Temporary Gardener

Summary:

The primary purpose of this role will be to provide skilled grounds keeping, landscape maintenance, general gardening, and related care and upkeep at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s properties.

Responsibilities:

• General grounds keeping and landscape maintenance


• Trim hedges and plants to proper size and shape


• Mow and edge lawn areas to maintain neat appearance


• Apply correct amount of water and fertilizer to lawn


• Prepare planting beds when needed


• Transplant plants properly


• Remove weeds from shrub/plant beds and apply correct amount of water and fertilizer


• Groom the yards for visitors


• Ability and desire to work in a strong team-oriented environment


• Other gardening duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic gardening skills


• Able to move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 50 pounds without assistance


• Able to lift 50 pounds or more and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including lifting heavy equipment, bending and stooping


• Must have accurate vision (22/20 or 20/40 with corrective lens acceptable).


• Must be able to follow verbal and/or written instructions and work with minimal supervision


• Must have a valid Texas driver’s license


• Able to use hand and power tools


• Able to withstand exposure to adverse weather and temperature conditions


• Strong team orientation

Education and Experience:

• Two (2) or more years of experience in a horticultural field such as landscape installation, grounds maintenance, plant production or pest control are required.


• Experience with commercial or institutional gardening desirable


• Prefer experience with Houston area or southern gardens of comparable quality and plant materials

Working Conditions:

The position involves considerable physical exertion, such as regular climbing, lifting of heavy objects (up to 50 pounds) on a frequent basis and/or assuming awkward positions for long periods of time. There are routine exposures to significant levels of heat and cold temperatures and moisture. The position may involve use of and periodic exposure to fertilizers and other related chemical substances.