LEAD GARDENER

City Parks Alliance•Miami, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Underline is a bold idea to reclaim 10 miles of land beneath the Miami Metrorail and transform it into a beautiful, active green space that becomes a magnet for residents and visitors alike Friends of The Underline (FUL) is a nonprofit organization driving the realization of an innovative multimodal trail and open space that connects Miamians We are seeking an experienced Lead Gardener to support the maintenance and care of The Underline's gardens along the 27-mile (and growing) trail This role involves hands-on garden work, collaboration with a team of gardeners, engagement with volunteers and the public, and support for educational programming The Lead Gardener will work under the direct supervision of the Horticulturist

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in horticulture, botany, floriculture, landscape architecture, or a related field OR at least 3 years of relevant work experience (eg, public gardens, habitat restoration, landscaping)
Valid driver's license and authorization to work in the US
Proficient in English (verbal and written)
Proficient in Spanish (verbal)
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Flexible schedule, including availability for weekends and evenings
Enthusiasm for South Florida's native plant communities and ecological horticulture
Ability to learn and retain knowledge of 200 plant species
Knowledge of basic plant physiology and South Florida plant identification
Familiarity with South Florida ecosystems (eg, Pine Rocklands, Tropical Hardwood Hammocks, Dry Prairie) and their soils
Knowledge of common South Florida garden pests
Understanding of xeriscaping and low-water landscaping practices
Comfortable interacting with the public, including volunteers and school groups
Professional demeanor with staff, contractors, vendors, and visitors
Skilled in using landscaping tools (eg, pruners, loppers, saws, shovels, augers, blowers)
Physically able to walk long distances, stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and perform tasks involving bending, stooping, and reaching
Ability to ascend/descend ladders and traverse uneven terrain

Nice To Haves

Carpentry skills and proficiency with tools (eg, drills, power saws)
Enthusiasm for South Florida's native plant communities
Spanish fluency

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on garden maintenance: planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, raking, debris removal, and blowing
Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices
Oversee and coordinate contractors and Park Stewards
Confidently represent The Underline's gardens to diverse audiences in a professional setting
Take a lead role in developing and implementing environmental educational programs
Report daily conditions of the park to the Horticulture Manager
Serve as the on-site point of contact when the Horticulture Manager is off-site
Manage inventory of tools and supplies
Onboard and train new garden staff
Monitor and report plant health and other concerns to the Horticulture Manager
Collaborate with the Horticulture Manager to apply best practices based on field conditions
Lead or support educational events, including tours, school field trips, and workshops
Supervise, train, and work alongside volunteers and horticulture apprentices on garden tasks
Maintain all garden areas to established standards, independently or as part of a team
Safely operate Underline vehicles, including trucks, UTVs, golf carts, e-bikes, and bicycles
Keep supply and gardening areas clean and organized
Procure and transport plants and materials from local nurseries
Clean, store, and maintain tools properly
Engage with park visitors to foster stewardship and provide garden tours as needed
Perform other duties as assigned