Landscape Horticulture Aide

Summary

The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is a community supported public garden inspiring curiosity, discovery, and appreciation of the natural landscape. The Landscape Horticulture Aide will work with other staff and volunteers on grounds to help with the management of the Iowa Arboretum and Garden’s vast plant collection and natural areas.

This role will perform all job duties associated with horticulture management and care of arboretum displays and gardens. Job duties are directly related to the stewardship and care of assigned garden spaces and collections including assisting with IPM, propagation, planting, weeding, mowing, and cataloguing. This role reports to the Curator of Collections and Grounds, will assist other senior horticulture staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Landscape management including weeding, pruning, mulching, raking, deadheading, watering, and other horticulture/grounds duties.
• Maintains general care of horticultural tools, and technical equipment (i.e., sharpening, tightening, lubricating, and general cleaning.) Refers more serious problems to management personnel.
• Maintains a professional demeanor, answering informal questions from the public as needed when working.
• Possibility of snow removal during winter season.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Behaves & communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.

Competencies

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision-making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the arboretum’s values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn common garden plants, native plants, and general landscape management techniques.
• Willingness to learn plant identification.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering questions.
• Able to pass a standard national background check.
• 16 years of age or older

Computer Skills

• Proficiency with Google Products (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Slides, Photos, etc.).
• Ability to utilize the internet for researching, able to discern fact-based sources of information.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (i.e., load, unload and move gardening supplies, medium to heavy weight tools and equipment).
• Must be able to work in high heat and humidity, below freezing temperatures, and high wind.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods of time-- 90% or more of the workday is standing on feet.
• Ability to wear arboretum-issued Personal Protective Equipment.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).

Supervisor

Curator of Collections and Grounds

Schedule

This position is flexible schedule. Ideal candidate would be part time 10-20 hours during spring/fall semesters.

Application Instructions

Please send cover letter and resume to David McKinney, Curator of Collections and Grounds: david@iowaarboretum.org

Applications will continue to be accepted for the position until a suitable candidate is selected and accepts an offer of employment.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize major duties and responsibilities of employees and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Iowa Arboretum, Inc. they are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Iowa Arboretum, Inc. supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.

Pay: $12.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10.0 – 15.0 per week

License/Certification:

• drivers license (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12 - $17