Accepting Applications: 1-23-23 – 3-31-23
Number of Positions: 10
Season: Full Time (40hr/week) – May 8 – August 18
Part Time (10-20hr/week) – April 24 – May 7 | August 21 – November 21
Hours: 7:30am - 4:00pm M-F (some weekend and evening hours may be required)
Pay: According to experience and qualifications
Job Description: The Seasonal Gardener or Horticulture Intern will be an employee of McCrory Gardens and South Dakota State University, under the general supervision of the Crew Leader and Horticulture & Grounds Manager. The Seasonal Gardener or Horticulture Intern will play an important role in maintaining McCrory Gardens and its diverse plantings during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Together with a team of gardeners, volunteers, and maintenance technicians, as well as the McCrory Gardens administration team, the Seasonal Gardener’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following.
Primary Tasks:
- Planting of 40,000+ annuals, perennials, vines, bulbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees;
- Care for diverse plantings located throughout McCrory Gardens;
- Hand water and monitor irrigation of plantings, especially during time of establishment and drought;
- Perform seasonal landscape work including pruning, clean-up, bulb planting, dividing, and transplanting;
- Stage equipment, supplies, and materials for daily operations;
- Operate a variety of hand tools, power tools and vehicles needed for daily operations;
- Participate in trash removal procedures, as needed;
- Maintain highest standards for cleanliness and order throughout McCrory Gardens;
- Interact in a friendly and respectful manner with visitors and answer general questions from the public;
- Maintain equipment and tools needed to perform daily tasks;
Advantages: Employees will be trained on:
- Garden maintenance strategies
- Use of horticultural tools, equipment, and vehicles
- Plant identification
- Weed identification and management
- Mulch types and application methods
- Understanding seasonal impacts on horticulture
- Irrigation, fertilization, and other plant care techniques
- Factors that affect plant placement
Requirements:
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to lift 25 lbs.
- Willing to work in all types of weather, under strenuous conditions
- Team player, creative and organized
- Self-motivated with the ability to work alone and in groups
- Enthusiastic, work to high standards and ability to take direction
- Strong work ethic
- Background check required
Preferred Skills/Qualifications:
- Obtained or currently pursuing a degree in a related field, (Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, etc.)
- Knowledgeable about hand tools and small machinery a plus
- Driver’s license preferred
- Basic carpentry & irrigation/plumbing skills a plus
- Scout for pests and disease and correctly manage via pesticides or cultural practices;
- Strong gardening skills
- Demonstrated ability of hardy plant care appropriate to the region