Plant Trials Gardener

Description:

Job Summary: The Plant Trials Gardener is responsible for maintaining the display gardens, stormwater management systems, trial beds and new plant collections They will perform various operational and ancillary functions to ensure the effective operation of the Plant Trials & Gardens Department at North Creek Nurseries by ensuring that prescribed schedules, policies, and procedures are followed.

Position Type: Full-time required (40 hours/week) with opportunities to work additional hours as needed to accomplish goals and objectives—up to 60 hours/week seasonally, including weekends during busy season (March-June and August-September); position requires employees to be prepared to work in all weather conditions (rain or shine)

Requirements:

Daily Activities:

• Plant and maintain display and trial gardens, including tasks such as weeding, watering, mulching
• Maintain stormwater BMP sites, including rain gardens, bio-swales, and retention ponds
• Maintain turf & grounds—mowing, edging & string trimming, raking, herbicide applications
• Assist with greenhouse work and production trials

Required Knowledge / Skills:

• Minimum one season experience maintaining perennial gardens
• Dedicated interest in native plants and their culture
• Ability to obtain and maintain a PA Pesticide applicator’s license, continuing education as required
• Good time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work with team in the completion of gardening tasks
• Effective listening and communication skills
• Knowledge, proper use, and maintenance of tools (e.g., shears, knives, chain saw, trimmers, tractors, mowers) or desire to learn
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.