Special Projects Gardener 2 at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

A Day in the Life:

The Projects Gardener position is responsible for garden maintenance, at both onsite and offsite locations, under the direction of the Grounds Manager.  To succeed in this position will require knowledge and experience with primary plant care, invasive species management and trail maintenance, while following all safety protocols.[KN1] [SR2]   Projects may change over time, so this role requires flexibility and the ability to work independently offsite. This full-time (40 hours per week) position reports to the Grounds Manager.

 What You’ll Do:

• Assist with general maintenance of Garden grounds and Garden-related projects, including: Conservation Tree Groves, landscape beds at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, invasive species removal and treatment, and seasonal weed mitigation in undeveloped sections of the Garden

• Provide general plant care, including: soil preparation, irrigation, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, planting, soil amending, mulching, monitoring and controlling pest populations

• Monitor condition and maintain trails at the Garden, including historic pathways and newly opened trail sections

• Participate in staff crew days and lead volunteer work crews when assigned

• Operate non-mechanical tools such as shovels, rakes, shears, saws, wheelbarrow, etc
• Operate mechanical power tools such as chainsaws, blowers, line trimmers, electric carts, tractor, and manual vehicles
• Install, maintain and repair irrigation systems.   

 You Must Be Able To:

• Work efficiently and independently on multiple projects weekly

• Proactively participate in teamwork with coworkers, maintain a positive and professional working relationship with all staff, volunteers, visitors and associates

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Use (or learn) ClickUp project management software for daily tasks and Microsoft Outlook for regular communication across the organization
• Manage time and work under pressure to meet deadlines and priorities
• Tolerate an outdoor work environment, including: extreme temperature fluctuations such as heat and cold, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure

• Perform physically strenuous work assignments on a regular basis, 8 hours a day
• Stand/walk for extended periods of time, lift and carry 75 lbs., bend, squat, and walk the Garden trails

 You Will Definitely Need:

• Knowledge of California plants and their cultivation preferred
• Experience with ornamental garden standards
• Two years of applied work experience in garden maintenance, preferably in a public garden setting
• Education in Horticulture/Landscape/Ecological Restoration maintenance
• Experience operating mechanical tools such as tractors/chainsaws/chippers/weed whips
• A valid California driver’s license (because you will drive a Garden “cart” and drive to offsite locations for work) 

 Things You Should Know: 

 The Garden is a beautiful place to work, and in this role, you will primarily be outdoors.   In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments also include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

 Disclaimer:

As an employee, you 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. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.