Position Overview: The Public Gardens and Landscapes Team is looking for a full-time Gardener to work with our gardening team to provide quality horticultural care and maintenance across a variety of garden sites in Philadelphia. Working with the senior Head Gardener, this employee helps manage a core team of Landscape Technicians performing general grounds and landscape maintenance duties along with garden installation and renovation/maintenance type work in support of the Public Gardens and Landscapes team at some of the most prominent and visible gardens in the city, such as: The Philadelphia Navy Yard, Logan Square, The Rodin Museum, Philadelphia Art Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, and The Delaware River Waterfront.
Primary Responsibilities:- Assist in the management of the Landscape Technician team.
- Assist in the maintenance of all equipment and support tools.
- Adhere to horticultural industry standards in pruning
- Monitor health of plants and trees - including pest and disease scouting.
- Plant identification and proper weed management.
- Help with the receiving of plant deliveries ensuring quality upon arrival and proper care before installation.
- Provide occasional support to the Activation Team to ensure our Pop-Up Gardens are maintained to the highest horticultural level possible.
- Prepare planting beds with hand and power tools during the process of planting bulbs, flowers, ground covers, trees, and shrubs; applies mulch as required.
- Performs general bed and landscape maintenance by removing weeds, cutting back annuals/perennials, trimming trees, shrubs, vines, removing invasive species, raking leaf litter, etc.
- Provide Flower Show support through the receiving of plant materials, sorting and maintaining plants, as well as the installation of garden(s) prior to the opening of the show.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Specification:- Minimum degree required: BS or equivalent training in horticulture or a related field.
- Years of experience: 3-5 years working experience working in a public garden or similar experience preferred.
- Licenses/Certifications:
DOT Medical Card (preferred but not required)
PA Pesticide Applicator's License (Preferred but not required) - Driver's License: Required
- Knowledges, Skills, Abilities required for success:
- Experience working in a team environment with an ability to delegate tasks as necessary
- Landscape power equipment operation experience preferred.
- Ability to perform heavy lifting from time to time (+/-50 pounds).
- Ability to self-direct and work independently.
- Experience working with project managers to follow directions while exercising personal discretion as needed.
- Experience working in urban garden environments a plus.
Physical Demands:This role is physically demanding. You may be required to stand for up to 8 hours a day and lift 50+ lbs. Must be able to work in all weather conditions and this position requires operating a motor vehicle and various power tools.
Standard Hours (including travel, evening, and weekend hours): PHS's standard office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM at team member's designated workspace. Some teams and positions work alternate hours because of the nature of their role at PHS. This position's standard hours are 7AM to 3PM, Monday through Friday with a required rotation between work sites throughout the day. Occasional overtime (included weekends) may be required as needed. This position does require flexibility for adjusting schedules with limited notice due to weather and site needs.
Flower Show Requirements: Hours preparing for the show and the duration of the show may not follow your regular work schedule. Your Flower Show schedule will depend upon your regular position or your temporary position supporting the Flower Show. You may be required to stand for long periods of time, do extensive walking, and lift up to 25 pounds.