| Department: Garden Maintenance
Salary or Hourly Rate: $20 – $24 per hour depending on experience, plus overtime Work Schedule: M-F; April – November 40-50 hours/wk |
Reports To: Lead Professional Gardener and Maintenance Manager
Positions Supervised: n/a |
| Amount of Travel Required: local travel, 90% | |
OVERVIEW
Bluebird Gardening is a small business established in 2000, specializing in high-quality landscaping and gardening services throughout the Twin Cities Metro. Garden Maintenance Teams operate seasonally, commencing work in April and concluding in November. This operational schedule is designed to cover the core growing season in Minnesota, ensuring that all garden spaces receive the attention necessary for optimal health, appearance, and vitality throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Our comprehensive services are tailored to meet the specific needs of residential landscapes, ranging from routine upkeep to specialized horticultural tasks. Our teams are essential to the creation and maintenance of the distinctive, beautiful gardens for which Bluebird Gardening is recognized.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Garden Maintenance Assistant Gardener is a introductory-based role within Bluebird Gardening, working closely with both Professional Gardeners and Lead Gardeners. This full-time, seasonal position is responsible for supporting the gardening team in carrying out day-to-day garden maintenance tasks, with a focus on skill development and teamwork. The Assistant Gardener possesses a passion for gardening and a desire to grow professionally.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions: position may include additional duties as needed
Garden Maintenance
- Work both independently and collaboratively as part of the gardening team to efficiently maintain client gardens, performing tasks that include: weeding, deadheading, transplanting, perennial cut down, and planting, among many other seasonal tasks.
- Adhere to direction from Lead Professional Gardener in order to meet Bluebird Gardening’s distinct quality standards, and comply with efficient and safe workplace conditions.
- Possess the capacity and commitment to expand gardening skills, including seasonal maintenance techniques, plant identification, and the proper operation and upkeep of equipment.
- Operate gas-powered equipment, including leaf blowers, hedge-trimmers, and drills.
- Support the planting of seasonal containers and in-ground annual displays.
- Maintain a clean and orderly work site.
- Communicate and represent Bluebird Gardening professionally while onsite and during travel throughout the metro region.
Miscellaneous Duties
- Communicate any work conflicts or issues promptly to the Lead Gardener or Maintenance Manager.
- Assist in the completion of all required timesheets and reporting documents in a timely manner
- Contribute and uphold a culture of teamwork, positivity, and continual skill development.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Competencies:
- Excellent time management skills
- Strong communication skills
- Strong interest in landscaping and gardening work
- Resilience to working 8-10 hour days outdoors in all weather conditions, and ability to complete the physical requirements of the position
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Education and Experience: Related garden and/or landscape experience preferred but not required.
Computer Skills: Google email and docs, ability to do basic computer skills
Certificates & Licenses: Valid driver’s license preferred.
Other Requirements:
- Team members must be punctual and prepared for the day (proper clothing, footwear, food and water).
- Must be able to complete tasks efficiently and follow directions
- Must be able to contribute to a positive work environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
| Constantly (5.5+ hrs/day) | Frequently (2.5-5.5+ hrs/day) | Occasionally (0-2.5+ hrs/day) |
| Stand Walk |
Reach outward Reach above the shoulder Handling/Fingering Squat or Kneel Bend |
Crawl Sit |
Lift/Carry: 21-50 lbs
Push/Pull: 26-40 lbs
Other Physical Requirements: must wear closed toe shoes or sandals, work outdoors during inclement weather, ability to travel by car, ability to operate small machinery.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed primarily in outdoor settings, in all weather conditions, including temperature extremes, during day shifts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in outdoor and shop settings.