Gardener for Historic Garden

13533 Northshire Rd NW, Seattle WA

Description

Job Title: Interim Gardener, up to 1-year position Reports To: Executive Director Job Category: Interim, Full-time Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm; occasional weekend and/or extended workday may be required. Wages: Competitive; depending on experience To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter to [email protected] describing your experience and qualifications for the position. Applications will be considered upon receipt and must be received by 9/30/2021 SUMMARY The esteemed Olmsted Brothers Landscape firm designed Dunn Gardens in 1915. One hundred years later the vision of the Gardens as a place of timeless grace has been realized. Notable features on the 7.5 acre public garden include naturalistic groupings of trees, broad lawns with borders of shrubs, and woodland walks. Plants range from diminutive Erythroniums to large rhododendrons and towering Douglas firs. The Gardener must have a background in horticulture or a related field, be enthusiastic about utilizing their skills, be a responsible and independent worker, be familiar with ecologically sustainable land management practices and be willing to learn new skills on the job. The Gardener must have courteous communication skills and a positive attitude that embraces progressive, efficient, and environmentally responsible principles. Daily interaction with garden members, guests, and residents must be congenial and helpful. MISSION We preserve and enhance Dunn Gardens as a public resource, celebrating the original 1915 Olmsted design and showcasing the evolution of garden design in the Pacific Northwest. Job Summary The Gardener is a full-time, year-round position based on 40 hours per week with an anticipated weekly schedule of Monday through Friday. Periodic weekend work may be requested. This position reports to the executive director, who conducts their annual review. The Gardener will collaborate with the Executive Director and Garden Conservation Committee (GCC) to plan, coordinate, and execute the care of Dunn Gardens to: 1. ensure the garden, grounds and related facilities are safe, presentable, and functional at all times 2. align all work in the garden with the Treatment Plan, a document adopted in 2006 that identifies the character-defining features of individual garden spaces and establishes corresponding preservation parameters Duties include, but are not limited to: Horticulture • Act as nursery manager, taking the lead on: • Propagation if needed • Potting up • Operation of greenhouse • General organization and care of lathhouse, greenhouse, potting bench, and holding yard • Perform routine garden maintenance including weed control, mulching, watering, staking, spring and fall clean up, fertilizing, hardscape upkeep, pesticide application, hedge maintenance, planting, etc. • Possibility to perform tasks relating to fine horticulture including container design and upkeep, planting design, plant selection, and other tasks requiring refined aesthetics, advanced horticultural knowledge, and attention to detail • Operate motorized equipment including riding and push mowers, string trimmer, chainsaw, hedge shears, blower, chipper, utility vehicle • Support the Plant Records Program Facilities & Operations • Help maintain, repair, enhance, and operate irrigation systems • Help keep the garden facilities well-organized and functional • Help maintain tools and equipment in good working condition; arrange for servicing as needed Organizational • Acts as a professional face of Dunn Gardens with other organizations, at Dunn Gardens events, and with significant benefactors. The Gardener may engage in other forms of public relations to develop the gardens’ reputation and general awareness • Participate in Garden Conservation Committee meetings • Assist with special events in the garden, including general logistics, set-up and takedown, and staffing events Other Responsibilities • Guide volunteers as needed • Receive deliveries, oversee contractors, and guide other operations of the gardens as needed • Other responsibilities: Turf care, collection and organization of yard waste, recycling, and rubbish bins, maintain a harmonious relationship with the neighborhood, contribute to a pleasant work environment, and foster an appreciation and understanding of the gardens for guests • Other activities, as assigned, which support the operations, goals, and vision of the garden Additional requirements include: • Capacity to work outside in all weather conditions • General physical dexterity to work on ladders, use wheelbarrows, and lift 50 pounds • Ability to work independently in a self-guided manner • Must possess a valid driver’s license • Ability to lift 50 pounds