Gardener

Holden Forests & Gardens; Kirtland (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid time off

8 holidays + 3 floating holidays

403(b) plan

Life and disability insurance

Free parking

Job summary

Holden Forests & Gardens is seeking a Gardener to care for plants in core garden areas under the direction of a Horticulturist. The role includes soil prep, planting, watering, pruning, and maintenance of a diverse plant collection, with occasional work at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus.

The team supports visitor experiences and collaborates with staff, interns, and volunteers. A valid driver's license and the ability to work outdoors in all weather are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of landscaping, garden maintenance, or related field experience.
• Interest in ornamental and native plants.
• Excellent communication skills; able to work alone or in a team.
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, OneDrive).
• Valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record.
• Desire and ability to work outdoors year‑round.
• Willingness to perform manual labor in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance of core garden areas under supervision of a Horticulturist.
• Care for diverse plant materials, including soil prep, planting, watering, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, and weeding.
• Operate a variety of garden tools and equipment safely.
• Work with staff, interns, and volunteers to support guest experiences.
• Lead or participate in classes and tours when requested.
• Assist with displays for special events and exhibitions.
• Participate in leaf, ice, and snow removal as needed.

Skills

Passion for people and nature

Excellent communication

Outdoors year-round

Team player

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs.

The Gardener will use sound horticultural principles to care for and maintain plants in the core garden areas. The Gardener will work under the direction of a Horticulturist and with horticulture and collections staff, seasonal employees, interns and volunteers to care for a wide diversity of plant material.

All members of the Horticulture team contribute to elevating the guest experience working and collaborating with departmental staff to provide positive plant-based experiences. Occasional work may be required at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus with some evening and weekend requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

The key responsibilities of the Gardener include, but are not limited to:

Horticulture & Collections:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
• Under the direction of a Horticulturist, cares for and maintains various woody and herbaceous plant species within the core garden areas. This includes: soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, mulching, pruning, staking, transplanting, weeding, bed edging, string trimming, push mowing, etc.
• Contributes to the Annual Operation Plan for assigned garden areas along with horticulturist.
• Participates in group work.
• Works alongside volunteers, interns and students
• Maintains operational and pesticide records in accordance with law
• Safely operates a variety of gas and electric machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, motorized utility cart with dump body and motorized utility cart, tractor with bucket loader and fork attachments, van, pick-up and dump truck, chipper, pruners, hand shears and saws, weed eaters, sprayers, push and riding mowers, backpack blowers, and various wheeled carts
• Maintains a safe and productive working environment for staff and visitors
• Positively interacts regularly with guests, members, and the public to create a welcoming atmosphere
• Actively participates in organizational meetings, committees, and events to promote a culture centered around trust, sharing, and collaboration
• Inspects and maintains tools to ensure safe operating condition and reports problems to Horticulturist
• Assists Horticulturist in teaching classes and leading tours, as requested
• Assists with the installation and maintenance of interior and exterior displays associated with special shows, events, and exhibitions, as necessary
• Participates in leaf, ice and snow removal, as necessary

General Administration:

• Participates in internal and external educational opportunities for professional growth
• Collaborates to advance various Holden Forests & Gardens’ department initiatives
• Maintain and develop horticulture qualifications
• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:

• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of2years of experience in landscaping, garden maintenance or a related field or combination of education in horticulture, landscaping, botany, perennial plant production, ecologically informed horticulture and/or related fields
• Interest in cultivating ornamental and native plants
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to work alone and with a team
• Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive
• Desire and ability to work outdoors, year-round, performing manual labor in all weather conditions
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to participate within a multi-disciplinary team
• A valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to work primarily outdoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Willing and able to operate small power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions
• Ability to transport oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb, reach, pull, push, sit, grab and lift.
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis daily

Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays a year + 3 floating holidays
• 403(b)
• Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability
• Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland
• Discounts in our stores & cafes
• Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open
• Free admission to manyNortheast Ohio Museums
• FreeEmployee Assistance Program
• And Much More!

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors.