Garden Center Horticulturist/Skilled Gardener
Experience level:
- A degree in Horticulture or related field (see below), or relevant work experience showing proven competencies. Please do not apply if you do not have appropriate level of ornamental horticulture experience or a degree in Horticulture. This is not an entry level position.
Cayuga Landscape’s Garden Center is seeking a full-time horticulturist with either a degree or coursework in Horticulture or a related field (Botany, Plant Science, Landscape Design) or equivalent hands-on, relevant working experience including gardening. Must be able to identify and possess a broad knowledge of plants of the Northeast. We’re looking for motivated and energetic individuals who enjoy physical, outdoor work in a busy setting while interacting with staff and sharing a love of plants with customers.
Established over 48 years ago, Cayuga Landscape is a full-service design/build landscape company, garden center, tree farm, and growing nursery. Nestled in the beautiful hills of the Finger Lakes, we specialize in deer resistant plants, perennials, native plants, fruit trees, and large shade and flowering trees. Our enthusiastic garden center staff members provide a destination location experience for visitors.
We are a diverse and inclusive group of around 50 staff members and offer a friendly, fun, and fulfilling work environment. We offer many learning opportunities and weekly safety and horticulture training meetings and horticulture educational opportunities.
Responsibilities/Job Tasks:
· Greet visitors and provide excellent, friendly customer service in person and on phone
· Assist customers with plant selection and provide accurate plant care advice
· Follow garden center procedures and take direction from managers
· Identify pests and diseases and report these to manager (only licensed pesticide applicators or apprentices can treat)
· Assist in the maintenance of sales areas and gardens on the property, including receiving deliveries of plant material, stocking, watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning and potting of plants.
· Maintain garden center sales and storage areas, display beds and grounds to a high standard, keeping neat and reporting and addressing safety concerns
· On and off-site duties will include gardening (weeding, deadheading, mulching) Percentage of time gardening off site to be determined after interview
· Assist with seasonal displays and arrangements
· Operate a POS system (with training) and general use of a computer.
· Opening and closing as required
Position Requirements:
· Able to work independently and within a team and to take and follow directions respectfully
· Ability to work in a fast-paced, outdoor setting and in inclement weather
· Ability to lift 40 pounds
· Must follow all safety standards
· A valid NYS driver’s license with no major infractions is necessary
Schedule:
- Full time, 4 weekdays and 1 mandatory weekend day, some overtime
This position is seasonal, with employment beginning in spring and ending in late November or early to mid-December (approximately 9-10 months out of the year). Garden center employees are required to work at least one weekend day every week of the season, this is non-negotiable. Meeting daily attendance requirements is mandatory during the peak business period of March-July 1, with eligible vacation time scheduled after that period.
Benefits:
- Health insurance (Excellus) after 90 days with company covering 70% of the premium
- Dental insurance after 90 days
- Employee discount
- Vacation time after 1 year, plus 6 paid holidays after 90 days
- SEP Retirement plan. 4% company contribution after first year of employment
To Apply:
Please submit resume via Indeed and submit an application found on our website at https://www.cayugalandscape.com/copy-of-gardener-horticulturist (can also submit resume via website if preferred). Cover letter appreciated but not required. We typically schedule a preliminary phone interview prior to in-person interviews.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
Ability to Commute:
- Ithaca, NY 14850 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Ithaca, NY 14850: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Horticulture: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
