Professional Gardener

Bluebird Gardening LLC; Minnesota; On-site; USD 33,062 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

A local gardening service is seeking a Professional Gardener for seasonal work from April to November in Minnesota. The role involves maintaining gardens, collaborating closely with lead gardeners, and supporting skill development among assistant gardeners. Candidates should have at least two years of landscape maintenance experience and enjoy outdoor work in varying weather. The position offers an hourly wage of $24-$30, depending on experience, plus overtime. A commitment to quality service and teamwork is essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional landscape and/or garden maintenance experience required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain pesticide applicator license.
• Capacity to lift up to 50lbs and endure outdoor work conditions.

Responsibilities

• Maintain client gardens by performing tasks such as weeding and planting.
• Cooperate with Lead Gardener and support skill development of Assistant Gardeners.
• Communicate professionally with clients and represent the company positively.

Skills

Landscape maintenance experience

Gardening skills

Ability to operate gas-powered equipment

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Minimum two years of related professional landscape experience

Tools

Google Email and Docs

Job description

Position Description: Professional Gardener

Department: Garden Maintenance
Salary or Hourly Rate: $24 – $30 per hour depending on experience, plus overtime
Work Schedule: M-F; April – November: 40-50 hours/wk Reports To: Lead Professional Gardener and Garden Maintenance Manager

Positions Supervised: n/a

Amount of Travel Required: local travel, 90%

COMPANY OVERVIEW
Bluebird Gardening is a small business established in 2000, specializing in high-quality landscaping and gardening services throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Garden Maintenance Teams operate seasonally, commencing work in April and concluding in November. This operational schedule is designed to cover the core growing season in Minnesota, ensuring that all garden spaces receive the attention necessary for optimal health, appearance, and vitality throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our comprehensive services are tailored to meet the specific needs of residential landscapes, ranging from routine upkeep to specialized horticultural tasks. Our teams are essential to the creation and maintenance of the distinctive, beautiful gardens for which Bluebird Gardening is recognized.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Garden Maintenance Professional Gardener is a key role within Bluebird Gardening, working closely with Lead Gardeners and Assistant Gardeners. This full-time, seasonal position (April through November) is responsible for supporting the Lead Gardener in diligently executing comprehensive garden maintenance tasks, and providing a knowledgeable base for the gardening team. The Professional Gardener is career oriented with a focus on skill development and teamwork, and plays an integral role in maintaining a healthy and cohesive work environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions: position may include additional duties as needed

• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of the gardening team to efficiently maintain client gardens, performing tasks that include: weeding, deadheading, transplanting, perennial cut down, and planting, among many other seasonal tasks.
• Adhere to direction from Lead Gardener to ensure Bluebird Gardening’s distinct quality standards are consistently met, and comply with efficient and safe workplace conditions.
• Possess the capacity and commitment to expand gardening and horticultural skills, including seasonal maintenance techniques, landscape design, plant identification, and the proper operation and upkeep of equipment.
• Support Lead Gardeners in the direction and skill development of Assistant Gardeners.
• Operate gas-powered equipment, including leaf blowers, hedge-trimmers, and drills.
• Plant seasonal containers and in-ground annual displays.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work site.
• Communicate and represent Bluebird Gardening professionally while onsite and during travel throughout the metro region.
• Communicate any work conflicts or issues promptly to the Lead Gardener or Maintenance Manager.
• Assist in the completion of all required timesheets and reporting documents in a timely manner.
• Ability to lead a team in the absence of a Lead Gardener.
• Contribute and uphold a culture of teamwork, positivity, and continual skill development.
• Garden & landscape maintenance skills involving the identification and comprehensive care of Minnesota perennials, shrubs, & trees.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients in person or via text and phone
• Ability to take and pass the Pesticide Applicators License exam within 60 days of season start.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and fulfill other physical requirements of the job
• Strong organizational & problem-solving skills
• Resilience to working 8-10 hour days outdoors in all weather conditions

SKILLS & ABILITIES
Education and Experience: Required: Minimum two years of related professional landscape and/or garden maintenance experience.

Computer Skills: Google Email and Docs; ability to do basic computer skills

Certificates & Licenses: Must have valid driver’s license, and ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license if required.

Other Requirements:

• Gardeners must be punctual and prepared for the day (proper clothing, footwear, food and water).
• Must be able to complete tasks and follow directions with a can-do attitude
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be able to contribute to a positive work environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Constantly (5.5+ hrs/day) Frequently (2.5-5.5+ hrs/day) Occasionally (0-2.5+ hrs/day)

Stand
Walk Reach outward
Reach above the shoulder
Handling/Fingering
Squat or Kneel
Bend Crawl
Sit

Lift/Carry: 21-50 lbs

Push/Pull: 26-40 lbs

Other Physical Requirements: must wear closed toe shoes or sandals, work outdoors during inclement weather, ability to travel by car, ability to operate small machinery.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed primarily in outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day shifts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in outdoor and shop settings.