Museum Gardener/Landscape Maintenance Worker

Title: Museum Gardener/Landscape Maintenance Worker

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt, 8-12 hrs./week (flexible) + one Saturday shift per month (firm)

Pay Range: $23-25/hr

Reports to: Public Programs Manager

Position Summary:

Gardener responsibilities include monitoring the health of all plants and greenscapes within the Museum’s Garden Learning Center, which features native plants and habitats. They ultimately ensure the gardens and green spaces are healthy and beautiful. This position will assist with occasional outreach programs related to horticultural education and ecological restoration projects, and instruct and supervise volunteers.

Specific Responsibilities:

Weekly maintenance including:

- Watering and feeding plants

- Mulch, edge and weed garden spaces

- Prune and trim shrubs and bushes

- Monitor and maintain the overall health of plants

- Deal with pest problems that could damage plants

- Maintain all gardening equipment and machinery

- Assist with installation and maintenance of new plants

- Keep gardens and green spaces clear of debris and litter

Occasional responsibilities include:

- Volunteer instruction and supervision

- Assist with the Museum’s garden education programs

- Public speaking relative to answering gardening questions, and acting as an ambassador for the Museum

Essential Requirements:

- Extensive knowledge of regional native plant life

- Experience as a Gardener

- Familiarity with landscaping design

- Knowledge of local pests and how to eliminate them

- Knowledge of natural fertilizers

- A love of the outdoors and plant life

- A high school degree or GED

- Basic computer literacy to manage email and spreadsheets (garden planning, plant record keeping, garden layouts, etc.)

- Ability to work independently

- Solid organizational and problem-solving skills

- Reliable and punctual

- Bilingual fluency a plus

Work Environment:

- Interaction with the general public

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and climbing stairs with ability to lift heavy loads (50 lbs.)

The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Essential Requirements are representative and are essential for satisfactory job performance. The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job. The Museum will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Museum values a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the responsibilities, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

To Apply: Interested candidates can apply by submitting a cover letter along with a detailed resume to: employment@santacruzmuseum.org with the subject line: Gardener

Please direct questions relating to this position to Lucy Logsdon at employment@santacruzmuseum.org.