Position Number 019144 Classification Title Gardner Working Title Horticulture Specialist Does this position accept online No applications? Division The North Carolina Arboretum Full-time/Part-time Full-time Posting Information The Gardener position reports directly to the Garden Crew Leader. This position is responsible for the many duties required for maintaining the beauty and health of The North Carolina Arboretum Gardens as well as assist in developing the educational aspect of the gardens. The gardener position is responsible for the maintenance of and the safety within a specific garden area. Primarily the responsibilities of this position fall into four categories: 1.) Collections Development and Garden Maintenance, to include tasks in preserving the beauty, health and safety of the gardens, 2.) Integrated Pest Management, 3.) Education, and 4.) Plant Records. The goal of each gardener is not only to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden, but also to develop and interpret the garden in such a way as to provide an educational opportunity for the visiting public. The position will be responsible for the appearance and health of the garden areas and other duties, including: Garden maintenance: planting, cultivation, and care of annuals, perennials, bulbs, shrubs and trees; Assisting with accessioning and de-accessioning of plant materials within assigned garden. Soil preparation, planting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, insect control and deadheading; Weeding and general care of shrub borders and other landscaped areas on property during the growing season; Preparation of grounds and gardens for Arboretum
special events; Snow and leaf removal; Use of small engine equipment, other farm equipment and garden tools; Application of herbicides and fertilizers; Trail construction and maintenance; Interacting daily with guests of the Arboretum, and providing leadership, guidance and support to volunteers. Position is subject to other related job assignments as requested by the supervisor. As a member of an educational institution, each gardener will be required to participate in educational programs within and outside of their specific area of responsibility. General duties may include: Providing assistance with guided and self-guided garden tours; Participation in symposia and other events as needed; Providing horticulture information to the public. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Competencies Physical Requirements: Must perform duties outdoors under variable weather conditions and be able to lift heavy plants and loads. To be successful this position must possess: considerable knowledge of the horticulture principles and practices applicable to the maintenance and upkeep of gardens; extensive knowledge of soil and plant health, identification and maintenance of ground covers, bulbs, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs; excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate with staff, volunteers and the visiting public in a professional manner. The gardener must possess the ability to interpret the Arboretum s mission, plant displays, and horticulture techniques to the visiting public. Working knowledge of the principles and methods of garden construction and maintenance. Ability to use judgment and initiative while working independently to complete work assignments with a minimum of supervision. Ability to operate large and small
Preferred Minimum training and Experience Requirements Preference will be given to those applicants with the following training and experience Employment Opportunity garden equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with crew members and promote a positive environment for the general public. Graduation from a two-year technical college with a degree in horticulture, landscape, gardening or closely related field and one year of experience in landscape maintenance; or graduation from high school and three years in horticulture work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid North Carolina driver s license will be required. Graduation from a four-year college horticultural program will be considered as substitute for the experience requirement. The successful candidate will demonstrate significant knowledge of gardening and grounds-keeping principles, of the operations of grounds equipment, and of simple horticulture practices such as cultivation, spraying, deadheading, pruning, watering and fertilization of a wide variety of herbaceous and woody plants; and will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively. Additional preferred qualifications include: demonstrated knowledge of regional plant material, public garden experience, holding a public pesticide applicator s license, and/or ability and experience in heavy landscape construction. Salary Range $ 24,000 - $26,000 Competency Level: Journey (SPA Banded positions only) Department The North Carolina Arboretum Landscape Operations Work Hours 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday and rotational weekend hours as assigned. Job Open Date: January 29, 2016 Job Close Date: February 13, 2016 Application Procedure The following documents must be received before your application is processed: Completed North Carolina State Application form PD107 (and 107a if continuation pages are needed) is
required for all positions. Please use continuation pages to list your entire job history. Both forms can be obtained in multiple formats from http://www.osp.state.nc.us/jobs/general.htm Federal Law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. In compliance with this law, please include a Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability form. Resume/CV Cover letter/letter of interest Two letters of Recommendation It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application contains all required documents. Application materials may be submitted in person, by e-mail to hr@ncarboretum.org, by fax to (828) 665-8714, or by mail to: The North Carolina Arboretum Attn: Human Resources 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way Asheville, NC 28806-9315 Special Instructions to Applicants If no applicants apply who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience Requirements, then management may consider other applicants. The North Carolina Arboretum is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer An official set of transcripts must be sent to Human Resources within 30 days of hire. Degrees must have been awarded by a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. If the degree was obtained outside of the U.S., it must have been awarded by an institution recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country. Final Applicants will be subject to background checks.
Additional Comments Employment Opportunity Final applicants for employment will be subject to criminal background checks. Some vacancies may also require credit or motor vehicle checks.