Weekend Custodian

Bok Tower Gardens, Inc.•Lake Wales, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

INTRODUCTION: Bok Tower Garden’s Nursery strives to produce most of the plant material used in the organization, except for large trees, turf, and large quantities of specialty plant material. Plant material is propagated from seed, cuttings, and divisions, and cultivated in the nursery. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to propagate, grow, and display the following: annuals, bromeliads, orchids, perennials, vegetables, as well as assist in maintaining the nursery. JOB SUMMARY: Assist with the daily operations of Bok Tower Garden’s nursery as instructed by the Nursery Manager and carry out limited weekend duties provided by the Horticulture Manager. Work with both staff and volunteers to produce and maintain plant material for the Garden landscape such as annuals, perennials and woody plants. Maintain records and databases as directed Coordinate, encourage, and cultivate a volunteer force in the nursery Provide floral arrangements for special events as scheduled by the Director of Horticulture. Assist with developing and carrying out special projects and events related to horticulture, education, and marketing.

Requirements

Associate degree or bachelor's degree in nursery production, horticulture or related field or equivalent work experience of 2+ years
Must possess a Florida Pesticide Applicators license or the ability to obtain one within 6 months
Must possess valid driver’s license
Must be able to lift at least 60 lbs.
Continual or prolonged periods of time standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, crouching, and lifting
Continuous communication and/or interaction with staff, volunteers, visitors, and management
Must be able to perform strenuous physical work outside the Florida weather year-round (heat, humidity, rain, cold, etc.)
Must be comfortable working around insects, snakes, and various wildlife that may be found in and around the nursery and gardens
Must be able to use electric and gas-powered tools such as weed trimmers and blowers, as well as pesticide application equipment such as backpack sprayers and cart tanks.

Responsibilities

Care of all plant material raised in the nursery: irrigate, weed, fertilize, pot-up, label, take inventory and organize nursery
Visually inspect and maintain nursery areas through leaf blowing, mowing, herbicide, and weeding.
Apply pesticides in a safe and prudent manner when required. Record all applications of the pesticides in the application log. Keep equipment in good working conditions.
Assist in record keeping of plant production for nursery management and our records manager.
Schedule and present educational programs for the nursery volunteer staff to improve their work skills.
Help monitor trial plant material and products to evaluate in the nursery for possible use in the garden landscape.
Coordinate volunteer staff in nursery assignments as needed.
Duties will include hand-watering, scouting for pests and disease, weeding, potting up, cleaning, moving plants and materials, and more.
Apply pesticides and fertilizers as needed in the greenhouses, shade houses and outdoor nursery areas.
Coordinate with Nursery Manager to take care of the nursery on Manager’s days off.