Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Position Title: Gardener

Reports To: Director of Horticulture and Living Collections

Job Category: Full-time, Hour

Location: On-Site

Salary: $18/hour; Full benefits

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is seeking a Gardener that is passionate about desert plants and landscapes. The duties of the position include working in assigned areas in collaboration with horticulturist staff and providing garden maintenance, trail repair and plant care. Gardeners provide maintenance and care of assigned areas including pruning, weed control, and assisting with irrigation. This position works collaboratively with volunteers as assigned.

ABOUT US

In 1924, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA)was founded by mining magnate William Boyce Thompson. The desert landscape inspired Boyce Thompson to create the arboretum with the mission of educating people about desert plants and their uses in an arid environment. This mission continues today, and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum has grown in mission and size over its 100-year history. As an independent non-profit organization, the arboretum is in Superior, Arizona in the beautiful and stunning landscape of Picket post mountain and adjacent to the Tonto National Forest. The arboretum is located within 30 minutes of Mesa, AZ and 1 hour from downtown Phoenix. At 372 acres, BTA is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. BTA holds a collection of 4,030 taxa and 30,000 plants. The Arboretum grounds provide a collection of plants from all over the world’s varied desert and dry lands, displaying them alongside native Sonoran Desert vegetation. Wildlife is abundant and visitors enjoy well maintained hiking trails throughout the grounds. It is not uncommon to see javelina, bobcat and a variety of native and migratory birds while working, hiking, and enjoying the grounds. BTA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees .

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plant shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants and maintain assigned garden areas under direction from a Horticulturalist and/or Director of Horticulture.
• Provide general plant care, including monitoring health of plants, trimming trees and shrubs and weeding
• Assist with general maintenance of grounds, including trails, hardscape, and weed mitigation
• Remove debris and/or litter from stairs, walks and garden areas.
• Operate tools associated with grounds maintenance and landscaping activities
• Perform minor maintenance and repairs on equipment and tools as required
• Uses and maintains hand tools, power tools and light machinery. Includes chainsaws.
• Uses and maintains golf carts and vehicles.
• Participates in landscape design and installation.
• Participates in propagating plants that have been identified by the BTA Collections Committee as priority for overall garden and retail plant sales.
• Participates in seed collection and other research activities as identified in department goals.
• Works collaboratively with volunteers and master gardeners as assigned by Director of Horticulture.
• This list is not comprehensive, and other tasks not mentioned here may be required.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance
• PTO, 11 Paid Floating Holidays
• 401k, Paid Parental Leave
• Free BTA membership and employee discount in gift shop
• Employee options for Vision, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance. Different eligibility requirements must be met, and employer contributions are generous, but contribution rates vary among different plan/benefits options.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of two years’ experience as a gardener, experience with arid landscapes desired.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have a valid AZ Driver’s License or ability to obtain one. Clean driving record required.
• Experience with irrigation systems desirable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic gardening knowledge and ability to learn horticulture techniques for arid plants.
• Ability to learn specifically in the areas of desert plants.; ability to utilize dichotomous keys to identify plants in the field.
• Interest in arid plants and their ecology.
• Independent worker who can self-motivate and complete daily tasks without supervision.
• Ability to use power tools for basic construction or willingness to learn- including building beds and general repairs.
• Ability to read and interpret maps.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Detail-oriented, collaborative manner, and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Computer skills: Able to use email, calendar programs and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Digital access to files and data will be required.
• Must pass a background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions. Summer temperatures may exceed 115 degrees F.
• Must be able to work at least one weekend day and occasional evenings. Shift starts one hour before opening. In the summer months the shift starts at 5 am.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and traverse uneven terrain and hiking conditions.
• Must be able to stand, walk on uneven terrain, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk, and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
• Fully functional vision is required (prescription lenses are acceptable).

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