As a member of the Garden’s horticultural team, the Gardener I 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 & improve an assigned section of the Asian Garden;
2. Maintain Founder’s House Garden and entry road;
3. Support public programs, 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 garden

Horticulture & Garden Care:

• Maintain assigned garden areas with a primary focus on an assigned section of the Asian Garden, the Founder’s House garden, and the entry road to Hwy 12.
• Perform planting, pruning, weed-eating, mulching, dead heading, tree care, branch chipping, and general garden upkeep.
• Hand-water, install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems and water features, including sprinkler replacement and troubleshooting.
• Assist with integrated pest management practices and fertilization application.
• Assist with cleaning ponds, pools and ditches; unplug drains, sewage and other waste lines.
• Dig trenches, maintain and repair fences, paths and roads, and other garden structures.

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, 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

• 2-years 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.
• Dependable with a self-starter attitude; able to take initiative in seeking out work when appropriate.
• Able to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to follow instructions, and to be punctual, respectful, courteous, and efficient.
• 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, and operating power equipment, and moving from place to place which may include standing and/or walking for extended periods of time, and over uneven and steep terrain.
• 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 –  generally 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and occasional holidays and evenings.  Must be available some Sundays 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 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. 

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 “Gardener 1” in the subject line.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.