Seasonal Gardener Assistant

Rogers Behavioral Health•Oconomowoc, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Garden Assistant provides seasonal, as needed support for the maintenance and appearance of gardens, landscaped areas, and grounds to help maintain a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Requirements

Must have good hand-eye coordination to use hand tools.
Ability to perform all garden duties and possess judgment to work within limits of abilities.
Ability to adapt readily to change in assignments.
Possess judgment to work out problems within specified boundaries related to gardening.
Ability to lift and carry tools and push a garden cart or wheelbarrow.
Ability to handle electrical equipment / power tools.
Ability to use and climb ladders.
Ability to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
Verbal and hearing ability required to interact with patients and employees.
Numerical ability required to maintain records.
Ability to plan, control and direct all aspects of employee relations.
Tact required to interact effectively with employees and professional staff.
Logical thinking and discretion required to make decisions in initiating and implementing policies and procedures and standards.
Must be able to read and communicate through written, verbal and auditory skills and abilities; operate a computer.
Must be a team-player, willing to collaborate on any and all tasks required for maintaining the highest standards of landscape management and operations.
Physically/Mentally able to perform job duties as verified by a physical exam by a licensed physician, per postemployment physical.
Ability to work alone or in groups, in all weather conditions.
Ability to perform self-directed work, prioritize projects, and manage time wisely.
Computer proficiency.
Valid Wisconsin driver license required.
Must be granted insurable status by the Rogers Memorial Hospital insurance policy.

Nice To Haves

Horticultural experience with in-depth knowledge of plant culture, maintenance and identification strongly preferred.
Degree/Certification in horticulture or related field preferred.
Flexibility to work long hours, holidays and weekends, as necessary.

Responsibilities

Maintain the gardens to provide aesthetic appeal, taking into account the safety of and use by all patients and staff.
Maintain planters and multiple garden areas, to include splitting and replanting perennials
Plant green and flowering plants, as needed.
Water and cultivate garden areas, as needed.
Remove weeds and apply herbicides (as needed, if organic management is insufficient.)
Pick up debris after weed removal and dispose in the proper area. Debris includes dead or dying plant materials and ornamental grasses.
Mulch areas as deemed necessary.
Clear miscellaneous litter and debris from the garden areas.
Blow leaves, grass clippings, and other plant debris off walkways.
Utilize environmentally friendly pest control measures for deer / pest management.
Use and monitor greenhouse control systems and decorative fountains.
Use and monitor irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Work with irrigation contractor with system repair and maintenance.
Work with maintenance groundskeeper on the coordination of tree plantings or other work performed by landscape contractors.
Maintain a safe physical environment for hospital residents and visitors by retaining physical control of tools at all times.
Wear personal protective equipment when required.
Demonstrate understanding of DNR, Joint Commission, and other regulatory agency compliance regulations.
Involve self in the learning and application of standards relevant to garden development and care.
Work under the direction of the Horticulturalist and Director
Promote a team atmosphere by treating individuals with respect and honesty and by using direct communication and active listening skills.
Be open to change and actively support change.
Be open to others’ ideas and points of view.
Evaluate employees objectively and provide employees with periodic feedback.
Promote department goals as well as the mission of the hospital.
Communicate goals to fellow staff members.
Maintain department policies and procedures.
Include requirements and guidelines from external agencies (i.e., Joint Commission, State of Wisconsin).
Maintain and/or communicate to appropriate party function backlog at a set time.
Educate new staff regarding regulations or requirements of those functions that relate to their areas or departments, as directed.
Demonstrate acceptance and training of student interns in the department, as directed.
Conduct self in a professional manner.
Demonstrate organizational skills that promote timely response to all inquiries and to task completion.
Communicate with all individuals in a positive and professional manner.
Attempt to resolve individual issues with peers in a positive, calm manner, with a focus on solution.
Communicate concerns and provide solutions for same.
Project a professional image by wearing appropriate, professional attire.
Ability to influence departments within Rogers and provide technical guidance.