Woodland Gardener

SUMMARY

The Parklands of Floyds Fork is seeking energetic, skilled, and hard-working professionals with horticulture skills to join our gardening team. Our ideal candidate will participate in raising and maintaining the design and maintenance standards for gardens and natural landscapes. Candidates will work within the Gardening team with oversight by the Assistant Director for Horticulture and the Horticulture & Natural Areas Director to ensure quality plant and horticultural landscapes for visitors of the Parklands. Although this position will work in all 4,000 acres of the Parklands of Floyds Fork, the selected candidate will primarily be stationed within the Moss-Gibbs Woodland Garden.

The Woodland Garden reveals the dynamic nature of Kentucky’s living woodland landscape and provides an immersive opportunity for discovery. Its design emphasizes the art of observation and the idea that a woodland landscape can be perceived as a series of rooms defined by trees, shrubs and other living layers. This attraction opened in May 2019 and is located in Broad Run Park—the southernmost section of The Parklands of Floyds Fork.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION:

• To support the mission and vision of The Parklands through horticultural design and management practices to provide a safe, clean, fun and beautiful landscape experience for visitors

HORTICULTURE:

• Execute the design intent for garden areas to meet the awe-inspiring beauty and public educational goals through plant selection and organization

• General horticulture practices such as weeding, mulching, grooming & shaping, pruning, string trimming/brush cutting, watering/irrigation, and planting/transplanting

• Use IPM strategies to combat plant health issues while maintaining ecological and public safety

• Seed collecting for propagation opportunities for use in gardens

• Identify, troubleshoot and assist in addressing a wide range of landscape challenges, including but not limited to: drainage/erosion control and public-plant safety issues

PLANNING, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION:

• Add to plant and landscape documentation records

• Assist in the planning, organization and oversight of volunteer gardening activities

• Maintain clean and organized work areas to ensure safety and proficiency in the work place

• Assist with training and work with seasonal and intern staff

GUEST SERVICES & OPERATIONS:

• Answer visitor questions and respond to issues

• Provide horticulture information to visitors and through public communications such as blog posts

• Assist with general park cleanliness and safety reporting

• Provide assistance to natural areas tasks; duties include invasive plant removal, tree plantings, and large scale natural area conservation projects

• Aid in maintaining general park cleanliness, support events, minor turf management, storm clean up, and minor maintenance repairs

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed above and any additional responsibilities as directed as well as satisfy the educational and skill requirements listed below.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• One or more years of practical experience maintaining gardens or relevant experience that provides required knowledge and abilities. There is a strong desire for a candidate with a certificate or degree specializing in horticulture or related fields.

• Valid Driver License

• Possess or ability to gain a KY Pesticide License within 3 months after hire and be able to maintain credit requirements

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to plan, execute with efficiency, and complete timely work projects independently and with colleagues to achieve work plan priorities as assigned

• Ability to learn and/or become familiar with horticultural maintenance practices and procedures involving proper tools and equipment

• Ability to become familiar with various design styles and maintain the designed intent

• Ability to learn and/or effectively identify plants, especially weeds from garden plants

• Ability to execute or become familiar with an IPM program and ecological/organic landscaping practices

• Must be able to lift 35 pounds and physically walk, stand, bend, and squat for prolong periods in all-weather outdoor conditions

• Physically able to operate variety of power-driven maintenance equipment such as UTV, tractor, and lawnmower

• Clear written and spoken communication skills

• Proficiency with email, basic MS Office, and Google applications

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, volunteers, contractors and the public

• Safe and efficient work practices, especially in high public use areas

The successful candidate must apply education and experience in aesthetics, plant-based learning, and conservation ecology. This position handles both routine and unusual problems related to Parklands landscape and general maintenance activities. The successful candidate will have capable outdoor experience in a professional setting and enthusiasm for gardening.

WORK SCHEDULE & BENEFITS

TYPICAL SCHEDULE:

This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position working a standard regular 40-hour week. Typical work week is Monday through Friday, starting early mornings into the afternoon. Some weekends are required.

WORK MANAGEMENT:

The Woodland Gardener will work both as part of a group and individually, and will have responsibility for specific coverage of detailed garden zones within the Woodland Garden. They are expected to provide training and on-site work direction to interns, seasonal gardeners, and volunteers

SALARY:

Hourly at $18.00-$20.00 with consideration given for additional education and experience

BENEFITS:

Paid vacation for two weeks; five sick days per year. Approved Holidays. Company sponsored Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance. Participation in the 21st Century Parks, Inc. 401(k) Plan.

APPLY:

To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and three references to “Woodland Gardener Search”, The Parklands of Floyds Fork, 9200 Shelbyville Road, Suite 530 Louisville, KY 40222, or e-mail to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Please, no phone calls. Any recommended applicants for hire must appropriately pass a background check.

ABOUT THE PARKLANDS: The Parklands of Floyds Fork is a systemic, world-class addition to Louisville’s park system that includes four major parks linked by a park drive, a first-rate urban trail system, and a remarkable water trail, all tracing Floyds Fork, a classic Kentucky stream. Ongoing maintenance and operations are funded solely through private donations and an endowment fund. This public/private project is a unique and truly city-shaping model. This is the largest fully funded non-profit park system in the nation. Learn more at www.theparklands.org