POSITION

As a member of the Garden’s horticultural and facilities team, the Gardener I – Native Plant Specialist plays a key role in the care, presentation, and evolution of Sonoma Botanical Garden’s public landscapes and special projects. This position works independently and collaboratively to:

1. Maintain, steward, improve & expand the California Native Demonstration Garden surrounding the Welcome Center;
2. Maintain the Rose Garden;
3. Support nursery operations;
4. Support monthly volunteer workdays and horticulture-related public 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.

Horticulture & Garden Care

• Maintain assigned garden areas with a primary focus on the Rose Garden and the California Native Demonstration Gardens at the Welcome Center and along the California trail.
• Perform planting, pruning, weed-eating, weeding, dead heading, mulching, fertilizing, hand-watering (both new in-ground and potted plants), and general garden upkeep.
• Maintenance/gardening outside select Garden buildings
• Assist with irrigation maintenance and repairs surrounding the Welcome Center, including sprinkler replacement and troubleshooting.
• Remove dead or declining plant material; chip branches and manage green waste.
• Sundays – help repair any leaks in Garden irrigation.

Nursery Support

• Assist general nursery maintenance.
• Support organization and care of plant stock used for garden beds, exhibitions, and special projects.

Special Exhibitions Support

• Assist with installation, ongoing care, and deinstallation of horticulture-related and art-in-the-garden exhibitions.
• Support exhibition readiness by preparing garden beds, pathways, and surrounding landscapes.
• Coordinate with horticulture, exhibitions, and facilities staff to ensure safe and attractive public presentation.

Volunteer & Program Support

• Assist with preparation for and support of monthly volunteer workdays, including task setup, basic instruction, and cleanup.
• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to complete horticulture projects efficiently and safely.

General Operations & Visitor Support

• Assist Garden visitors with directions and basic information as needed.
• Support events and programs through setup and takedown when required.
• Perform general site upkeep including path maintenance, signage straightening, litter removal, and exterior cleaning.
• Take responsibility for the proper care, use, and maintenance of company property, tools, trams, equipment, and materials.

Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 2-year paid experience in basic gardening or landscape maintenance.
• Interest in or experience with California native plants strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Ability to speak, read, and comprehend basic English with co-workers and the general public.
• Bilingual English–Spanish preferred.
• Ability to follow instructions; punctual, respectful, courteous, and efficient.
• Willingness to work outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Dependable self-starter with initiative and a positive, solutions-oriented attitude.
• 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 to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Physical Demands: Occasionally strenuous physical activity including lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs.), bending, kneeling, and standing and/or walking for extended periods.
• Work Environment: Shared indoor and outdoor workspaces in all weather conditions with staff, volunteers, and visitors, following applicable health and safety guidelines.
• Schedule: Full time – 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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• $23/hour. This is a full-time, non-exempt, in person position located at the Sonoma Botanical Garden.
• A $50/month stipend is offered to employees who must use their personal phones for work-related activities.
• A generous benefits package including three weeks paid time off (PTO), health insurance including dental and vision, and a company matched retirement plan after one year of employment.

NOTE TO ALL CANDIDATES

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

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position to hr@sonomabg.org. Please include “Native Plant 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.  We value the diversity of individuals and the ideas, perspectives, insights, and values they bring to the workplace.