Gardener

The VerdeGo Gardener plays a vital role in maintaining the beauty, health, and guest experience of The Riverfront Esplanade. This position is responsible for the care and stewardship of diverse plantings across the waterfront park, including ornamental gardens, native plant areas, shade gardens, turf areas, and specialty landscape zones. The ideal candidate understands proper pruning techniques, plant identification, fertilization, and pest management-ensuring the Esplanade remains an exceptional botanical and recreational environment for the community.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Care & Pruning

• Perform proper pruning on shrubs, small trees, ornamentals, perennials, and grasses to maintain health and visual appeal.
• Follow species-specific pruning guidelines, especially for native and coastal-resilient plants used throughout the Esplanade.
• Assist in seasonal cutbacks, deadheading, thinning, and shaping of plant material.
  
  

Plant Identification & Garden Stewardship

• Identify a wide variety of Florida-friendly, native, and ornamental plants featured in the
  
  

Esplanade's design.

• Monitor plant beds, bioswales, pollinator gardens, and specialty planted zones for health and maintenance needs.
• Install, transplant, and remove plant material as directed by the Horticulture team.
  
  

Fertilization & Soil Health

• Apply fertilizers, compost, and soil amendments according to horticulture standards and environmental regulations.
• Understand plant-specific nutrient needs and utilize soil test data where applicable.
• Support sustainable soil management practices to protect the Halifax River waterfront.
  
  

Pest & Disease Management (1PM)

• Identify pests, beneficial insects, fungal diseases, and environmental plant stresses.
• Implement Integrated Pest Management strategies prioritizing non-chemical methods.
• Safely apply treatments (organic or chemical) according to policies and Florida regulatory requirements.
  
  

Grounds Maintenance & Facility Support

• Maintain pathways, plant beds, irrigation zones, and landscape features throughout the
  
  

Esplanade.

• Operate and care for horticultural tools, mowers, blowers, trimmers, edgers, and irrigation equipment.
• Assist with large events by preparing landscaped areas and ensuring gardens remain clean and welcoming.
• Participate in storm prep and post-storm cleanup efforts common to coastal environments.
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• Strong knowledge of plant pruning methods and landscape horticulture.
• Ability to identify common Florida plants and landscape species.
• Understanding of fertilization techniques, soil health, and nutrient management.
• Familiarity with pest and disease identification and appropriate treatments.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in Florida weather.
• Able to lift 40 lbs, bend, stoop, walk long distances, and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Must be available for weekend work.
  
  

Preferred

• Experience working in parks, botanical gardens, or public outdoor spaces.
• Knowledge of coastal Florida native plants and pollinator-friendly species.
• FNGLA, FCHP, pesticide applicator license, or other horticultural certifications.
• Experience with irrigation maintenance and water-efficient landscaping.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail and pride in workmanship
• Strong communication and teamwork
• Problem-solving and proactive plant care
• Reliable, punctual, and safety-conscious
• Passion for gardening, sustainability, and public spaces