APPLY HERE: https://recruiting.myapps.paychex.com/appone/MainInfoReq.asp?RID=6956409
Portland Japanese Garden – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Portland, Oregon – is hiring for a full-time Senior Gardener. The Senior Gardener works in concert with the other Gardeners, Lead Gardener, Garden Curator, and Garden Department Administrative Manager. They are responsible for all phases of grounds maintenance and participate in workshops and any professional training provided. They must be willing to be on call, work weekends and garden events, and travel when needed. The Senior Gardener reports to the Garden Curator.
PRIMARY DUTIES
Perform and manage garden crew on-site at all levels of garden maintenance duties
Manage all contractors of garden maintenance
Coordinate work schedule with Lead Gardener and Garden Curator
Give daily report to Garden Curator
Participate in garden workshops and training seminars as an instructor
Ensure garden staff timecards, time tracking, timelines, and correspondence within and outside the institution are completed timely and accurately
Lead team planning, communicating tasks and assignments, record keeping and documentation, and working with staff, volunteers, and interns
Perform pruning and shaping practices as it pertains to the Japanese garden aesthetic and tradition as established at the Portland Japanese Garden
Manage projects of landscaping constructions including bamboo fences, various stonework, garden pathways, and other garden structures
Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and water features
Assist with integrated pest management practices and fertilization application
Attend monthly board committee meetings and other task force meetings as assigned
Work on developing a training system for gardeners with Garden Curator
Manage hiring of Full-time gardeners, Seasonal gardeners, and Part-time gardener assistants
Other duties as assigned
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
Be active in learning the Japanese garden tradition, seeking knowledge of its history, aesthetics, design principles and obtaining construction and maintenance skills
Be self-motivated, organized, and attentive to detail
Provide effective leadership to make a positive team
Manage time and effectively function without close supervision
Assist Garden Curator to plan, procure materials, and manage capital projects
Aid in development of the Department’s annual budget in coordination with the Administrative Manager
Contribute to task force groups/committee within the organization
Review occupational safety hazards with gardeners
Provide garden tours as needed
Maintain equipment, garden house tools, and garden vehicles
Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
Be proactive in building relationships with peers from other gardens, committee members, and with individual experts
Saturday duty on rotation with other gardeners for the first year
QUALIFICATIONS
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.
Minimum five years of landscape/garden construction and/or maintenance experience
At least two years of supervisory experience
B.A./B.S. degree in horticulture or a related field is preferred
Ability to write routine reports, correspondence and maintain data logs, and the ability to communicate effectively before oversight committees, staff, and others
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive manual transmission (stick shift)
Proficiency with email and basic Microsoft Office applications
Ability to read and interpret landscape construction documentation
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Required to have or obtain pesticide applicators license within 8 months
Ability to perform intense physical labor year-round in all weather conditions
Capable of using power tools such as leaf blowers, mowers, and chain saws
Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50lbs and maneuver heavy items
Ability to climb and work on tall ladders
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, and special events as needed
COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
Salary: $65,000-75,000 per year
This is a full-time, salaried position with 40-45 hours per week. Shifts are typically 8 hours (plus ½ hour lunch), 7:00am to 3:30pm (6:30am to 3:00pm during summer), with some flexibility. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
Benefits:
-health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
-401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
-flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
-paid time off:
vacation: 2 weeks per calendar year to start, with regular increases
wellness: 10 days per calendar year
holidays: 10 holidays per year
-free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
TRANSPORTATION
The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:
-Parking: Staff may park in the numbered spaces throughout Washington Park, which require payment. Additionally, staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75 during the high season (March – September) and $50 during the low season (October – February).
-Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule.
-Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden.
APPLICATIONS
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references through our online Career Center. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
All submitted applications will be held in confidence.
We encourage all potential applicants to watch our video entitled “Come to Understand: Welcome to Portland Japanese Garden” (5:56 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nriDvt0Nay8.
