Facilities Horticulture Specialist

Job Description

Department: Horticulture & Facilities
Reports to: Director of Horticulture & Facilities

As a member of the Garden’s small horticultural and facilities team, the Facilities Horticulture Specialist works independently and as part of a team to: 1) maintain facilities; 2) focus on irrigation and preventative maintenance and repairs for this system as needed; 3) support garden operations by means of a broad set of activities; and 4) support a quality visitor experience. The work consists of 75% facilities-related responsibilities and 25% horticulture-related tasks.

About Us

The mission of Sonoma Botanical Garden is to inspire an appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of Asian and California native plants, and to promote their conservation in natural habitats and gardens.

Since its founding in 1987 by Jane Davenport Jansen, Sonoma Botanical Garden has been dedicated to celebrating and conserving the plant diversity of temperate East Asia. In 2021, this vision grew to encompass another biodiversity hotspot: the California floristic province. At first glance, the Garden is meandering pathways, seasonal features, and hidden picnic spots, but a closer look reveals there is so much more. Every plant is accounted for with unique identifiers (accession numbers), species name, and source information.

Duties & Responsibilities

Perform general grounds and facility maintenance including:
Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and water features
Regularly assess irrigation systems, including cleaning filters weekly, replacing faulty parts, and running weekly irrigation checks
Troubleshoot irrigation issues, including broken pipes or risers, and coordinate repairs as needed
Prepare for seasonal changes that impact irrigation at the Garden
Collaborate with Director of Horticulture and Facilities to manage irrigation supplies and equipment by creating and maintaining inventory logs
Assist with integrated pest management practices application in interior and exterior spaces
Clean ponds, pools and ditches; unplug drains, sewage and other waste lines
Dig trenches, maintain and repair fences, paths and roads, and other garden structures
Operate, maintain, and clean golf carts and all other power equipment such as mowers, string trimmers, blowers and rototillers
Straighten and clean signs, pick-up litter, collect trash and prepare for pick up on Highway 12, and maintain general cleanliness of the Garden
Install and maintain simple electronic and electric equipment such as appliances, light fixtures, etc.
Check public restrooms and port-o-potties twice daily for cleanliness and supplies and take out trash
Break out concrete or asphalt using hand tools and/or pneumatic tools; set forms, pour, tamp, smooth, etc.
Clean the exteriors and interiors of Garden buildings, swimming pools, structure gutters, etc. as directed; replace light bulbs, empty trash and recycling, and other general custodial duties on a regular basis
Make deliveries as needed using company truck to relevant businesses throughout Sonoma County
Regularly operate golf cart as designated mode of transportation throughout the Garden
Operate tractor as needed
Assist with mulching throughout the Garden; remove dead plants and trees as needed
Provide coverage for hand-watering throughout the Garden as needed
Apply paint, varnish, shellac etc.; prepare surfaces by scraping, sanding, etc.
Assist visitors with directions and other information
Assist with event set-up and tear-down as needed
Collaborate with team members across departments
Work with Director of Horticulture and Facilities to assess when external support is required
Work collaboratively with external vendors as needed
Support Gardeners as assigned
Additional horticulture and facilities related duties as assigned

Education and Experience

2-years of irrigation experience working with pipes up to 4” in diameter
1-year paid experience in basic gardening/garden maintenance
Valid California Class C driver’s license
Ability to comprehend, read, and speak basic English with co-workers and the general public
Bi-lingual English Spanish preferred
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions with staff and visitors following applicable health regulations and guidelines
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Ability to follow instructions, and to be punctual, respectful, courteous, and efficient
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Able to work independently as well as in a group setting
Dependable with a self-starter attitude; able to take initiative in seeking out work when appropriate

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Demands: Requires occasionally strenuous physical activity: lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs.), performing repetitive manual tasks, using and climbing up ladders to access high spaces (no higher than 20 ft.) such as building roofs and ceilings, operating power equipment, and moving from place to place which may include standing and/or walking for extended periods of time.
Work Environment: Work is performed in shared indoor and outdoor space in all weather conditions with staff and visitors following applicable health regulations and guidelines.
Schedule: Full-time, and occasional holidays, evenings, programs, and special events. Flexibility with scheduling is possible, in alignment with the needs of the organization.

BENEFITS
Salary range $48 – 52k, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement savings plan.
Opportunities for professional development and growth within a vibrant nonprofit organization.
The chance to make a meaningful impact on the visitor experience at the Garden as well as on environmental education and conservation efforts in the Sonoma community.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to hr@sonomabg.org. Please include “Facilities Horticulture Specialist” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Sonoma Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the
workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. About Sonoma Botanical Garden:
https://sonomabg.org/