Lead Gardener

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Gardener to support the maintenance and care of The Underline’s gardens along the 2.7-mile (and growing) trail. This role involves hands-on garden work, collaboration with a team of gardeners, engagement with volunteers and the public, and support for educational programming. The Lead Gardener will work under the direct supervision of the Horticulturist.

About Us

The Underline is a bold idea to reclaim 120 acres of land beneath the Miami Metrorail and transform it into a beautiful, active green space that becomes a magnet for residents and visitors alike. The Underline’s gardens focus on South Florida native plants making up a 10-mile linear park and ecological corridor in the heart of our city.
Friends of The Underline (FUL) is a nonprofit organization driving the realization of an innovative multimodal trail and open space that connects Miamians.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Function:
Perform hands-on garden maintenance: planting, pruning, weeding, watering, mulching, raking, debris removal, and blowing.
Implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
Oversee and coordinate contractors and Park Stewards.
Confidently represent The Underline’s gardens to diverse audiences in a professional setting.
Take a lead role in developing and implementing environmental educational programs.
Report daily conditions of the park to the Horticulture Manager.
Serve as the on-site point of contact when the Horticulture Manager is off-site.
Manage inventory of tools and supplies.
Onboard and train new garden staff.
Monitor and report plant health and other concerns to the Horticulture Manager.
Collaborate with the Horticulture Manager to apply best practices based on field conditions.
Lead or support educational events, including tours, school field trips, and workshops.
Supervise, train, and work alongside volunteers and horticulture apprentices on garden tasks.
Maintain all garden areas to established standards, independently or as part of a team.
Safely operate Underline vehicles, including trucks, UTVs, golf carts, e-bikes, and bicycles.
Keep supply and gardening areas clean and organized.
Procure and transport plants and materials from local nurseries.
Clean, store, and maintain tools properly.
Engage with park visitors to foster stewardship and provide garden tours as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Skills and Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, floriculture, landscape architecture, or a related field OR at least 3 years of relevant work experience (e.g., public gardens, habitat restoration, landscaping).
Valid driver’s license and authorization to work in the U.S.
Proficient in English (verbal and written).
Proficient in Spanish (verbal).
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Flexible schedule, including availability for weekends and evenings.
Enthusiasm for South Florida’s native plant communities and ecological horticulture.
Ability to learn and retain knowledge of 200 plant species.
Knowledge of basic plant physiology and South Florida plant identification.
Familiarity with South Florida ecosystems (e.g., Pine Rocklands, Tropical Hardwood Hammocks, Dry Prairie) and their soils.
Knowledge of common South Florida garden pests.
Understanding of xeriscaping and low-water landscaping practices.
Comfortable interacting with the public, including volunteers and school groups.
Professional demeanor with staff, contractors, vendors, and visitors.
Skilled in using landscaping tools (e.g., pruners, loppers, saws, shovels, augers, blowers).
Physically able to walk long distances, stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and perform tasks involving bending, stooping, and reaching.
Ability to ascend/descend ladders and traverse uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications
Carpentry skills and proficiency with tools (e.g., drills, power saws).
Enthusiasm for South Florida’s native plant communities.
Spanish fluency.

Additional Information

Working conditions:
This is an outdoor position with exposure to heat, sun, rain, sharp plants, and insects. The Underline is a public park in a dense urban environment, intersecting with transit lines, roads, and a multimodal trail. The role may involve working alone in public or remote areas of the park.

Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Retirement with an employer match
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays

Compensation
Salary is commensurate with experience. This is an hourly non-exempt position.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to The Underline’s Horticulturist: asha.bertsch@theunderline.org