Gardener 2 - 50% of $2433-3150/month

GARDENER 2

Req #: 45317

Department: URBAN HORTICULTURE
Appointing Department Web Address: uwbotanicgardens.org
Job Location: Seattle Campus
Job Location Detail: Center for Urban Hort & UBNA
Posting Date: 06/23/2008
Closing Info: Closes On 07/07/2008
Salary: 50% of $2433 - $3150 per month
Union Position: Yes


This classification is governed by a negotiated labor contract and is subject to union shop provisions. For more information about union shop provisions, visit Union Information


Notes
This is a 50% position.
The University of Washington (UW) is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty. The University of Washington Botanic Gardens Center for Urban Horticulture, within the College of Forest Resources, has an outstanding opportunity for a Gardener 2. This unique gardener position with the UW Botanic Gardens will be devoted to invasive weed control in the Union Bay Natural Area, which serves both as an outdoor classroom for ecological restoration courses and a recreational destination for local wildlife and walking enthusiasts, as well as more fine gardening on the grounds of the UW Center for Urban Horticulture.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Under direct supervision perform skilled tasks requiring knowledge of cultivation and maintenance of native plants, woody and herbaceous ornamentals, and turf in the care of restored areas located within the Union Bay Natural Area and display gardens surrounding the Center for Urban Horticulture.

Typical Duties:
· Weed Management - hand, mechanical and chemical practices used.
· Soil Management - cultivation, topdressing with organic mulches, installation or repair of drainage in planting beds.
· Mulching - application of wood chip mulch to restored sites and landscape beds.
· Irrigation - maintain irrigation system in place; monitor watering patterns and make adjustments as necessary.
· Pruning - seasonal pruning of trees and shrubs for form and training. Pruning of perennials in beds as scheduled in maintenance database.
· Planting and Transplanting - installation of container and balled and burlapped trees and shrubs. Transplanting of perennials as needed.
· Landscape Plant Grooming - leaf and debris removal, raking, litter pickup and sweeping of pathways.
· Plant Care - fertilizing, staking, thinning, containing plants within bounds, herbaceous plant grooming are examples.
· Turf Maintenance - Mow, edge, aerate, fertilize, irrigate, seed and other tasks associated with turf maintenance as needed.
· Brush Clearing - removal of woody brush and invasive plants.
· Stump Removal - assist w/grinding, back-hoe, chaining-out as needed.
· Landscape Renovation - site preparation including soil and plant installation, trail work, rock installation and the ability to follow written prints and instructions.
· Container Plant Care - grooming, fertilizing and general care of amenity plantings in and around buildings.
· Use of Manual Tools and Equipment - weed wrench, rakes, loppers, shovels, wheelbarrows, weeding forks, hoes, pruning shears, and pesticide sprayers are examples.
· Operate Power and Motorized Equipment - weed trimmers, tillers, light tractors, front-end loaders, utility vehicles, lawn mowers and sod cutters are examples.
· Application of Horticultural Chemicals - herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides and other materials as prescribed (under direction of WA state public operator licensee).
· Record Keeping - Assist in labeling, inventory and plant condition reports in association with areas worked on site.
· Volunteer Coordination - Ability to train and supervise work performed by volunteers.
· Perform related duties as required. As an employee you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please view this page.

Requirements:
Physical ability to do the required work AND one year experience or training involving grounds and plant maintenance, landscape installation or plant restoration OR equivalent education/experience. Additional Requirements
· Possession of a valid Washington State Public Operator’s Pesticide Control license OR ability to obtain this license within 6 months’ time of employment.
· Possession of a valid State of Washington Drivers License for use of tractor.
· Experience operating a front-load tractor and other motorized equipment.

Desired:
· Experience in restoration and fine gardening best practices.
· Experience with irrigation systems.
· Possession of a valid State of Washington pesticide license.

Condition of Employment:
Ability and willingness to work outdoors and in all kinds of weather. Possession of a valid State of Washington Drivers License for use of tractor. Satisfactory outcome from a criminal background check may be required prior to hire.
The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206.543.6450 / 206.543.6452 (tty) or dso@u.washington.edu.