Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is currently accepting applications for the following positions:
Cafe Assistant (Part-time)
Cafe Assistant (Part-time)
Where: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Oakdale, PA
Job Status: Regular/Part-time/Non-exempt
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design, and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs, and conserving the environment.
Responsibilities
As part of the Garden’s growing team, the Cafe Assistant will assist Canopy Cafe patrons to ensure a positive guest experience. This position reports to the Cafe Manager and works closely with other Garden staff members.
Essential Job Functions
- Support the daily operations of the cafe.
- Take food and beverage orders and handle payment transactions.
- Responsible for operating a POS system, cash drawer security, cash balance, and adhering to all other aspects of Garden’s cash handling policy.
- Stock product and displays.
- Ensure the cleanliness of the cafe and front of the house.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support Garden operations.
Experience & Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Previous experience in customer service is preferred; experience in food service operations is a plus.
- Ability to communicate clearly and tactfully with a pleasant demeanor.
- Ability to work alone as well as part of a team.
- Must be able to work at a busy pace.
- Must be reliable and have high attention to detail.
- Willingness to learn is a must.
- Must be willing to obtain required background checks (Child Abuse Clearance; PA State Police Background Check; Fingerprint Background Check)
- ServSafe Certified or can become certified.
Work Conditions
- Typically, this is 20-30 hours per workweek and hours fluctuate seasonally. The Canopy Cafe is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-3pm.
- Flexible hours will be required for Garden-related functions, weekends, weekdays, evenings, and holidays.
- The position will include pay for pro-rated holidays, vacation, and sick time.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and work in all weather conditions.
Compensation
- Hourly pay rate for this position is $15.
Submission Requirements
Email submissions only. Please send a cover letter, resume, and two professional references to jsmith@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org. Please do not include information in email text but do include important information for consideration in the cover letter content. Do not make multiple submissions. No phone calls, please.
Custodian (Part-time)
Custodian (Part-time)
Where: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Oakdale, PA
Job Status: Regular Part-Time
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design, and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs, and conserving the environment.
Responsibilities
As part of the Garden’s growing team, the Custodian is responsible for the cleanliness and general routine maintenance of the Garden’s facilities. This position reports to the Facilities Manager and works closely with other Garden staff members.
Essential Job Functions
- Clean, sweep, and mop Administration Building, Welcome Center, Davidson Event Center, and Weisbrod Learning Pavilion including windows, sills, counters, and restrooms.
- Remove trash, recycling, and debris.
- Set up and tear down tables and chairs for classes and events.
- Perform a variety of routine maintenance tasks (e.g., change light bulbs)
- Leaf and snow removal from sidewalks application of ice melt as needed.
- Assist with special events as needed.
Experience & Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in a cleaning role is required
- Ability to communicate clearly and listen attentively
- Demonstrated skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving
- Reliable and able to work independently
- High attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Must be willing to obtain background clearances (Child Abuse Clearance; PA State Police Background Check; FBI Fingerprint Background Check)
Work Conditions
- Typically, this is a 15-20 hours per week position and hours may fluctuate seasonally.
- Flexible hours will be required for Garden-related functions and occasional holidays, weekdays, and evenings.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds, stand for long periods of time, bend, and squat.
- Must be willing to work in all weather conditions.
Submission Requirements
Email submissions only. Please send cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to jsmith@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org. Do not make multiple submissions. No phone calls please.
Natural Areas Steward
Natural Areas Steward
Where: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Oakdale, PA
Job Status: Regular, Full-time (Non-exempt)
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs and conserving the environment.
Responsibilities
The Natural Areas Steward ensures that the Garden conforms to the highest standards of natural areas management practices by attending to the Garden’s paths, hard surfaces, turfgrass, meadow, trees and woodlands.
This position reports to the Natural Areas Manager and works closely with other Garden staff members.
