Portland Japanese Garden – a 501(c)(3) non-profit in Portland, Oregon – is hiring for a Full-Time Gardener. Gardeners are responsible for all phases of ground maintenance including plant care, garden structure maintenance, and participate in professional training provided. Specific Japanese gardening techniques will be part of training. Gardeners report directly to the Senior Gardener. This position works from the primary Garden campus, located at 611 SW Kingston Ave.
Primary Duties
Provide basic care, daily maintenance, repairs, and improvements of the garden and its environs as it pertains to appropriate Japanese gardening practices and principles
Perform pruning and shaping practices as it pertains to the Japanese garden aesthetic and tradition as established at the Portland Japanese Garden
Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and water features
Construct and maintain bamboo fences, stone pathways, and other garden structures
Assist with integrated pest management practices and fertilization application
Manage time and effectively function without close supervision
Daily reporting of work progress to the Senior Gardener
Participate in team planning, communicating tasks and assignments, record keeping and documentation, and working with staff, volunteers, and interns
Serve as a role model for Garden volunteers, providing support and encouragement to volunteers in their roles across the Garden
Ensure e-timecards, time tracking, timelines, and correspondence within and outside the institution are completed timely and accurately
Maintain equipment, tools, and vehicles
Source garden material and equipment
Support the Training Center programs with workshops and Garden seminar
Other Responsibilities
Get to know fellow staff members, developing trust, establishing credibility, encouraging teamwork, and creating an atmosphere of open, honest, two-way communication
Familiarize oneself with the organization and the Employee Handbook
Adhere to the Garden Department Garden Team Agreement
Maintain a high level of professionalism in manner and appearance
Adhere to the Garden Dress Code (uniform provided by the Garden)
Qualifications
Minimum three years of landscape/garden construction and maintenance experience
B.A./B.S. degree in horticulture or a related field is preferred
Self-motivated, organized, and attentive to detail
Previous training in Japanese gardening techniques is a plus
Certified arborist is a plus
Experience in managing volunteers
Current driver's license, ability to drive stick-shift
Proficiency with email and basic Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Special Requirements
Must be capable of using power tools daily such as leaf blowers, mowers, and chainsaws
Ability to climb trees and work on tall ladders
Ability to repeatedly lift, push, and pull up to 50lbs and maneuver heavy items
Ability to perform intense physical labor year-round in all weather conditions
Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, and special events as needed
Willingness to cooperate with our Marketing team to be in photos of the Garden
Tagged as: Conservation
