Gardener, Full Time
Hershey Gardens is seeking a full time gardener to perform professional gardening & maintenance duties, under the direction of the Operations Manager.
Time Summary of Major Duties:
- 70% Performs professional gardening duties as a primary task, as weather and schedule permits, which includes reporting to work for snow removal operations as required. Duties include but are not limited to trash collection, weeding, mulching, planting, pruning, fertilizing, mowing grass, trimming and snow removal. Performs all facets of gardening/maintenance tasks at Hershey Gardens as well as other M.S. Hershey Foundation entities, if required, as directed by the Operations Manager or Grounds Foreman.
- 15% Oversees and works with volunteer gardening staff, interns and students in the absence of the Operations Manager or Gardens Foreman. Works with other Staff, Advisory Board Members, Foundation Staff and outside professionals at Hershey Gardens and Foundation entities. Works with Operations Manager, Grounds Foreman, Fellow Staff and outside professionals to assist in identifying, correcting and preventing problem areas, with all aspects of the Hershey Gardens. Reports possible leads, options and procedures to further enhance, save time, material and cost related to all aspects of the Hershey Gardens to the Operations Manager.
- 10% Adheres to, and supports Hershey Gardens’ compliance with all State, Federal and Local laws/policies. As a full-time staff member, ensures the safety, health and welfare of all guests, personnel, interns, students, board members and visitors on the property in accordance with Hershey Garden’s crisis manual.
- 5% Participates in staff meetings and planning sessions as requested.
Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required:
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
- Willing and able to test and successfully obtain a Pennsylvania commercial or private applicators license, if required by the Operations Manager to perform duties.
- Demonstrated basic skills in oral and written communication.
- Demonstrated ability to consistently represent Hershey Gardens and The M.S. Hershey Foundation in a positive, professional manor.
- Demonstrated ability to perform duties professionally under public situations.
- Need to be able to move between Foundation and entities.
- Occasional need to help with the set-up or tear-down of activities.
- Work will be performed in a variety of outdoor and indoor environments and weather conditions.
- Requires physical effort including lifting up to 50 pounds and extended periods of standing or walking.
- Must be able to operate various garden-related machinery and equipment including snow removal equipment.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Education: High School diploma or GED required
Documented training in horticulture, related studies, or a minimum of two (2) years of work in horticulture, at a professional level.
Continuing education courses in horticulture or a related field helpful.
Experience: Minimum of two [2] years employed in a position related to the horticultural field
Clearances: This position requires criminal history background checks in addition to child abuse background checks as a condition of employment
Status Description & Working Hours:
40 hours per week flexible work schedule that may include weekends and evenings for shows, exhibits, receptions, or special events. This position is subject to being called upon for snow removal duties, as required.
The M.S. Hershey Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions, including all hiring decisions, are made without regard to race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, pregnancy, non-job-related disability, veteran status, possession of a General Education Development Certificate as compared to a high school diploma, or any other trait protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strive to hire the hardest working and most qualified individuals.