Seasonal Gardener (Turf, Irrigation, Equipment)

The Horticulture Department at Red Butte Garden is seeking seasonal gardeners to provide care for our outdoor gardens and Natural Areas. Do you enjoy working outdoors, learning about turf care, irrigation and equipment maintenance, while working with people who are passionate about what they do? We strongly prefer people who are committed to the role of a Botanical Garden within the community, and want to be a part of a great team!

• UTA pass while actively employed at the U of U.
• Discounts for campus events and the campus store, as well as campus library privileges.
• Staff receive a half-price discount on Garden classes, an employee discount in our gift shop, advance registration opportunities for kids camps and concerts, and two free concert tickets for our Outdoor Concert series.
• Staff are provided work shirts and gloves, and on-the-job training.
• A variety of work schedule options, coordinated with supervisor upon hire.

Red Butte Garden is accessible via several bus routes that stop in Research Park and at the University Medical Center, as well as the Trax Red line, followed by a short walk or on-demand university campus shuttle. The campus shuttle offers a direct line to Red Butte Garden via the Sunnyside Route. 

Work Schedule:

Must be able to commit to working 16-29 hrs/wk beginning early March.  Shifts are predominately during regular business hours, from mornings to mid-afternoons.  May require an occasional evening hours and/or weekend shifts. Exact schedule will be coordinated with supervisor upon hire.  Season runs through November 25th.  

Responsibilities:

• Providing excellent care for our outdoor Gardens.  Acts as steward for the Garden to greeting and answering questions from garden guests.    
• General maintenance of turf, underground irrigation system, outdoor fountains, and equipment, including: mowing, trimming, weed-eating, digging, raking, irrigation system maintenance/repairs, monitoring/testing chemical levels on interactive fountain, snow removal and applying ice melting products.  
• Light equipment maintenance and monitoring including: fueling, ensuring proper fluid levels, lubrication, tire pressures, general safety and correct operation of equipment, includes some moderate to heavy lifting. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Nine months professional work experience with the responsibility for five or more acres of grounds, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); a valid vehicle operator’s license required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Selected applicant will be expected to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license.

*For this seasonal, non-benefited position, prior experience is preferred, not required; a Pesticide Applicators license will not be required.

Preferences:

• A passion for gardening and working outdoors.  Prior experience in landscaping, horticulture, farming, habitat management or botany strongly preferred. 
• A basic knowledge of horticulture, gardening, or botany, and a desire to learn more.  
• Able to work effectively individually and in teams, and the willingness and ability to work cooperatively with a variety of people. 
• At least 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurability, and able to safely and proficiently operate equipment common to the trade.
• Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position and understand the physical commitment required for gardening.
• Able to work safely in all climatic conditions, including full sun, heat, cold, precipitation, etc.
• Ability to identify problems, develop possible solutions and take appropriate course of action.  Skills include active listening, analysis, research, creativity, communication, decision making and team-building.
• Proven written and spoken communication skills, a commitment to provide excellent customer service.
• Able to commit to working 16-29 hrs/week beginning in early March, with shifts predominately during regular business hours, from mornings to mid-afternoons. 

APPLICATION LINK: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/178049