Job Description
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.
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
Requirements
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.
Compensation
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.
How to 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 careers@theparklands.org. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. Please, no phone calls. Any recommended applicants for hire must appropriately pass a background check.
More Information
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.
Follow the links to the Parklands at Floyds Fork website to see the full job posting and other jobs available.