Flex Gardener-Full-time/Non-Exempt

Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation•Washington, DC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Horticulture and Grounds, this role serves as a horticulturist/gardener providing skilled gardening assistance to the zone gardeners on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. This horticulturist rotates through the garden zones as needed, helping to maintain and care for ornamental beds, trees, and shrubs, as well as the overall appearance of zones.

Requirements

One-year experience in public gardening including landscape and grounds maintenance and/or degree in horticulture or related field preferred.
Must possess a valid driver's license and good driving record and be capable of operating vehicles safely.
Successful completion of periodic background checks, including FBI background check, and, at the discretion of the PECF, drug and alcohol screening.
Knowledge of plant materials, proper maintenance techniques, and horticultural practices.
Understanding of Integrated Pest Management techniques.
Ability to plan a project and follow through to completion, including cleanup.
Ability to work amicably within a diverse and multicultural workforce.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to self-direct and work alone with little to no supervision.
Ability to operate all types of grounds maintenance equipment such as mowers, power sweepers, sprayers, blowers, trimmers, aerators, and tillers, safely.
Good interpersonal, communication, and literacy skills.
Basic computer skills required.

Responsibilities

Consults with Horticulture Director and zone gardeners to determine the most pressing gardening needs on the Close, then concentrates on assisting the zone gardener to meet the identified needs.
Maintains ornamental beds by mulching, weeding, raking, and pruning plants.
Recognizes and reports pests and diseases.
Recognizes and reports problems such as wilting, leaf scorch, or nutrient deficiencies.
Recognizes and responds to water demands of plant material.
Operates all equipment and tools safely and properly.
Follows proper techniques of soil preparation, plant installation, and pesticide application.
Keeps hardscapes in area blown, edged, and cleaned. Keeps drains and catch basins clear.
Empties trash cans in assigned area on a regular basis & picks up litter.
Shovels snow, spreads sand and salt, and safely operates snow removal equipment.
Identifies planting areas that could be improved and shares ideas with the Zone Gardener and Director of Horticulture.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.