Seasonal Lead Gardener - Miller Nature Preserve
About The Position
The Seasonal Lead Gardener assists the Park Manager in managing daily horticulture operations in the Outdoor Gardens. This role involves working with staff and/or volunteers in planting, weeding, pruning, and landscape maintenance. Key responsibilities include overseeing seasonal tasks such as planting and winterizing, maintaining irrigation systems, operating machinery, and ensuring the gardens are high-quality, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. The position requires effective teamwork with park staff and volunteers, positive representation of the park district, and clear communication with visitors and program participants.
Requirements
- Completion of secondary education (high school diploma or GED).
- Must possess a valid Ohio driver’s license.
- Complete a background check.
- New employees cannot be tobacco users.
- Excellent visitor service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong knowledge of plant identification, plant care, and horticultural practices.
- Ability to perform heavy manual labor, such as lifting 50+ lbs, digging, and working in various weather conditions.
- Ability to operate and maintain equipment like tillers and blowers.
- Willingness to work outside in all types of weather.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Ability to walk up to 5 miles in a day.
- Ability to work well with others and individually.
Nice To Haves
- Two years of college in the field of natural resources, education, environmental science, or a related field is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Park Manager in managing daily horticulture operations.
- Work with staff and/or volunteers in planting, weeding, pruning, and landscape maintenance.
- Oversee seasonal tasks (planting/winterizing).
- Maintain irrigation systems.
- Operate machinery.
- Ensure high-quality, safe, aesthetically pleasing gardens.
- Represent the park district positively.
- Communicate clearly with park visitors and program participants.
- Coordinate daily tasks.
- Supervise staff/volunteers.
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols and horticultural standards.
- Execute and oversee planting, pruning, mulching, watering, weeding, and fertilizing of trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials.
- Monitor for pests and diseases, applying treatments as necessary.
- Safely operate/repair landscaping machinery such as blowers, mowers, and power tools.
- Prepare beds in spring, maintain areas through summer, and perform fall cleanup and winterization.
- Perform heavy manual labor, such as lifting 50+ lbs, digging, and working in various weather conditions.
- Operate and maintain equipment like tillers and blowers.
- Work outside in all types of weather.
- Work well with others and individually, performing duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
