Gardener

Hermann Park Conservancy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

401k retirement plan

Job summary

Hermann Park Conservancy invites a Gardener to join a dedicated team responsible for landscape and horticulture maintenance across Hermann Park, including Lake Plaza, Japanese Garden and The Commons.

The role emphasizes hands-on maintenance, IPM-focused practices, and collaboration with volunteers and park staff. Applicants should have a high school diploma and relevant garden experience, with training in horticulture welcomed. Flexible hours including weekends are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; 2 years in garden/landscape setting preferred.
• Texas Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, or Certified Landscape Professional training is a plus.
• Bachelor’s or technical degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, conservation, or related field is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Physically perform landscape maintenance including pruning, mulching, weeding, planting, watering, fertilizing, and IPM.
• Assist and supervise volunteers andCoordinate with groups of various sizes.
• Operate batteries or gas-powered equipment such as golf carts, blowers, power washers, etc.
• Apply pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers following IPM principles prioritizing organic methods when possible.
• Log chemical use in compliance with laws and regulations.
• Assist with irrigation system maintenance and report malfunctions.
• Interact with the public to educate visitors on garden etiquette and safety.
• Ensure tools and equipment are cleaned, secured, and stored nightly.

Skills

Lawn maintenance

IPM knowledge

Public interaction

Equipment operation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Texas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener training

Degree in horticulture or related field

Tools

Irrigation system knowledge

Power tools operation

Job description

Hermann Park is one of Houston’s premier historic green spaces, home to the city’s most iconic public gardens and park amenities. Hermann Park Conservancy is a citizens’ organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park, today and for generations to come. The Gardener will join a dedicated and diverse team responsible for landscape and horticulture maintenance throughout Hermann Park, including locations at Lake Plaza, Japanese Garden and The Commons.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Physically perform comprehensive landscape maintenance including but not limited to pruning, trimming, mulching, weeding, raking, planting, watering, fertilizing, IPM, trash removal, etc.
• Support facilitation of small volunteer groups of all ages, as well as help facilitate larger groups of high school, college, and corporate organizations.
• Operate battery or gas-powered equipment including but not limited to golf carts, blowers, power washers, and spray equipment.
• Apply pesticides, herbicides, biological controls, and fertilizers using an IPM approach as required and directed, prioritizing organic methods where possible. Be vigilant and proactive to monitor quality and health of plants within the park.
• Log all chemical use according to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Shovel, load, transport, and spread mulch, gravel, soil, compost, and other bulk materials to project locations in the field.
• Work together as a team, with a partner, and individually, as well as occasionally help with additional projects and community events throughout the park.
• Interact with the public and assist in monitoring public behavior to educate garden visitors on acceptable garden etiquette.
• Clean and secure all equipment at the end of the day; notify supervisor of any tool or supply needs.
• Monitor and assist maintenance staff with irrigation systems and report malfunctions.
• Comply with all safety and PPE requirements of the organization.
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum education: High school diploma
• 2 years experience in a garden, park, or landscaping setting

OR

• Completion of professional training as a Texas Master Naturalist, Texas Master Gardener, Certified Landscape Professional, or similar horticulture program

OR

• A degree in horticulture, agronomy, forestry, conservation, or related field

Working Conditions

• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license with a current clean record, able to work legally in the United States.
• Must pass a background check, pre-employment drug test, and participate in random drug testing program.
• Required to work at a public park with a high degree of public interaction.
• Required to perform work outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.
• Required to perform manual labor, including lifting supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand, and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must conform to Hermann Park Conservancy dress and grooming standards, work rules, and safety procedures.
• Able to work flexible hours as needed, including a rotation for nights, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation and Hours

• Typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 6:30AM-3:00 PM, with rotational weekend shifts.
• This is a field-based role requiring flexibility; hours will adjust as needed to support park operations, including nights, weekends, holidays, andspecial events
• Benefits include full medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability and 401k retirement plan.
• Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week.