Holden Forests and Gardens seeks a Gardener (seasonal).

Position Details:

• Position runs approximately from May 15th – August 15th
• 12-week position
• Seasonal Role
• Approximately 40 hours per week, times are flexible
• A great position for anyone looking for summer work to gain experience toward a degree or certification in natural sciences, horticulture or arboriculture

Opportunity: The Horticulture & Collections department seeks seasonal employees to work with horticulturists and other team members to maintain gardens. The gardener will use sound horticultural principles to assist in maintaining and improving the plant collections at the Holden Arboretum, to ensure plants are grown and cared for under optimal conditions. Occasional work may be required at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus. We are seeking a professional who will present a positive attitude that leads to successful teamwork, superb customer service and a high-quality aesthetic.

When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs. By joining HF&G, you will not only have the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting, but you will also have the opportunity to contribute to our fulfilling and groundbreaking work. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Operating power equipment
• Weeding and deadheading
• Applying mulch and soil amendments
• Transplanting, dividing perennials, watering and fertilizing
• Planting and maintaining a variety of woody and herbaceous plants
• Hauling brush, mowing and raking

Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working in the natural sciences, horticulture or arboriculture, preferred
• High school diploma, or equivalent, preferred
• Willing and able to operate small power equipment
• A desire to work outdoors performing manual labor in all weather conditions
• Preform strenuous, hands-on work in all types of weather conditions
• Effectively work and communicate within a team
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn
• Valid driver's license and an acceptable vehicle record
• Must pass a criminal background check

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:
• Willing and able to operate small power equipment and perform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions
• Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans 0-100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven and/or rocky.
• Operating a variety of machinery and equipment including utility vehicle, pruners, sheers, weed eaters, sprayers, blowers and push and riding mowers.
• Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing and lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs.)

Salary range: $12-$13 an hour

Job classification: Full-time, seasonal

To apply: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Qualified applicants should submit résumé, cover letter and 3 professional references. Apply at https://holdenfg.org/career-and-internships.

Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country’s foremost public gardens.

Posted: March 8, 2022