What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Gardner -- Seasonal position at City of Saint Paul?
About The Position
Join our team and help create memorable experiences for the many visitors who enjoy Como Park Zoo and Conservatory each year. We are hiring an Assistant Gardener – Seasonal to support the installation, care, and maintenance of its outdoor landscapes and zoological gardens throughout the growing season. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, has an interest in ornamental horticulture, and takes pride in creating beautiful and welcoming public spaces.
Here’s What You Can Expect To Do
Work Schedule: This position follows a seasonal schedule which includes annual callbacks and layoffs. Notices would be provided for each occurrence. Work season is approximately from April to November, depending on weather conditions and business needs. Monday - Friday; 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- including some Saturdays and holidays.
For more information and essential functions, see our Assistant Gardener -- Seasonal job description.
Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Position Requirements
One year of experience in horticulture including landscape maintenance or nursery/greenhouse operations or 20 credit hours in a certified horticultural training program.
Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out-of-state driver's license.
How to Apply
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Learn more about our Hiring Process
Assessment: Qualifications Rating
The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline.
Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.
Selection Process: Applicants who meet the minimum job requirements and receive an assessment score of 75% or higher will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. You will be notified of your status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a medical examination, driver’s license check, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment.
Human Resources Contact Information
Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519
E-mail: michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.
Veteran’s Preference:) If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Saint Paul offers a competitive benefits package for permanent, certified positions. Temporary positions are not eligible for benefits.
Benefits vary with each position and the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits may include:
City Paid Benefits
01
The thorough completion of the supplemental questions is very important in the screening and application processes. Therefore, a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application, may result in failure or disqualification for this position. In addition, documentation of work experience referred to in the supplemental questions must be included in the application. Your education, training, and experience are subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failure to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification from this position.
Do you possess a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license?
Which best describes your education, training, and/or experience to meet the requirements of the position?
Which of the following represents your highest level of completed education?
If you selected education above, please indicate the field of study.
06
Indicate which of the following tools/equipment you have experience using. Check all that apply.
Indicate which of the following maintenance, and/or repair tasks you have experience performing. Check all that apply.
Please describe your practical experience and duties working in landscape maintenance or nursery/greenhouse operations?
09
I understand the following: This position follows a seasonal schedule which includes annual callbacks and layoffs. Notices would be provided for each occurrence. Work season would be approximately from April to November, depending on business needs and weather conditions. Work schedule includes Monday - Friday; 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM; including some Saturdays and holidays.
10
RECRUITMENT: How did you first find your way to our website to apply for this position? (check all that apply)
RECRUITMENT: If not indicated above, please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., specific organization/website name, City of Saint Paul employee name).
12
I am currently a Right Track Worker or have been employed by the City of Saint Paul as a Right Track Worker in the past.
Join our team and help create memorable experiences for the many visitors who enjoy Como Park Zoo and Conservatory each year. We are hiring an Assistant Gardener – Seasonal to support the installation, care, and maintenance of its outdoor landscapes and zoological gardens throughout the growing season. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, has an interest in ornamental horticulture, and takes pride in creating beautiful and welcoming public spaces.
Here’s What You Can Expect To Do
- Plant, water, weed, prune, mulch, and maintain ornamental plants and landscaped areas.
- Assist with the selection, installation, and seasonal care of plant materials.
- Safely operate horticultural tools, equipment, and vehicles.
- Identify plant-care needs and help resolve routine horticultural issues.
- Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and interns to maintain attractive, safe, and high-quality garden displays.
Work Schedule: This position follows a seasonal schedule which includes annual callbacks and layoffs. Notices would be provided for each occurrence. Work season is approximately from April to November, depending on weather conditions and business needs. Monday - Friday; 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. -- including some Saturdays and holidays.
For more information and essential functions, see our Assistant Gardener -- Seasonal job description.
Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Position Requirements
One year of experience in horticulture including landscape maintenance or nursery/greenhouse operations or 20 credit hours in a certified horticultural training program.
Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License, or equivalent out-of-state driver's license.
How to Apply
- Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
- Upload the following required document(s) via the online application system. You will not be able to submit your application without the document(s) attached. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
- A resume
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Learn more about our Hiring Process
Assessment: Qualifications Rating
The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline.
Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.
Selection Process: Applicants who meet the minimum job requirements and receive an assessment score of 75% or higher will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. You will be notified of your status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a medical examination, driver’s license check, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment.
Human Resources Contact Information
Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519
E-mail: michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.
Veteran’s Preference:) If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Saint Paul offers a competitive benefits package for permanent, certified positions. Temporary positions are not eligible for benefits.
Benefits vary with each position and the collective bargaining agreement. Benefits may include:
City Paid Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Vacation/Holidays
- Sick Leave
- Life Insurance
- Subsidized Metro Bus Pass
- Deferred Compensation
- Retirement Program
- Dental
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Disability Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Long Term Care Insurance
01
The thorough completion of the supplemental questions is very important in the screening and application processes. Therefore, a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application, may result in failure or disqualification for this position. In addition, documentation of work experience referred to in the supplemental questions must be included in the application. Your education, training, and experience are subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failure to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification from this position.
- Yes
Do you possess a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Which best describes your education, training, and/or experience to meet the requirements of the position?
- Education only - I will submit proof of my 20 credit hours in a certified horticultural training program.
- Experience only - One year of experience in horticulture including landscape maintenance or nursery/greenhouse.
- A combination of experience and education equivalent to one year in horticulture including landscape maintenance or nursery/greenhouse operations.
- No experience or education.
Which of the following represents your highest level of completed education?
- High School diploma or GED
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
- None
If you selected education above, please indicate the field of study.
06
Indicate which of the following tools/equipment you have experience using. Check all that apply.
- Push Mowers
- String trimmers
- Gas power blowers
- Chain saws
- Other equipment used for landscape work
Indicate which of the following maintenance, and/or repair tasks you have experience performing. Check all that apply.
- Experience trouble shooting automatic irrigation systems (e.g. changing or adjusting irrigation heads and nozzles).
- Familiarity in setting automatic irrigation systems controllers.
- Experience with general preventative maintenance (oil/filter changes, blade sharpening, etc.) of tools and equipment.
- Experience working in a public facing environment around people.
- Familiar with identification of common plant pests and diseases of trees, shrubs, and turf.
- Experience designing annual and perennial garden beds.
- Experience pruning specialized small tree and shrub in compliance with horticultural standards.
- Experience in creating or maintaining pruned topiaries or vertical gardens (mosaiculture).
- None of the above
Please describe your practical experience and duties working in landscape maintenance or nursery/greenhouse operations?
09
I understand the following: This position follows a seasonal schedule which includes annual callbacks and layoffs. Notices would be provided for each occurrence. Work season would be approximately from April to November, depending on business needs and weather conditions. Work schedule includes Monday - Friday; 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM; including some Saturdays and holidays.
10
RECRUITMENT: How did you first find your way to our website to apply for this position? (check all that apply)
- City of Saint Paul website
- City of Saint Paul employee
- City of Saint Paul job interest card
- City of Saint Paul walk-in
- City of Saint Paul Posted! newsletter
- City of Saint Paul Gov.Delivery notifications
- Friend or family member
- League of Minnesota Cities website
- Governmentjobs.com website
- X (formerly known as Twitter)
- Indeed.com website
- ZipRecruiter
- Pollen website
- MinnesotaWorks.net
- College or University
- Community organization
- Job fair
- Professional association
- Saint Paul Elevate Session
- People of Color Career Fair
- Other
RECRUITMENT: If not indicated above, please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., specific organization/website name, City of Saint Paul employee name).
12
I am currently a Right Track Worker or have been employed by the City of Saint Paul as a Right Track Worker in the past.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question