Gardener (Seasonal)

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in Pittsburgh, PA is seeking a Seasonal Gardener to tend living plant collections and horticultural displays. This entry-level, training-provided role supports garden development and ensures attractive landscapes.

You will work outdoors year-round, 40 hours weekly, 7:00am–3:00pm weekdays and 8:00am–4:00pm weekends on a rotating basis, with some events. Valid driver’s license required and willingness to obtain clearances.

Qualifications

• Education or training in horticulture or a related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of arboriculture, PA native plants, perennials, and USDA zones 5/6.
• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication; ability to multi-task.
• Commitment to Garden mission.
• Proficient with horticultural hand tools and small engine equipment.
• Willingness to learn Garden best practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform general garden maintenance such as watering, pruning, planting, mulching, and weeding.
• Monitor pests and diseases; implement IPM strategies.
• Operate garden equipment and power tools.
• Motivate and assist volunteers during weekly workdays.
• Provide excellent customer service and professional conduct.
• Participate in seasonal activities, including bulb planting and snow removal.
• Weekend duties include caring for the Garden’s small flock of chickens.
• Assist with non-horticultural projects as needed.

Skills

Collaboration

Oral & written communication

Multi-tasking

Enthusiastic commitment

Education

Education or training in horticulture

Tools

Hand tools

Small engine equipment

Job description

Description

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design, and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs, and conserving the environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of the Garden’s growing team, we are seeking a seasonal Gardener who will tend the living plant collections and horticultural displays. This position assists in building gardens and maintaining plants in containers and landscapes. The seasonal Gardener plays a key role in the appearance of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden through their energetic attention to detail and technical skills.

This dedicated and dependable individual will bring horticultural knowledge and professional gardening experience to the Garden, implement best stewardship practices, and assist Garden staff with achieving exceptional standards for garden maintenance. Excellent communication skills, respect, and integrity are required. This is an entry‑level position, and training will be provided.

This position reports to the Horticulture Manager and works closely with other Horticulture & Conservation staff members.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Perform general garden maintenance such as watering, pruning, planting, mulching, and weeding of the permanent and seasonal plantings.
• Monitor pests and diseases and follow appropriate Integrated Pest Management strategies.
• Operate equipment such as utility vehicles as well as standard garden power tools such as mowers, string trimmers, blowers, and tillers.
• Motivate and assist volunteers in the maintenance of gardens and landscapes during regular weekly volunteer workdays.
• Provide excellent customer service and demonstrate a professional manner at all times.
• Participate in seasonal activities, including bulb planting, garden cleanup, and snow removal.
• Weekend duties include caring for the Garden’s small flock of chickens.
• As needed, complete non-horticultural projects that support the Garden’s mission and development.

Requirements

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Education or training in horticulture or a related field is preferred
• Knowledge and/or experience in the following areas: arboriculture, PA native plants, perennials, fruit trees, container displays, and the common landscape plants of USDA zones 5 and 6
• Demonstrated skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving
• Strength in oral and written communications, and the ability to manage multiple tasks
• An enthusiastic commitment to the mission and purpose of the Garden
• Proficient with equipment used in the horticultural trade, including hand tools and small engine equipment
• Ability to follow directions and willing to learn Garden best practices
  

WORK CONDITIONS

• Primarily outdoor physical work in all weather conditions, with occasional work at special events
• Non-exempt, hourly position. Typically, this is a 40‑hour per week position with hours being 7:00 am‑3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am‑4:00 pm on weekends; weekends are required on a rotating basis. Flexible hours will be required for Garden-related functions.
• Must be able to traverse moderate to difficult site conditions related to Garden topography
• Ability to stand, kneel, or bend for extended periods and lift 40 pounds
• Exposure to biting/stinging insects, poisonous plants, petroleum products, and horticultural chemicals
• Cell phones and ear buds/headphones may not be used during work hours unless for emergencies or work purposes, this includes taking photos, listening to podcasts & music
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be willing to obtain clearances before start date (Child Abuse Clearance; PA State Police Background Check; FBI Fingerprint Background Check)