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;

This role contributes directly to a high-quality visitor experience by ensuring garden spaces are safe, welcoming, educational, and visually engaging.

Founded in 1987, Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG) is a woodland experience where East
meets West by celebrating the beauty and importance of Asian and California native plants.
Situated in the picturesque Sonoma Valley, SBG’s 67 acres is home to a unique Asian
woodland a California native oak savanna, and a Cabernet vineyard. Its mission 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.

Grounds and Facility Maintenance:

• 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.
• Unplug drains, sewage and other waste lines.
• Participate as a team member to 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, 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. (Restrooms are professionally cleaned twice weekly.)
• 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 .
• Provide coverage for hand-watering throughout the Garden as needed.
• Apply paint, varnish, shellac etc.; prepare surfaces by scraping, sanding, etc.
• Work collaboratively with external vendors as needed.
• Support Gardeners as assigned.

General Operation & Visitor Support:

• 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.
• Take responsibility for the proper care, use, and maintenance of company property, tools, equipment, and materials.

Additional horticulture and facilities related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2-years of irrigation experience working with pipes up to 4” in diameter.
• Knowledge and experience maintaining electrical equipment and systems.
• 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.
• A can-do attitude and an appreciation for environmental conservation and for the mission of the Garden.

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: 28 hours/week, generally 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and occasional holidays and evenings. Must be available Sundays (9:00 – 5:00) and summer Wednesday afternoons/evenings. Flexibility with scheduling is possible, in alignment with the needs of the organization.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• $23/hour. This is a part-time, non-exempt, in person position located at the Sonoma Botanical Garden.  This position is 28 hours per week to include Sundays and summer Wednesday afternoons/evenings. Must be available to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• A $50/month stipend is offered to employees who must use their personal phones for work-related activities.
• A generous PTO package including 2 weeks of Vacation pay plus a Flex Holiday, Sick pay, and Holiday pay.

NOTE TO ALL CANDIDATES

Due to the nature of the Garden’s work, which may include interaction with children, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check if extended an offer for employment. You also may be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses, credentials, or vaccinations relevant to the position.

Sonoma Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer.  We value the diversity of individuals and the ideas, perspectives, insights, and values they bring to the workplace. 

TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume’ to HR@sonomabg.org.  Include Facilities Specialist in the subject line.