Landscaper/Gardener

Position Purpose

The Landscaper/Gardener is responsible for the maintenance, care, and improvement of landscaping and plant life across various sites and locations. This position performs routine gardening and landscape maintenance, including planting, trimming, pruning, weeding, watering, preventive care, and other related upkeep activities. The Landscaper/Gardener works close with administration and internal teams to maintain outdoor areas that are clean, orderly, functional, presentable, and appropriate for the facility environment. The role may also research and apply appropriate landscaping and plant-care practices based on site conditions, plant requirements, seasonal needs, and established industry practices.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining and improving landscaping, identifying and addressing maintenance needs, coordinating with internal teams and external contractors as appropriate, and assisting with landscape design and improvement projects. The position supports efforts to ensure facilities and grounds remain safe and compliant with applicable requirements and requires hands-on technical skills, sound judgment, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication and collaboration.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Work closely with the CEO and Development Director to design, maintain, and improve existing and future sites.
2. Conduct independent research on appropriate landscaping options, plant selections, and maintenance practices based on site conditions and intended use.
3. Coordinate with outside vendors and contractors for specialized or large-scale landscaping projects.
4. Perform grounds and exterior maintenance, including basic landscaping, debris removal, and general exterior upkeep.
5. Maintain lawns, plants, trees, and landscaped areas through mowing, watering, trimming, pruning, weeding, and other routine care.
6. Remove dirt, sand, gravel, weeds, leaves, and other debris from landscaped and exterior areas as needed.
7. Perform limited cleaning related to gardening and landscaping activities, including post-pruning cleanup and disposal of landscaping waste in accordance with facility policies.
8. Identify landscaping, grounds maintenance needs, and communicate recommendations or concerns to administration.
9. Assist with seasonal landscaping activities and other projects related to the upkeep and improvement of facility grounds.
10. Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
11. Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
12. Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
13. Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
14. Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.
15. Participate in JWCH’s customer service training called AIDET on an annual basis.
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) to apply in patient encounters or team discussions.
    2. Utilize the AIDET communication framework to communicate with patients and team members in a manner that reduces patient anxiety, increases patient compliance, and improves clinical outcomes.
16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. Ability to move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
2. Possess a valid California Driver’s License, maintain a satisfactory driving record, and be able to travel between assigned sites as required.
3. Ability to safely operate company vehicles in accordance with applicable laws and JWCH policies, as required for job duties.
4. Availability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
5. Ability to stand for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, stretch, kneel, and perform other physical activities required to complete job duties.
6. Demonstrated hands-on experience in landscaping and gardening, including routine grounds and plant maintenance.
7. Practical knowledge of landscaping, gardening, plant care, and related maintenance practices is preferred.
8. Ability to work independently, follow instructions, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively with administration, internal teams, and external contractors.
9. Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs.
10. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.