Gardener
Blue Cactus Horticulture provides gardening services to high-end residential properties throughout the Seattle area. We are a team of 2 that’s interested in adding another team member to our crew that’s passionate about gardening and can help us manage the beautiful gardens we are so grateful to care for. We oversee the ongoing management and maintenance of established gardens with services that include specialized pruning, edible garden planning and management, landscape installations and maintenance, soil building and general planting and transplanting.
Responsibilities
• Bed maintenance including deadheading, fertilizing, pruning, mulching, and weeding
• New garden installations
• Occasional mowing and edging of lawns
• Monitoring plant health and treating problems accordingly
• Removal of weeds and invasive plants
• Pruning for overall plant health and appearance
• Care for plants in greenhouse and ensuring its kept clean and tidy
• Fall cleanup including blowing, raking, shredding, and composting leaves
Working Conditions
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds repeatedly (Doesn’t happen often unless we are carrying bags of compost/mulch, carrying debris, or transplanting heavy plants)
• Must be able to perform strenuous, physical work outside year-round work in sometimes unfavorable weather conditions. Yes – the Seattle weather can sometimes be a drag to work in but being outside in the Spring and Summer totally makes up for it
• Prolonged periods of bending, stooping, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, and digging
Qualifications
• Hands-on gardening experience and horticultural knowledge/experience preferred
• Ability to pay close attention to detail with good troubleshooting skills
• Must be honest, reliable, have a strong work ethic, and have good judgment
• Must be considerate of clients since we are working at their homes (no loud music or shouting, keep up with tools and clean up after yourself)
• Punctuality is crucial. Employee is expected to arrive at garden at designated time and must communicate in advance any changes in work schedule
• Must be able to follow directions, work well with others, show initiative, and complete tasks with little to no additional supervision or instruction
• Must have vehicle to travel between job sites and occasionally transport tools
This is a 24 hour part-time, non-exempt position (with the option to work more) with a Monday-Friday schedule. Most work is done in 2 gardens in West Seattle (near the Fauntleroy ferry) with 1 day/week being dedicated to a garden in Mercer Island. Tools will be provided; however, employee is expected to have suitable attire (gloves, insulated workwear, boots, rain gear) This position is eligible for a monthly reimbursement for medical benefits, vacation and sick time. Please submit a letter of interest along with a resume highlighting your qualifications.