Horticulture Intern bei Oakland Children's Fairyland

The Horticulture Intern will work side-by-side the park’s horticultural staff to care for and learn about our plant collections, bay-friendly organic gardening methods and systems, proper pruning techniques, safe operation of irrigation systems, grounds maintenance, greenhouse propagation techniques, and more.

This is an internship position for 15 weeks. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Planting and pruning flowers, shrubs, and trees;

• Applying fertilizer as directed (familiarity with IPM a plus);

• Blowing pathways and raking sandpits;

• Lawn care: mowing, edging, aerating, and applying compost/compost tea;

• Irrigation: troubleshooting and repairing;

• Weeding: manually, with string trimmer, or by spraying with horticultural vinegar.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• At least one (1) year of previous landscaping or maintenance experience, preferably at a public park, garden or golf course. Fine gardening or horticulture experience is a plus.

• Basic landscaping concepts for mowing, watering, and applying fertilizers

• Proper planting and pruning techniques for a variety of trees, bushes, and other plants;

• Basic record keeping principles and practices;

• Principles and practices of effective customer service;

• Principles and practices of on-the-job safety and use of personal protective equipment

• Ability to use hand tools required for landscaping.

• Knowledge of landscaping techniques and processes.

• Excellent time management skills.

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Possess a clear background history with no barriers to working with Children's Fairyland

• Possess current valid California Driver’s License with an insurable driving record

Personal Attributes/Values

• People-orientation- able to interact effectively, politely, and productively with all types of people from all types of backgrounds and experience and in all types of situations. Comfortable working with non-English speaking and culturally diverse stakeholders

• Professional maturity to manage composure during stressful interactions

• Energetic, diplomatic, adaptable and with a good sense of humor.

• Passionate about the mission, vision, and goals of Fairyland and possess an understanding of how this position contributes to the organization’s success. 

• Strong work ethic with an orientation toward process improvement.

• Impeccable integrity and honesty

Physical Requirements 

This position is primarily located in an outdoor environment.  Able to perform the following duties with or without accommodation:

• Stand, sit, kneel, walk, bend, and perform repetitive motions for the duration of up to an eight (8) hour shift

• Traverse safely over uneven terrain throughout the entirety of the 10-acre amusement park 

• Safely lift, manipulate and transport items of up to 50 lbs. 

• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

• Respond quickly to sounds

• See and respond quickly to situations

• Operate two-radio for communications with park personnel

• Work in outdoor, occasionally adverse, seasonal weather conditions for 100% of shift

• Ability to dig drainage/planting trenches in our native clay soil

• Ability to operate heavy machinery such as turf equipment

• Ability to work on weekends and holidays

• Proven track record of punctuality and attendance

• Ability to meet Fairyland’s current COVID-19 Requirements

• Ability to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination prior to start of employment;