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Seasonal Gardener Job Description 

Quick Facts:

Duration: June 15 – November 31

Application deadline: until filled

Hours: Typically a 40-hour/week position

Job Description

As part of the Garden’s growing team, we seek 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 the Garden through his or her 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.   Weekend duties will include caring for the Garden’s small flock of chickens.

This position reports to the Horticulture and Facilities Director, is supervised by the Display Horticulturists, and works closely with other Garden staff members.  Clearances are required before start date.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs general garden maintenance such as watering, pruning, planting, mulching and weeding of the permanent and seasonal plantings.
• Monitors pests and diseases and follows appropriate Integrated Pest Management strategies.
• Operates equipment such as utility vehicles and tractors as well as standard garden power tools such as string trimmers, blowers and tillers.
• As needed, non-horticultural projects that support the garden’s mission and development.
• Motivates and assists volunteers in the maintenance of gardens and landscapes, including record keeping and proper plant identification.
• Occasionally assists with special events and other customer service tasks.

Experience and Qualifications

• Four-year degree in horticulture or related field, or equivalent combination of training, skills and experience.
• 2 to 4 years of experience in the field of horticulture, public garden experience preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience in the following areas: arboriculture, PA native plants, perennials, fruit trees, container displays, and the common landscape plants of zone 5.
• 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 “PBG” best practices.

Compensation

• Non-exempt hourly position. Typically, this is a 40-hour position and weekends will be required.
• Hours are 7 am to 3:30 pm on Mondays through Fridays and 8:45 am to 5:15 pm on weekends. Flexible hours will occasionally be required for Garden-related functions.

Work Conditions

• Primarily outdoor physical work in all weather conditions with occasional work at special events. Rain and cold weather clothing will be necessary. Boots are required.
• Must be able to traverse moderate to difficult site conditions related to Garden topography.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• 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.

Submission Requirements

Email submissions only. Please send cover letter, resume and two professional references to smyers@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org. All candidate submissions should be combined in a single PDF with applicant’s name in the file name. 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.

Horticulture Internship Job Description

Quick Facts

Where:  Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, Pittsburgh, PA

Duration: 10 weeks between June 15 and September 31

Application deadline: Until filled

Compensation: $11.50 per hour

Horticulture Internship Description

As part of the Garden’s growing team, we seek a Horticulture Intern who will assist in building gardens and maintaining plants and gardens. The Horticulture Intern will work with Garden staff learning management skills and strategies while gaining valuable experience in public horticulture.

This energetic individual will work closely with horticulture staff to manage our display gardens, discovery gardens, orchard, meadow, ponds, and woodlands.  The individual will be hard working, dependable, and able to work well independently and with a group. Excellent communication skills, respect and integrity are required.    Work is primarily outdoors in all weather conditions performing tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, removing invasive species, and managing volunteers.  Interns will choose and complete an independent project and keep a weekly log of their activities.

This position reports to the Horticulture and Facilities Director, is supervised by the Display Horticulturists, and works closely with other Garden staff members.  Clearances are required before start date.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs general garden maintenance such as watering, pruning, planting, mulching and weeding of the permanent and seasonal plantings.
• Monitors pests and diseases and follows appropriate Integrated Pest Management strategies.
• Responsibly operates equipment such as utility vehicles and tractors as well as standard garden power tools such as string trimmers, blowers and tillers.
• As needed, non-horticultural projects that support the garden’s mission and development.
• Motivates and assists volunteers in the maintenance of gardens and landscapes, including record keeping and proper plant identification.
• Occasionally assists with special events and other customer service tasks.

Experience and Qualifications

• Working toward degree in horticulture, botany, natural resource management, or other related field, or equivalent combination of training, skills and experience.
• Knowledge, course work and/or experience in the following areas: arboriculture, PA native plants, perennials, fruit trees, container displays, and the common landscape plants of zone 5.
• 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 well and willing to learn “PBG” best practices.

Work Conditions

• Primarily outdoor physical work in all weather conditions with occasional work at special events. Rain and cold weather clothing will be necessary. Boots are required.
• Must be able to traverse moderate to difficult site conditions related to Garden topography.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• 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.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit 1) a letter of interest including career goals, 2) a current resume, 3) three letters of recommendation, and 4) transcript(s) to Sue Myers either in writing or via email. Address:  799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale, PA, 15071.  Email:  smyers@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org.