Gardener/Horticulturist
REPORTS TO: Garden Manager
POSITION: Part-time; non-exempt; salary range $20-21/hr
BENEFITS: Sick leave
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that operates a nationally recognized public garden known for its beauty, significant plant collections, and coastal bluffs. The Gardens has grown into the leading attraction on the Mendocino Coast through the collaborative effort of our passionate and dedicated staff, volunteers, and board. Our work environment is built on teamwork and making certain our guests have an inspiring experience. The Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and guests.
This is a part-time, year-round position. The Gardener/Horticulturist provides care and maintenance to a vast array of plant material within the 47-acre Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This position employs high standards of horticultural maintenance and groundskeeping. The Gardener/Horticulturist will work in designed, cultivated gardens, high-traffic public spaces, and managed natural areas. This position may require weekend or shift schedules.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Garden Skills
- Advanced knowledge of all forms of maintenance operations: planting, irrigating, weeding, fertilizing, hedging, pruning, aerating, turf renovation, mowing, edging, mulching, soil building, composting, arboriculture, pest control, and propagation
- Safely operates and maintains all types of tools and equipment, including mowers, blowers, weed-whips, power hedge shears, gopher traps, and hand tools
- Appreciation for public gardens and horticulture and MCBG Collections
- Advanced knowledge of a wide array of plant material
- Ability to meet goals in a timely manner
- Other tasks may be assigned as necessary
Leadership
- Incumbent must exemplify a problem-solving attitude that supports MCBG
- Works cooperatively with others as a member of the garden team
- Trains and directs garden volunteers and interns in all forms of horticulture and maintenance operations
Physical Demands
- Able to safely lift and carry 50 lbs, and bend, squat, kneel, reach, walk, and prune for extended periods of time
- Must be willing and physically able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Occasional work around hazardous materials and equipment
- Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
ESSENTIAL QULAIFICATIONS:
- Experience working with volunteers is a plus
- Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus
- Able to establish positive, collaborative working relationships with a broad array of individuals
- Able to prioritize, multi-task, communicate effectively, and stay organized in a busy garden setting
- Must be able to maintain the confidentiality of MCBG information
TO APPLY:
Please submit a resume or application and a cover letter to tell us about your previous work experience. Applications are available online or at the Administrative Office, open Monday-Friday 9-5. Please e-mail your application documents to horticulture@gardenbythesea.org or deliver them in person to the MCBG Administrative Office.
Application (printable PDF)
ABOUT THE MENDOCINO COAST BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (MCBG) is a nonprofit botanical garden with a unique mixture of manicured gardens and wild habitat located along the Pacific Ocean. Our mission is to engage and enrich lives by displaying and conserving plants in harmony with our Northern California coastal ecosystems and to preserve public access to the coast. Each year, more than 100,000 people experience the wonder of nature in all its seasons at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. This botanical escape is a place for guests to be inspired and experience the simple joy of a natural setting.