Position Title: Gardener II and Administrative Assistant

Supervisor: Director of Gardens and Grounds

Department: Gardens

Grade: 52, Non-exempt, union

Hours:  Full-time, 40 hours per week, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday
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Summary

This position fills a critical role within a dedicated team of garden professionals working together to fulfill the mission of stewardship and preservation of Beatrix Farrand’s masterpiece, a century after its creation. This position reports to the director of gardens and grounds and is under the guidance and general direction of the crew leader for a given section of gardens and grounds. This is a blended position, including roughly 50% gardening duties and 50% administrative duties to assist the director in the administrative operation of the gardens. Percentages of gardening and administrative duties vary by season and departmental need.

• Participates actively in the daily care, maintenance, and enhancement of gardens and
• Works independently and as part of a team, under the supervision of a crew
• This is an essential position, which may require the employee to work during emergencies, and/or outside of normal work hours, including weekends.
• Performs a variety of administrative tasks using Microsoft Office and Adobe suites, as well as databases connected with procurement and record keeping for the department.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Gardener

• Performs general plant care, garden maintenance, and essential garden duties, relying on knowledge of horticulture and plant care techniques: planting, pruning, mowing, blowing, edging, weeding, watering, invasive plant removal, lawn maintenance, ornament cleaning, and fountain/pool maintenance..
• Operates and maintains machinery and equipment used in performance of these duties, including mowers, tractors, and gas/electric powered hand-held equipment. Assures proper use of Personal Protective Equipment when operating equipment.
• Prepares designated area of the gardens for daily public visiting hours, including removal of snow and ice, leaves, and other debris from walkways and numerous steps.
• Interacts with garden visitors, serving as a garden ambassador both for outreach and garden stewardship purposes. Assists with other areas of the gardens and special projects as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

Administrative Assistant

• Performs a variety of tasks connected with administration and of the gardens department including ordering of uniforms and tools, sourcing and procurement of plant material, and checking in orders for quality and completeness..
• Coordinates crew needs with regards to ordering by liaising with crew leaders and generating group orders for directors approval.
• Assists garden director in the organization of garden records and departmental files, digitally and on paper.
• Document processes and workflows of the department in collaboration with the Director of Gardens and Grounds.
• Updates operational maps using Adobe Illustrator, compiles group orders in Microsoft Excel, and creates/edits documents in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
• Checks orders received against confirmations and manifests to ensure they are complete and ready for payment.
• Serves as the department’s volunteer coordinator facilitating Fellow, Summer Intern, and Volunteer projects by liaising with crew leaders in advance to identify and organize projects in advance of volunteer arrival.
• Provides on-site assistance and quality assurance for some garden-wide recurrent contracted maintenance activities, such as storm drain jetting.

Basic Requirements

• At least three years of professional gardening experience
• At least three years of garden administration or office administrative experience

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe illustrator
• Strong English communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Strong organizational skills
• Pesticide Applicators License through DC Department of Environment
• Proficiency in Photoshop, AutoCAD, and/or GIS
• Horticultural training and/or grounds management background, particularly in historic gardens

Physical Demands

• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions, often on uneven terrain
• Endurance to walk, stand, kneel, bend, stoop, and climb
• Strength to push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds

To Apply

The position remains open until filled. Please forward résumé and cover letter detailing relevant qualifications by clicking the link below.

https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGWEbHost/jobdetails.aspx?partnerID=25240&siteID=5341&AReq=65849BR

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Our staff, fellows, academic appointments, docents, and volunteers, who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and interests, come together in pursuit of common goals. Together, we strive to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture, and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each member of our community.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Dumbarton Oaks is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).