Gardener (Horticulturist)

Job Description for Gardener (Horticulturist)

Job Summary

Garden InSites is a small woman operated Design-Build Garden & Landscaping Company. We specialize in ornamental gardens and often include edibles. (We do not do lawn care). The Horticulturist works with a small team for the cultivation and care of the landscaping and gardens surrounding private residences. Primary responsibilities are to work with a team of gardeners to plant and care for ornamental residential gardens. 3-5 years horticultural practice and outdoor gardening experience are required to understand ecology, microclimates, and plant requirements and cultivation.

Have a broad range of knowledge of the care and habits of native and exotic plants as well as invasive and weedy plants.

The position is par time until Thanksgiving 2-3 days per week (Tuesdays-Thursdays).

Maintenance, Weeding and Clean-up

• Work with Garden InSites and home owner to give horticultural advice.
• Attend garden beds to maintain health of plants and beauty of display using hand tools.
• Identification and removal of invasive species – removal to be as permanent as possible, using methods of digging, cutting, and root killer.
• Identify plant species, soil types and common pests/diseases.
• Fertilize, water, weed, transplant, and thin plants in landscapes and garden beds as needed.
• Weed in garden beds and periphery landscape spaces - take care to remove entire root – sometimes this is not possible treat with herbicide.
• Sweep and cleanup work debris using rake, brooms and blower.
• Water newly planted areas as needed.

Garden Installation and Planting

• Work with team of gardeners to care for residential gardens including ornamentals, cut flowers, shrubs and small trees.
• Prepare planting beds for new installations.
• Install plants, shrubs and small trees per work/design plans.
• Transplant plants or place potted plants in beds according to work/design plans.
• Condition and prepare soils.
• Plant seeds, bulbs, or potted plants containers using appropriate tools.
• Lay garden mulch and woodchips.
• Ensure site is accessible and safe for clients and staff including walkways and driveways as needed.
• Assist with clean-up – gather and clean tools and clear all work areas of debris.
• Train and manage Junior Gardeners

Gardener Skills

• Planting according to plan
• Weeding and weed identification/recognition
• Deadheading according to seasonal needs to ensure the beauty of a garden space and landscape.
• Pruning a wide variety of shrubs and small trees with hand tools to ensure the health and individual qualities of each species.
• Strength for mulching and carrying 50 lbs or more.
• Willingness to learn new skills and share your skill-set with others.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $23.00 - $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid sick time

Application Question(s):

• Please describe your education in ornamental horticulture.

Experience:

• Professional Ornamental Gardenening: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Philadelphia, PA (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $27