Summer Gardener

Overview

Position
:
Summer Gardener is a part-time, non-exempt position in the Gardens & Landscapes Department. Reports to the Landscape Horticulture Supervisor. Supports the mission to preserve, care for, and interpret the Association’s historic, cultural, and natural resources. Responsibilities include planting, pruning, applying soil amendments, water management, and weed control.

$15.00/hour

Position is Monday-Friday, 6:30 am – 3:00 pm.

• Tasks include: planting, pruning, applying soil amendments, water management, debris removal, weed control, and mulching.
• Use current best practices and environmental stewardship when performing the tasks outlined above.
• Work with other members of the team to identify and control insects, diseases, and weeds.
• Understand basic soil structure and soil health, and the relationship to plant health.
• Maintain records of work activities and submit information for monthly reports.
• Interact positively with visitors, answering questions and giving directions.
• Practice and maintain safety standards and procedures in all work areas.
• Work independently and with minimum supervision; however, some tasks require collaboration with other horticulture staff in a team setting.
• Promote a culture of teamwork and cooperation within the Gardens & Landscapes Department and throughout the Estate, with co-workers, management, and volunteers.
• Conduct all work in accordance with Mount Vernon Ladies Association procedures and guidelines.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

• An undergraduate student in horticulture or a related field of study.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to perform strenuous work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme high and low temperatures.
• Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
• The incumbent will frequently handle objects weighing up to 30 pounds (occasionally 50 pounds) unassisted. Regularly drag, lift, and carry heavy debris and watering hoses, and load or unload heavy items from carts.
• Valid driver’s license.

Work is performed mostly outdoors in gardens, greenhouses, and landscaped areas. Conditions can include exposure to heat, humidity, cold, and potential contact with insects and chemicals (with PPE provided). Tasks may involve working alone or with a team.

Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds, kneel, bend, reach, and stand for long periods. Frequent use of hands for planting and pruning is required. Ability to safely use horticultural tools and equipment is essential.

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
• Free Parking

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.