Senior Gardener

Portland Japanese Garden – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Portland, Oregon – is hiring for a full-time Senior Gardener. The Senior Gardener works in concert with the other Gardeners, Lead Gardener, Garden Curator, and Garden Department Administrative Manager. They are responsible for all phases of grounds maintenance and participate in workshops and any professional training provided. They must be willing to be on call, work weekends and garden events, and travel when needed. The Senior Gardener reports to the Garden Curator.

Primary Duties

• Perform and manage garden crew on-site at all levels of garden maintenance duties
• Manage all contractors of garden maintenance
• Coordinate work schedule with Lead Gardener and Garden Curator
• Give daily report to Garden Curator
• Participate in garden workshops and training seminars as an instructor
• Ensure garden staff timecards, time tracking, timelines, and correspondence within and outside the institution are completed timely and accurately
• Lead team planning, communicating tasks and assignments, record keeping and documentation, and working with staff, volunteers, and interns
• Perform pruning and shaping practices as it pertains to the Japanese garden aesthetic and tradition as established at the Portland Japanese Garden
• Manage projects of landscaping constructions including bamboo fences, various stonework, garden pathways, and other garden structures
• Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and water features
• Assist with integrated pest management practices and fertilization application
• Attend monthly board committee meetings and other task force meetings as assigned
• Work on developing a training system for gardeners with Garden Curator
• Manage hiring of Full-time gardeners, Seasonal gardeners, and Part-time gardener assistants
• Other duties as assigned

Other Responsibilities

• Be active in learning the Japanese garden tradition, seeking knowledge of its history, aesthetics, design principles and obtaining construction and maintenance skills
• Be self-motivated, organized, and attentive to detail
• Provide effective leadership to make a positive team
• Manage time and effectively function without close supervision
• Assist Garden Curator to plan, procure materials, and manage capital projects
• Aid in development of the Department’s annual budget in coordination with the Administrative Manager
• Contribute to task force groups/committee within the organization
• Review occupational safety hazards with gardeners
• Provide garden tours as needed
• Maintain equipment, garden house tools, and garden vehicles
• Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
• Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
• Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
• Be proactive in building relationships with peers from other gardens, committee members, and with individual experts
• Saturday duty on rotation with other gardeners for the first year

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

• Minimum five years of landscape/garden construction and/or maintenance experience
• At least two years of supervisory experience
• B.A./B.S. degree in horticulture or a related field is preferred
• Ability to write routine reports, correspondence and maintain data logs, and the ability to communicate effectively before oversight committees, staff, and others
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive manual transmission (stick shift)
• Proficiency with email and basic Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to read and interpret landscape construction documentation

Special Requirements

• Required to have or obtain pesticide applicators license within 8 months
• Ability to perform intense physical labor year-round in all weather conditions
• Capable of using power tools such as leaf blowers, mowers, and chain saws
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50lbs and maneuver heavy items
• Ability to climb and work on tall ladders
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, and special events as needed

Compensation & Schedule

• Salary: $65,000-75,000 per year
• This is a full-time, salaried position with 40-45 hours per week. Shifts are typically 8 hours (plus ½ hour lunch), 7:00am to 3:30pm (6:30am to 3:00pm during summer), with some flexibility. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
• Benefits:
  • health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
  • 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
  • flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
  • paid time off:
    • vacation: 2 weeks per calendar year to start, with regular increases
    • wellness: 10 days per calendar year
    • holidays: 10 holidays per year
  • free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Transportation

The Garden is located at 611 SW Kingston Avenue, in Washington Park. Below are the transportation options for staff commuting to the Garden:

• Parking: Staff may park in the numbered spaces throughout Washington Park, which require payment. Additionally, staff may request parking permits from Washington Park. The Garden subsidizes a portion of the cost for parking permits; the cost for staff is $75 during the high season (March – September) and $50 during the low season (October – February).
• Bus Passes: For staff who take public transit as their primary means of commuting to the Garden, we provide paid bus passes. Full-time staff receive a monthly TriMet pass, and part-time staff receive daily passes, based on their work schedule.
• Transportation Stipend: Staff who take any form of alternative transit to get to work qualify for a $5 daily stipend. This includes taking public transit, walking, biking, carpooling, or getting dropped off. The only staff who do not qualify for the stipend are those who are receiving a bus pass through the Garden.

Applications

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three work-related references through our online Career Center. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please no phone calls or hand delivered applications. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

All submitted applications will be held in confidence.

We encourage all potential applicants to watch our video entitled “Come to Understand: Welcome to Portland Japanese Garden” (5:56 minutes).

• health, dental, and vision insurance (premium 100% covered for employees), with partial deductible reimbursement
• 401k plan (after 6 months, with 4% employer match after 1 year)
• flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
• paid time off:
  • vacation: 2 weeks per calendar year to start, with regular increases
  • wellness: 10 days per calendar year
  • holidays: 10 holidays per year
• free access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)