Seasonal Native Plant Nursery Gardener

Huntsville Botanical Garden•Huntsville, AL

12d•$13 - $14•Onsite

About The Position

Seasonal Native Plant Nursery Gardener Department: Plant Science & Conservation Supervisor: Conservation Horticulturalist Supervises: N/A FLSA Salary Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt Revision Date: January 2025 Availability: Ability to work 30-40 hours per week, work may require rotating weekend and occasional holiday hours depending on the season. General Summary: Assists with nursery maintenance, supports native plant production, utilization of native plants to support Garden collections and plant sales, and plant care. Performs maintenance throughout the Nursery including fertilizing, mowing, edging, minor repairs, sanitizing containers, organizing, potting plants, assisting in plant propagation (seed and vegetative), pruning, and weeding. Essential Functions: Communicate with supervision to understand and achieve plant production objectives Perform all functions involved in the care of the nursery, including: Planting, dividing, up-potting, and transplanting trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals Weeding, mulching, watering, cultivating, fertilizing, and mixing soils Pruning plants for beneficial plant growth and health Weed eating, edging, removing unwanted sod, brush cutting, and turf care Removing litter, twigs, leaves, and other debris Mixing, applying, storing, and safe handling of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides Controlling invasive species, insects, diseases, and nuisance pests Maintain plant labels and report damaged or missing plant labels Recording nursery inventory Periodic minor repairs to nursery structures such as replacing weed barriers, repairing or preplacing protective netting and shade cloth Demonstrate the ability to safely operate and maintain all equipment according to the operator’s manuals. Responsible for proper operation and maintenance of tools and equipment. Notify appropriate supervision of necessary repairs to nursery equipment structures, pathways, irrigation. Monitor irrigation equipment and notify supervision of concerns. Assisting with vegetative propagation and planting of seeds. Assist in preparing native nursery stock for plant sales: labeling and pricing plants, moving stock to sale location, staging plants, maintaining stock, and assisting customers at plant sales. Occasional travel required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent by the date of employment with a strong interest in plants and their proper culture and care.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Practical work experience in horticulture, landscaping, or related field.
Must be subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.
Ability to perform physically demanding work outside in all weather conditions.
Willingness to work alone or as part of a team.
Effective time management and productivity skills are essential.
Ability to guide and give directions to volunteers.
Guest service-focused with the ability to relate kindly and respectfully with persons internal and external to the Garden.
Must demonstrate the Garden’s Core Values in all relationships at work and behave ethically and professionally in all business matters.
Embraces the Garden’s mission of connecting people to plants.

Nice To Haves

6+ months practical work experience in horticulture, landscaping, nursery or greenhouse operations, or related field.
Strong interest in plants and their proper culture and care.
Experience operating equipment used for landscape maintenance such as mowers, weed eaters, tractors, etc.
Experience in propagation of plants from seed and cuttings

Responsibilities

Communicate with supervision to understand and achieve plant production objectives
Perform all functions involved in the care of the nursery, including: Planting, dividing, up-potting, and transplanting trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals
Weeding, mulching, watering, cultivating, fertilizing, and mixing soils
Pruning plants for beneficial plant growth and health
Weed eating, edging, removing unwanted sod, brush cutting, and turf care
Removing litter, twigs, leaves, and other debris
Mixing, applying, storing, and safe handling of herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides
Controlling invasive species, insects, diseases, and nuisance pests
Maintain plant labels and report damaged or missing plant labels
Recording nursery inventory
Periodic minor repairs to nursery structures such as replacing weed barriers, repairing or preplacing protective netting and shade cloth
Demonstrate the ability to safely operate and maintain all equipment according to the operator’s manuals.
Responsible for proper operation and maintenance of tools and equipment.
Notify appropriate supervision of necessary repairs to nursery equipment structures, pathways, irrigation.
Monitor irrigation equipment and notify supervision of concerns.
Assisting with vegetative propagation and planting of seeds.
Assist in preparing native nursery stock for plant sales: labeling and pricing plants, moving stock to sale location, staging plants, maintaining stock, and assisting customers at plant sales.
Occasional travel required.
Performs other duties as assigned.