Essential Job Functions
- Collaborate with Natural Areas Manager and Horticulture & Conservation Director to develop management plans for the Garden’s landscapes including woodlands, paths, turfgrass and meadow
- Perform tree maintenance tasks e.g., tree planting, pruning and removal
- Maintain paths and assist with building a sustainable, accessible path system
- Remove invasive species in natural areas by using a variety of methods including applying herbicides, hand-pulling and mechanical removal
- Monitor pests and diseases and apply appropriate pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers
- Operate equipment such as utility vehicles, tractors and skid-steer loaders as well as standard power tools such as chainsaws, blowers, tractors and tillers
- Perform equipment maintenance on a variety of landscaping equipment (string trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, tillers, mowers, tractors, etc.)
- Participate in department documentation including records of accessions, plant care, and management practices
- Motivate and lead volunteers and interns in the maintenance of gardens and landscapes
- Perform snow removal and assist with weather related emergencies, e.g., storm damage
- Communicate matters of importance with the Natural Areas Manager in a timely manner
- Assist with care of the Garden’s flock of chickens
- Occasionally participate in non-horticultural projects and programs that support the Garden’s mission and development
- Perform special studies, projects and assignments as requested
Experience & Qualifications
- Four-year degree in ecology, environmental science, forestry, botany or related field and a minimum of two years of experience performing ecological activities, overseeing a crew or an equivalent combination of education and experience is strongly preferred
- Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of ecological restoration
- Considerable plant identification skills
- Demonstrated skills in creative problem-solving and the ability to manage multiple tasks
- Ability to express ideas clearly in oral and written communications
- A passionate commitment to the mission and purpose of the Garden
- Proficiency with the safe operation of equipment used in the land management including larger equipment e.g., chain saw, tractor, and skid steer is strongly preferred
- Attention to details and ability to always follow safety precautions and protocol
- Must have or be willing to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license, training in chainsaw operation, arborist and prescribed fire certifications; previous training strongly preferred
- Must possess a valid PA driver’s license
Compensation
- Compensation commensurate with experience
Work Conditions
- Primarily outdoor physical work in all weather conditions with occasional work at special events
- Typically, this is a 40-hour workweek position with weekend shifts on rotation. Flexible hours will be required for Garden-related functions
- Must be able to traverse moderate to difficult site conditions related to Garden topography
- Ability to stand, kneel, or bend for extended periods and lift 50 pounds
- Exposure to biting/stinging insects, poisonous plants, petroleum products and horticultural chemicals
Submission Requirements
Email submissions only. Please send cover letter, resume, salary requirements and two professional references to jsmith@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org. Please do not include information in email text, but include important information for consideration in cover letter content. Do not make multiple submissions. No phone calls please.
Safety & Security Assistant
Safety & Security Assistant
Where: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Oakdale, PA
Job Status: Part-time and Full-time available/Regular/Non-exempt
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design, and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs, and conserving the environment.
Responsibilities
As part of the Garden’s growing team, we seek a Safety & Security Assistant that will ensure the safety of Garden visitors, guests, and employees, while enforcing Garden policies and procedures.
This position reports to the Visitor Experience & Events Director and works closely with other Garden staff members.
Essential Job Functions
- Patrol grounds to ensure the security of all buildings and Garden interior and exterior areas including Garden paths.
- Assist with parking and directing traffic as needed.
- Prepare accurate and clear reports of accidents, illness, theft, vandalism, or any other unusual occurrences. Incident reports need to be thorough and complete.
- Enforce Garden rules and policies for our visitors and guests.
- Communicate effectively and efficiently while maintaining a positive demeanor with visitors and staff.
- Ensure that all private events follow the schedule as outlined in the executed rental agreement, denying access until the beginning of the rental, and ensuring that teardown is completed in a timely manner.
- Follow emergency safety plans implemented by the Garden, communicating areas for improvement to Garden Safety Officer when appropriate.
- Maintain relationships with local law enforcement and other authorities that may assist in the event of emergencies.
- Follow proper opening and closing procedures.
