Gardener

Witt/Kieffer; Orange (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation is seeking a Gardener to maintain and cultivate landscapes at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, Texas.

You will perform planting, pruning, watering, mulching, and seasonal color changes, and assist with display setups and hurricane preparation as part of a small garden crew. Responsibilities include operating landscape equipment, driving duties with a valid license, adhering to safety procedures, and providing courteous

Qualifications

• Six months experience and/or training in landscaping, botanical garden, or nursery preferred.
• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required.
• Ability to operate various landscape equipment.
• Ability to speak, read, and understand English as it relates to duties and safety requirements.
• Ability to add/subtract two digit numbers and to multiply/divide with 10s and 100s.
• Ability to operate battery, electric, and/or gasoline-powered tools as needed with proper training.

Responsibilities

• Planting, pruning, watering, mulching, applying soils and soil amendments, applying organic IPM measures as directed to ensure good plant health
• Removing unsightly or unwanted plants, litter, replacing dead plants as needed
• Transports, plants, and transplants plants including flowers, shrubs, bushes, and trees as needed to complete assigned tasks
• Transports tools, equipment, and supplies necessary to support work assignments
• Assists with crew projects such as major pruning projects, seasonal color change-outs, display setups, freeze protection and hurricane preparation, and special projects
• Performs other tasks as directed by supervisor

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Organized

Valid Driver's License

Operate landscape equipment

English language proficiency

Basic arithmetic

Operate power tools

Tools

Drill

Saws-all

String trimmer

Chainsaw

Rototiller

Mower

Job description

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Title

Gardener

Location

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Reports to

Director of Horticulture, Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation

Supervises

0 Direct and 0 Indirect

Classification

Nonexempt

Salary Level

Hourly

Category

Full Time

Effective Date

April 2025

Approved By

Director of Horticulture

Job Summary

Maintains and cultivates landscapes at assigned areas at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Planting, pruning, watering, mulching, applying soils and soil amendments, applying organic IPM measures as directed to ensure good plant health
• Removing unsightly or unwanted plants, litter, replacing dead plants as needed
• Transports, plants, and transplants plants including flowers, shrubs, bushes, and trees as needed to complete assigned tasks
• Transports tools, equipment, and supplies necessary to support work assignments
• Assists with crew projects such as major pruning projects, seasonal color change-outs, display setups, freeze protection and hurricane preparation, and special projects
• Performs other tasks as directed by supervisor

Note

Despite current assignment(s) for performance of duties, Gardeners may be assigned from time to time and at any time to any Foundation property, venue or operation, including Downtown Properties, Service Center, as directed by a supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Expectations

• Work duties are performed to maintain the highest quality landscapes inside and outside Shangri La including visitor parking lot
• Support Foundation's goals and values
• Employ proper methods and use of materials, products, and equipment in maintaining the gardens
• Provide courteous, professional, timely and accurate service and support to all visitors, volunteers and co-workers
• Give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit
• Follows safe work procedures, reports potentially unsafe conditions, notify supervisor of damages, defects, or the need for repairs that could prevent deterioration of equipment or possible injury to employees or others
• Exercise care, perform required maintenance, and follow all operating instructions, safety standards, and guidelines when operating tools, equipment or vehicles
• Properly store all supplies, materials, and equipment
• Observe scheduled work hours

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience

Six months experience and/or training in landscaping, botanical garden, or nursery preferred

Interpersonal Skills

Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals and take direction. Must be a team player able to work comfortably and effectively in cross- functional teams as well as independently.

Other Skills

• Be an organized and a results oriented individual
• Valid Driver's License and good driving record required
• Ability to operate various landscape equipment
• Ability to speak, read, and understand English as it relates to the duties and safety requirements of the position
• Ability to add/subtract two digit numbers and to multiple/ divide with 10s and 100s
• Ability to operate battery, electric, and/or gasoline-powered tools as needed with proper training (i.e. drill, saws-all, string trimmer, chainsaw, rototiller, mower, etc.)

Physical Demands

Job involves the regular and, at times, sustained performance of strenuous physical tasks in all weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle and use objects, tools, equipment and control devices. The employee will be frequently standing, walking, stooping, reaching for objects, walking over rough or uneven surfaces and using a ladder. The ability to see, with or without corrective measures, and to adjust focus, see in color, and see objects at a reasonable distance is essential. Employee may be required to move, push, pull or lift objects ranging from 10-80 pounds.

Work Environment

The employee will work outside most of the time in an environment that is commonly wet, humid, hot or cold. Noise levels are generally moderate; however, the use of certain equipment may require the use of hearing protection. Environment includes blooming plants, plant saps, fertilizers and other possible allergens, as well as possible exposure to chemicals, herbicides and pesticides. Tasks may require exposure to insects, snakes and/or rodents according to prevailing habitat conditions.

Work Schedule

Work schedule may include weekends and occasional evenings.

This Job Description does not necessarily constitute a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising this position nor does it constitute a contract for employment.

About the Organization

The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation is a private operating foundation established in 1961 to encourage and assist education and to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas.

The Stark Foundation seeks to continue the legacy of its founders through the programs of: The Stark Museum of Art, The W.H. Stark House, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, and Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts, as well as the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, a qualified scholarship program for public high school students in Orange County, Texas. Programming is designed to create, and build upon, an appreciation within the community for the fine arts, Stark family history, the performing arts, environmental stewardship, and public speaking.

These venues, programs and activities provide the community and region with rich resources and opportunities for study and enjoyment of the arts, history and nature.

This position is currently accepting applications.