Gardener

The Keith Corporation•Chattanooga, TN

7d•$17 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Gardener is responsible for creating, improving, and maintaining landscape beds on campus. Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor, this individual will be passionate about landscaping and have an artistic eye when it comes to bed design, while taking ownership of all aspects of decorative landscaping including soil management, chemical applications, and pest control.

Requirements

Previous experience in gardening, landscaping, or a related field.
Knowledge of various plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers suitable for the local climate.
Proficiency in planting, pruning, and maintaining a wide range of plants, ideally those commonly used in the east TN, N. GA, W. NC areas.
Understanding of soil types, fertilization, weed & pest control, and irrigation.
Understanding of seasonal planting and being able to produce and adhere to a bed maintenance schedule.
Thorough knowledge of chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. and the knowledge of how to safely mix and apply them.
Familiarity with gardening tools and equipment which include common hand tools and ideally, would extend to power edgers & trims, chain saws, zero turn mowers, walk-behind mowers, etc.

Nice To Haves

This position will be capable of self-direction and must be able to effectively oversee up to two staff members when additional help is required.

Responsibilities

Plants, fertilizes, weeds, prunes, repots, waters, and mulches plants, shrubs, and trees in the campus landscape beds using hand and gardening tools.
Inspects plants to assess quality and health and to identify signs of disease or pests.
Ensures plants are healthy and properly cared for.
Operates a variety of maintenance equipment such as shovels, rakes, or saws to complete assignments.
Operates power equipment and other vehicles such as tractors, mowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, or other similar machines.
Ensures proper hydration of lawns, trees, and plants using sprinkler systems, hoses, watering cans, or irrigation systems.
Trims trees and vegetation and maintains flower beds.
Delivers and spreads topsoil and/or straw over newly seeded areas.
Prepares chemicals as needed for application by mixing according to directions.
Applies fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides onto grass, shrubs or trees by spraying or spreading.
Maintains clean work areas, grounds, and landscaping.
Performs other related duties as assigned, including providing assistance during large projects, event set-ups, major moves, etc.