenance by removing weeds, cutting back annuals/perennials, trimming shrubs, removing invasive species, etc.Performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned, including watering.Expectations:Adhere to all company rules, regulations, safety protocols.Maintain a tidy and safe workspace whether it be the jobsite, company vehicle or storage facilities.Clearly and respectfully communicate with colleagues, clients, and the public.Properly follow instructions as provided by both Head Gardeners and Project Managers.Work successfully in a team environment or on your own with direction.Enhance our team concept by bringing a strong, positive personality and positive attitude to work each day.Punctuality and reliability are day-to-day essentials.Qualifications:Experience working in a public garden or similar setting, preferred but not requiredMust have a valid driver's license and insurable driving recordLandscape power equipment operation experience preferredTimeliness and organizational skillsAbility to perform heavy lifting from time to time (+/-50 pounds)Ability to meet the physical demands of gardening work such as kneeling, bending, squatting, climbing, and standing for long periods of timeAbility to be self-directed and work alone when requiredAbility to work outdoors in urban environmentsAbility to work in inclement weather as neededAbility to work overtime on as needed basisAbility to understand that some required jobs are more mundane and more difficult than others but still able to perform each one with the same positive attitudeAbility to communicate issues and challenges to managers in a professional mannerExhibits interpersonal skills such as maturity, professionalism, reliability, composure, flexibility, integrity and stability to handle daily challenges and fast-paced work environmentA willingness to listen and learn.Benefits:Paid Sick Leave - Employees earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 40 hours they work. A maximum of 40 sick leave hours may be earned in a calendar year. Sick leave may be used after an employee has worked a minimum of 90 days.Paid Holidays/Paid Time Off – May 22nd, Memorial Day, July 3rd & 6th, September 4th, Labor Day, November 25th, November 26th, November 27thEducational Opportunities – PHS will reimburse individuals for the cost of conferences and pay them their hourly rates for the day with proof of attendance for the Woody Plant Conference as well as the Perennial Plant Conference. If you choose not to attend the conference(s), you may take a Paid Time Off Day (maximum of 2 PTO days related to non-attendance at conferences).Bonus – Any Landscape Technician working the full (8.5) eight and half month season are eligible to receive a $1,000 retention bonus (via payroll) at the completion of the season. Mid-season hires bonus will be pro-rated based on start date.Requirements:Uniform shirts, sweat jackets, hoodies will be provided and must be worn externally facing while on PHS Sites.PHS branded apparel should not be altered in any way, i.e. cutoff sleeves.Sturdy work boots with non-slip soles are required to be worn at all times. (No sneakers or sandals)Shorts may be worn but cut-off pants are not permitted.Maintain a clean, professional appearance at all times.Ear, eye, and hand protection will be provided.Individual PPE items can be purchased at your cost as long as they meet the required A.N.S.I. standards and will not be reimbursed.This is primarily a physical labor job. Landscape Technicians are expected to lift, squat, twist, safely and proficiently operate hand tools and gas-powered equipment repeatedly each day. Working at a quick pace is the expectation.Be prepared each day with enough water for the day and other provisions, we recommend at least a half-gallon water bottle. Some sites do not have easy access to water or places to purchase food.EEO Notice: PHS is an equal opportunity employer. At PHS, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.