Did you fall in love with the Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral while on the Plant Composition Field Trip? Even if you’re not familiar with the beauty of the gardens at Washington national cathedral, you’ll still be interested in an opportunity that just opened up for a Flex Gardener. A Flex Gardener with the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation would report to the Horticulture and Grounds Director and expect to complete tasks including but not limited to maintaining ornamental plantings, recognizing and reporting pests and diseases, and following proper techniques for plant installation. The ‘flex’ in ‘flex gardener’ indicates that you float between areas of responsibility, determining the most pressing garden needs and concentrating on assisting the zone gardener to meet identified needs. This is a full-time position, with a Monday through Friday schedule, and is a year-round position to accommodate events and visitors.
If you’re interested in working in one of the most influential gardens in the DMV area, do not hesitate to apply as the National Cathedral typically gets a high volume of applicants. To apply visit pecf.org. Click on Employment, Opportunities – scroll down to “Click here for PECF Opportunities” to apply.
Position Title: FLEX GARDENER
Institution: Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation
Department: Horticulture and Grounds
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:
REPORTS TO: Horticulture & Grounds Director
JOB SUMMARY:
Serves as the horticulturist/gardener providing skilled gardening assistance to the zone gardeners on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral. This horticulturist rotates through the garden zones as needed, helping to maintain and care for ornamental beds, trees, and shrubs, as well as the overall appearance of zones.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Consults with Horticulture Director and zone gardeners to determine the most pressing gardening needs on the Close, then concentrates on assisting the zone gardener to meet the identified needs.
2. Maintains ornamental beds by mulching, weeding, raking, and pruning plants.
3. Recognizes and reports pests and diseases.
4. Recognizes and reports problems such as wilting, leaf scorch, or nutrient deficiencies.
5. Recognizes and responds to water demands of plant material.
6. Operates all equipment and tools safely and properly.
7. Follows proper techniques of soil preparation, plant installation, and pesticide application.
8. Keeps hardscapes in area blown, edged, and cleaned. Keeps drains and catch basins clear.
9. Empties trash cans in assigned area on a regular basis & picks up litter.
10. Shovels snow, spreads sand and salt, and safely operates snow removal equipment.
11. Identifies planting areas that could be improved and shares ideas with the zone gardener and Director of Horticulture.
12. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. One-year experience in public gardening including landscape and grounds maintenance and/or degree in horticulture or related field preferred.
2. Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record, and be capable of operating vehicles safely.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
1. Knowledge of plant materials, proper maintenance techniques, and horticultural practices.
2. Understanding of Integrated Pest Management techniques.
3. Ability to plan a project & follow through to completion, including cleanup.
4. Ability to work amicably within a diverse and multicultural workforce.
5. Ability to work as part of a team.
6. Ability to self-direct and work alone with little to no supervision.
7. Ability to operate all types of grounds maintenance equipment such as mowers, power sweepers, sprayers, blowers, trimmers, aerators, and tillers, safely.
8. Good interpersonal, communication, and literacy skills
9. Basic computer skills required
WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Normal schedule is Monday — Friday, 6:30 am – 3:00 pm. Must have flexible schedule to accommodate weather and special projects.
2. Must be able to work required overtime, often with little notice (snow removal, storm damage). Scheduled overtime includes annual events.
3. Must be able to work outside in inclement weather including extreme cold and heat, high winds, rain, and snow.
4. Must be able to perform physical work including bending, stooping and reaching. Must be able to work on feet for extended periods of time and to lift, carry, and push at least 30 lbs.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should visit pecf.org. Click on Employment, Opportunities – scroll down to “Click here for PECF Opportunities” to apply.