Gardener

Western Hills Garden; Occidental (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Western Hills Garden in Occidental, CA is seeking a part-time gardener to help maintain the plant collection and facilities. The role is budgeted for 16-24 hours per week (2-3 days) and reports to the horticulture manager.

Responsibilities include weeding, managing green waste, planting, irrigation system upkeep, pruning, IPM, and nursery propagation support. Three+ years of hands-on gardening experience and soil knowledge are required; Spanish a plus.

Qualifications

• At least three years of gardening/landscaping experience.
• Solid understanding of soil science and soil health.
• Working knowledge of IPM strategies.
• Experience installing and repairing drip lines, sprinklers, controllers, and irrigation.
• Able to work independently and communicate clearly.
• Comfortable with hand and power garden tools.

Responsibilities

• Weeding beds and pathways; maintain grounds and facilities for guests.
• Manage green waste including hauling, chopping and chipping.
• Plant, transplant, and remove trees, shrubs, and perennials.
• Assist in maintaining the irrigation system; basic repairs.
• Prune shrubs/trees and apply fertilizers; IPM diagnosis.
• Support nursery operations and propagate plants as needed.
• Collaborate with horticulture team to plan work and improvements.

Skills

Gardening experience

Soil science knowledge

IPM knowledge

Irrigation systems

Independent work

Tool operation

Education

Horticulture program (degree or enrollment)

Tools

Drip irrigation

Sprinkler systems

Ladder and manual tools

Job description

Job Description

The part-time gardener is a critical part of our team and is budgeted for approximately 16-24 hours per week (2-3 days). The gardener reports to the horticulture manager and works with volunteers, interns, and other staff to maintain the plant collection and associated facilities, including:

• Weeding planting beds and pathways
• Managing green waste, including hauling, chopping and chipping
• Planting, transplanting, and removing trees, shrubs, and perennials
• Assisting in maintaining the garden's extensive irrigation system
• Keeping grounds and facilities clean and guest-ready

Under guidance from the horticulture manager:

• Pruning shrubs and trees
• Applying organic fertilizers, soil amendments, compost, and mulches
• Diagnosing and managing plant pests using integrated pest management (IPM)

Based on experience:

• Assisting in our nursery operations, including propagating plants from seed, cuttings, and division, and potting and preparing plants for sale
• Identifying areas for design improvements, using both plantings and hardscapes
• Assisting in maintaining collection records and documenting changes to the collection

Experience and Qualifications:

Required :

• At least three years of experience in gardening, landscaping, or other hands-on plant care
• Working knowledge of soil sciences and how to maintain healthy soils
• Basic grasp of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies
• Experience installing and repairing drip lines, sprinklers, controllers, and other irrigation.
• Strong communication skills and interest in open dialogue when issues of concern arise
• Comfortable and efficient when working independently
• Ability to safely operate a variety of hand and power garden tools

Preferred:

• Knowledge of plant identification and growing requirements for California natives, Mediterranean climate, and Asian temperate plants
• Knowing how and when to prune trees to encourage healthy growth and flowering
• Ability to successfully collaborate with the horticulture team to identify priorities and develop work strategies
• Experience designing and constructing garden elements, both planting design and hardscape.
• Spanish-speaking is a plus
• Graduate of or enrolled in an accredited horticulture program is a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Positive attitude and desire to work with a diverse team
• Safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Bend, squat, kneel, reach, walk, ascend and descend ladders, and work with hands for extended periods of time
• Willingness and physical ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Occasionally conduct work around hazardous materials and equipment

Compensation:

$24-$28 / hour commensurate with experience.