Lead Eco-Gardener/Horticulturist

Are you passionate & knowledgeable in horticulture and gardening? Does creating innovative spaces with - and learning from - an International award-winning design firm sound like a job you'd love? If you are mindful, multi-talented, hardworking, and able to work alone or oversee a small team, please contact us!

You would work directly with our plant-expert/co-owner as an assistant in the field and possibly in the office. (Note that master gardeners, ecologists, permaculturists, and talented perennial gardeners not meeting the qualifications are also invited to apply for employment. However, for the position of Lead Gardener/Horticulturist, we seek someone with a minimum of 3 years of professional horticultural experience - not including lawn care.)

This is an integral role in our nationally acclaimed eco-landscape team. It's a rewarding and often eclectic position where you could build on your existing skills, and gain expertise in a wide variety of new areas. Some accommodation for flexible schedule may be possible (within M-F 7:30 am to 6:00 pm window).

Responsibilities: Install and maintain (with a team) ecological landscapes (and mini-farms) of the highest quality and beauty throughout NEOhio.

• Work with and supervise a small team; also able to work on your own
• Construction of fine garden landscapes (from planning through build, and beyond)
• Plant and maintain perennials, food forests/edible plants, and landscape plantings
• Prune and trim trees and bushes (including specialty fruits) with hand pruners.
• Help build/maintain raingarden, simple structures, drainage systems, waterfalls & ponds...
• Monitor and maintain plants for optimum health
• Restore and create beauty and ecological balance
• Assist with plant ordering, manage spreadsheets, write care instructions, and other office tasks.
• Help create and manage systems for high quality, organization, and efficiency of landscape operations.

Skills

• Background in Horticulture, Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Construction, etc. with a minimum of 3 yrs hands-on experience.
• Excellent plant knowledge, including perennials, shrubs, native plants and their identification, care, and pruning
• An artistic eye and familiarity with design elements, plans, and processes. Organized and detail oriented.
• Creative problem-solving and adaptability; strong communication skills.
• Ability to supervise others and work well with clients
• Diverse skillset preferred. Carpentry, construction, and mechanical skills are highly valued, but are not essential (wood, stone, ponds, machinery…) Marketing, computer, & office skills are equally valuable.(Construction OR office & communication skills required for possible year-round work) Tell us your talents!
• The ability to lift heavy objects; work on hands & knees
• The ability to work efficiently outdoors in inclement weather and for long periods of time
• Passion for sustainability and for our mission

We’d love your great attitude and enthusiasm, but we're also looking for someone with initiative who can hit the ground running. The candidate we seek is organized, has attention to detail, can manage multiple tasks and priorities, meets deadlines, and possesses stellar horticultural skills. The position could be seasonal, late March to December, although winter work is possible for someone with versatile skills (writing, construction, or marketing...) We are seeking someone who really "gets" our passion for sustainability and sees nature as both sacred and healing.

Compensation and hours are dependent on experience and fit. If this sounds like a great opportunity, please explain why.

Salsbury-Schweyer, Inc is a small, family-owned design and development group, based in Akron’s funky Highland Square. Using permaculture and regenerative design principles, we work with mindful homeowners and organizations in NEOhio and beyond. We are recognized leaders in sustainable outdoor spaces, and have been featured in nearly 100 articles, books and magazines - including “Fine Gardening”, "Luxury", and “The American Gardener”. Join our team and help further our vision of creating landscapes to “heal people, places, and planet”.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Application Question(s):

• Why does this position/company appeal to you?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Horticulture: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Akron, OH 44302 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $28