Lead Horticulturist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Lead Horticulturist

Department : Grounds

Reports To: Director of Grounds  

Job Type:  Seasonal: March/April – November (40 hours/week during season)

Salary: $18.50/hr

Position Summary :   The Lead Horticulturist is responsible for overseeing the upkeep of garden beds, container gardens, and other plantings throughout the Lakeside grounds. Responsibilities include planting, weeding, pruning, planting site preparation, mulching, watering, and herbicide/pesticide application. The Lead Horticulturist oversees the daily work of seasonal gardening employees and coordinates with the Director of Grounds to prioritize tasks. This is a seasonal position that begins in early Spring and continues through late November. Exact start and end dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and workload.

About Lakeside Chautauqua: Lakeside Chautauqua is a family destination that has pioneered the act of nurturing the mind, body and spirit for over 150 years. Conveniently located between Toledo and Cleveland on Lake Erie’s south shore, Lakeside offers a robust summer programming season packed with cultural, educational, spiritual and recreational opportunities. Within the one-square-mile community, you’ll find hundreds of unique Victorian cottages, a concert auditorium, arts center, historic waterfront hotel, movie theater, pool, tennis, sailing, shopping, dining and much more. For more information, visit lakesideohio.com/employment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities : (To include other duties that may be assigned)

• Perform routine garden maintenance such as weeding, pruning, and watering.

• Prepare garden beds for planting in the spring and cut back/winterize gardens in the fall.

• Assist in the design and installation of annual displays and container gardens.

• Oversee the work of seasonal gardeners to ensure that the standards of quality and efficiency set by the Director of Horticulture are met.

• Responsible for monitoring the health of gardens and addressing issues such as plant pests and disease; applying pesticides/fungicides as needed to maintain plant health. 

• Assist with the installation of fall displays after summer annuals have been removed.

• Identify and catalogue plantings throughout Lakeside to build a database for marketing purposes (creating garden maps, plant signage, etc.)

• Assist with Fall leaf pick-up including blowing/raking leaves out of garden beds and Lakeside parks/ properties.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and hold a valid Ohio Driver's License. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s/associate degree in horticulture related field or equivalent education such as a Master Gardener certification. 
• 5+ years of experience working in the field of horticulture including public gardens/parks, landscaping, or greenhouse production.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.   Ability to speak effectively with guests and co-workers.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, climb or balance; specific vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus are needed. Must be able to lift heavy equipment and material up to 50 pounds with assistance. Must be able to climb ladders. 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 may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet, cold, humid, or hot conditions and will be required to work outdoors. These characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Lakeside Chautauqua is an equal opportunity employer.

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