Seasonal Garden Assistant

Position Summary

The American Horticultural Society (AHS), headquartered at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia, is seeking a part-time Seasonal Garden Assistant who is dedicated and passionate about public horticulture and gardening. Reporting to the Chief Horticulturist, he or she will work alongside the horticulture staff and assist with garden management and maintenance of this historic garden property. Duties and responsibilities include assisting with planting, watering, weeding, cultivating, and care of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other flora and helping and assisting with special events. These duties involve manual labor, exposure to adverse weather conditions (particularly heat and humidity), dirt, and dust.

About The American Horticultural Society

Founded in 1922, AHS is a national organization with approximately 22,000 members. Our national programs include the Great American Gardeners Awards, the National Children & Youth Garden Symposium, an educational travel program, and a Reciprocal Admissions Garden program, among others. The AHS publishes The American Gardener magazine six times per year as a primary membership benefit. The AHS website (www.ahsgardening.org) offers resources to horticulturists, gardeners, and other constituents. AHS maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms.

The Society is headquartered at River Farm, a 27-acre historic garden property overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria, VA. By joining the AHS’s outstanding team of professionals, you can help share the critical role of plants, gardens, and green spaces in creating healthy, livable communities and a sustainable planet.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform essential duties to the expected performance standards.

The core duties and responsibilities revolve around supporting our gardens. Duties can vary widely – on any given day, various tasks may be performed, such as:

• Preparing soil, planting, mulching, staking, dead heading, pruning, watering, and fertilizing
• General maintenance of gardens, including raking, sweeping, cleaning
• Pruning and grooming of trees, shrubs, and plants
• Seed starting, direct seeding, plant cuttings, and transplanting
• Operating and caring for hand tools and power garden tools
• Under the supervision of horticultural staff, the garden assistant will be expected to work with volunteers who may come to us as individuals or as part of a group
• Assist with special events

Qualifications

• One year of experience and/or training in gardening work, including planting, cultivating, and caring for trees, plants, and shrubs
• A high school diploma or GED
• A valid motor vehicle license
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely
• Ability to perform diverse, sometimes repetitive, tasks that can be physically demanding, including kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching
• Willingness to learn about the use of tools and equipment
• Good interpersonal skills

Additional Information

• • This is a part-time seasonal position
  • 20 - 25 hours per week, Monday through Thursday
  • April/May – October/November (7 months total)
  • Typical hours: M - Th 8:00 am - 2:00 pm