Horticulture Assistant Job at Grace Farms Foundation (New Canaan)

Job Description

Under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, perform gardening & horticulture duties including, but not limited to: planting, mulching, weeding, staking, deadheading, pruning, watering, plant and insect identification, and integrated pest management within Grace Farms' organic vegetable, fruit & flower garden and multi-ecosystem landscape. Assist in the maintenance ecological landscapes and gardens to meet departmental horticultural standards, with an emphasis on sustainability and aesthetics. Assist with plant propagation/production, including collection, storage, and sowing of seed; cuttings; transplanting; watering; and additional plant care as needed. Assist the Director of Horticulture and Horticulture Specialist in the preparation and delivery of educational outreach activities . Pro-Actively engage with visitors and staff in a welcoming way about Grace Farms' horticultural practices, its landscape and gardens making the information accessible and relevant for all age groups. May participate in occasional specialty tasks such as floral arranging and assisting with floral design for events, or others as identified. Assist in the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to ensure plant health. Other professional duties as assigned.

Job Responsibility

Under the direction of the Director of Horticulture, perform gardening & horticulture duties including, but not limited to: planting, mulching, weeding, staking, deadheading, pruning, watering, plant and insect identification, and integrated pest management within Grace Farms' organic vegetable, fruit & flower garden and multi-ecosystem landscape
Assist in the maintenance ecological landscapes and gardens to meet departmental horticultural standards, with an emphasis on sustainability and aesthetics
Assist with plant propagation/production, including collection, storage, and sowing of seed
cuttings
transplanting
watering
and additional plant care as needed
Assist the Director of Horticulture and Horticulture Specialist in the preparation and delivery of educational outreach activities
Pro-Actively engage with visitors and staff in a welcoming way about Grace Farms' horticultural practices, its landscape and gardens making the information accessible and relevant for all age groups
May participate in occasional specialty tasks such as floral arranging and assisting with floral design for events, or others as identified
Assist in the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to ensure plant health
Other professional duties as assigned

Requirements

Strong understanding of basic horticultural practices and procedures required for soil preparation, planting & transplanting, mulching, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, propagating, and raking
Knowledge of and familiarity with plants common in the horticulture trade in the Northeast, organic vegetable and fruit gardening and knowledge of the region's native flora desirable
Operate and maintain power tools, vehicles, and other landscape equipment
Must be enthusiastic about plants, conscientious of the environment, and sustainable/organic gardening practices
Must be able to safely work with appropriate hand and power tools and equipment. (Handheld blowers. string trimmers, utility carts, mowers, pruners)
Must be able to facilitate information and programming to a wide variety of audiences including adults, children and intergenerational groups
Excellent communications and collaboration skills
Able to work independently and as part of a team. Must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, and the community
Proficient in Microsoft Office products including, Word, Excel and Power Point
Must have flexible schedule to work weekends (likely every Saturday) and some evenings. Reliable transportation is required
High school diploma or equivalent required
A degree in horticulture, plant science, or closely related field or equivalent relevant experience is preferred
Bachelor's degree in horticulture or a related field is highly preferred but not required if field experience is present
Minimum of one (1) full year of equivalent working experience in horticulture/landscape design and maintenance preferred
Must be able to lift a minimum to forty (40) lbs. Physical activities will include standing/bending/stooping/ squatting/reaching above shoulder level/ kneeling. Must be able to use hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, manipulation and grasping. Must be able to use head/neck in rotational, extension and flexing movements. Position requires extended time outdoors in a variety of conditions (e.g., hot sun, rain, cold temperatures, etc.)

What we offer

choice of medical plans
dental and vision plan
100% employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term disability
403(b)-retirement benefit with an organization match
PTO, sick, and personal days
11 paid holidays
explore the beautiful 80-acres of our preserved land
take part in any of the numerous public events on-site

Grace Farms Foundation - All Job Offers

Select Country

Horticulture Assistant

Job Description

Job Responsibility

Requirements

What we offer

Looking for more opportunities?

Horticulture Assistant

Nursery Assistant (Horticulture)

Nursery Assistant (Horticulture) FTC

Garden Centre Assistant Flexi - Horticulture

Maintenance Person

Contract Supervisor

Grounds Maintenance Operative

Gardener

Garden Centre Supervisor

Our AI answers in your language