- Perform a variety of routine tasks which can involve any systems within the Garden including, but not limited to maintaining garden pathways, and leaf removal from the event area.
Experience & Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- The ideal candidate will have previous experience in security.
- The ability to communicate clearly and tactfully.
- Demonstrated skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving.
- Strength in oral and written communications and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
- CPR certification and first aid training preferred.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
Work Conditions
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule primarily weekends, both day and evening shifts, and occasional holidays
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time and work in all weather conditions.
Submission Requirements
Email submissions only. Please send a cover letter and resume to jsmith@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org. Do not make multiple submissions. No phone calls, please.
Seasonal Gardener
Seasonal Gardener
Where: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Pittsburgh, PA
Duration: April 1 – December 31
Job Status: Seasonal, Full-time (Non-exempt)
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden inspires people to value plants, garden design and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions, creating display gardens, conducting educational programs, and conserving the environment.
Responsibilities
As part of the Garden’s growing team, we are seeking a Seasonal Gardener who will tend the Garden’s living plant collections and horticultural displays. This position assists in building gardens and maintaining plants and gardens. The Seasonal Gardener plays a key role in the appearance of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden through their energetic attention to detail, technical skills, and creativity.
This dedicated and reliable individual will bring horticultural knowledge and professional gardening talent to the Garden, implement best stewardship practices, and assist Garden staff with achieving exceptional standards for garden maintenance. Excellent communication skills, respect and integrity are required. Training will be provided.
This position reports to the Horticulture Manager and works closely with other Garden staff members. Clearances are required before the start date.
Essential Job Functions
- Perform general garden maintenance such as watering, pruning, planting, mulching, and weeding of the permanent and seasonal plantings.
- Monitor pests and diseases and follow appropriate Integrated Pest Management strategies.
- Operate equipment such as utility vehicles as well as standard garden power tools such as mowers, string trimmers, blowers, and tillers.
- As needed, complete non-horticultural projects that support the Garden’s mission and development.
- Motivate and assist volunteers in the maintenance of gardens and landscapes during regular weekly volunteer workdays.
- Assist with special events and other customer service tasks including our winter light festival.
- Weekend duties include caring for the Garden’s small flock of chickens.
- Participate in seasonal activities including bulb planting, garden cleanup and snow removal.
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience in the field of horticulture is required; public garden experience preferred
- Education or training in horticulture or a related field is a plus
- Knowledge and/or experience in the following areas: arboriculture, PA native plants, perennials, fruit trees, container displays, and the common landscape plants of USDA zones 5 and 6
- Demonstrated skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving
- Strength in oral and written communications and the ability to manage multiple tasks
- A passionate commitment to the mission and purpose of the Garden
- Proficient with equipment used in the horticultural trade, including hand tools and small engine equipment
- Ability to follow directions and willing to learn Garden best practices
Work Conditions
- Primarily outdoor physical work in all weather conditions with occasional work at special events
- Non-exempt, hourly position. Typically, this is a 40 hour per week position with hours being 7:00am-3:30pm, Monday through Friday and 8:00am-4:30pm on weekends; weekends are required on a rotating basis. Flexible hours will be required for Garden related functions.
- Must be able to traverse moderate to difficult site conditions related to Garden topography
- Ability to stand, kneel, or bend for extended periods and lift 40 pounds
- Exposure to biting/stinging insects, poisonous plants, petroleum products, and horticultural chemicals
- Cell phones and ear buds/headphones may not be used during work hours unless for emergencies or work purposes, this includes taking photos, listening to podcasts & music
- Must possess a valid PA driver’s license and have or be willing to obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s license
- Must be willing to obtain clearances prior to start date (Child Abuse Clearance; PA State Police Background Check; FBI Fingerprint Background Check)
Submission Requirements
Email submissions only. Please send cover letter, resume, salary requirements and two professional references to jsmith@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org. Please do not include information in email text but include important information for consideration in cover letter content. Do not make multiple submissions. No phone calls please.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.