GARDENER 2 - Center for Urban Horticulture

University of Washington • Full-time • Seattle, United States • $40k - $55k / year • 12h ago

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Under the general supervision of University of Washington Botanic Gardens (UWBG) manager of horticulture, perform skilled horticulture tasks, requiring knowledge of cultivation and maintenance of the plant collections - trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and native flora in the following grounds, gardens, plant production areas and natural lands:

• Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA) includes Yesler Swamp @ 25%

• Greenhouse and nursery, includes outdoor research support @ 10%

• General gardens and grounds @ 55%

• Supports maintenance of named specialty gardens @ 10%

Also, may assist with other plant collections and gardens projects in coordination with UW Botanic Gardens horticulture staff, when scheduled by UW Botanic Gardens manager of horticulture.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Weed management: hand, mechanical, herbicide application;

• Soil management: cultivation, topdressing with organic mulches, may assist with remediation of compacted and poorly drained soils;

• Mulching: apply wood chip mulch to landscape beds;

• Fertilization: apply granular and liquid fertilizers;

• Irrigation: setup and operate manual sprinklers for irrigation of collection plantings, minor repairs and scheduling; setup, operate, and repair automatic irrigation systems.

• Pruning: prune plant collections and native flora;

• Planting and transplanting: installation of container and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs, may assist BB transplanting of trees, and may plant seed and transplants for seasonal color;

• Landscape plant grooming: leaf and debris removal, raking, etc. groom display beds;

• Application of horticultural chemicals: application of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides and other materials as prescribed in UWBG' IPM programming;

• Brush clearing: removal of woody brush and invasive plants, plus follow up controls and site restoration;

• Assist in large tree work: may provide ground support for tree pruning and removal and chipping of limbs;

• Hardscapes: may install and maintain interpretive signs, benches, fencing, rock work, and small trails and stairs;

• Landscape renovation: site preparation, including soil and plant installation, trail work, rock installation and the ability to follow written prints and instructions;

• Use of manual tools and equipment: rakes, hand edger, loppers, shovels, wheelbarrows, weeding forks, hoes, pruning shears, and pesticide sprayers;

• Operate power and motorized equipment: tractor w/ front loader and 3-point hitch implements, utility vehicles, trucks, brush and lawn mowers, weed trimmers, chain saws, backpack blowers, tillers, sod-cutter, and other power tools. Operator safety training required.

• Ambassadorship: lead volunteer work parties, tours and providing public outreach for visitors of the named gardens at the Center for Urban Horticulture;

• Record Keeping: with training, submit plant condition and dead plant reports and other horticulture records; enter in computerized database; map new plantings via GIS technology or other methods.

• Direct the work of others: may lead group of and individual volunteers and community service projects;

• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Physical ability to do required work AND one year of experience or training involving grounds maintenance, plant care, cultivation and landscape installation OR equivalent education/experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years of experience or training involving grounds maintenance, including tractor operation, plant care, cultivation and landscape installation OR equivalent education/experience.

• Basic plant ID and culture (horticulture).

• Possession of a valid State of Washington Driver's License and Washington State Public Operators Pesticide Control license - WA state laws and safety, weeds, including aquatic, insects and disease (obtained within first 2 months of employment).

• A college degree in horticulture or related field.

• Proficiency with MS Office software.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will require 30 hours per week, mostly Monday-Friday, but occasional seasonal weekend work may be required. Willing to regularly work in varying weather conditions within the Pacific Northwest climate

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.