Gardener 1

SUMMARY OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Part-Time Gardener is responsible for providing gardening, horticultural, landscaping, and general groundskeeping services at The Eden Preserve at Winchester and other assigned locations.

The contractor will support the maintenance, cultivation, appearance, safety, and overall condition of gardens, agricultural areas, landscaped spaces, and outdoor property areas. Responsibilities include soil care, planting, watering, weeding, pruning, harvesting support, seasonal maintenance, and other related groundskeeping activities.

The Gardener plays an important role in supporting the Preserve’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, responsible land stewardship, and maintaining vibrant and welcoming outdoor spaces.

SCHEDULED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain garden beds, lawns, walkways, landscaped areas, agricultural spaces, and planting areas
Plant, transplant, water, weed, mulch, fertilize, and maintain flowers, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, trees, and other plant materials
Prepare soil and garden beds for seasonal planting and cultivation
Prune and trim trees, shrubs, and plants to support healthy growth and maintain appearance
Assist with planting, growing, cultivation, and harvesting activities
Monitor plants and growing areas for pests, disease, nutrient deficiencies, irrigation concerns, and other issues
Support sustainable and regenerative gardening practices, including companion planting, crop rotation, composting, natural fertilization, and soil improvement
Maintain irrigation hoses, watering systems, and related gardening materials
Remove weeds, fallen branches, leaves, debris, and other unwanted materials from assigned areas
Perform seasonal cleanup and property preparation activities
Safely operate and maintain basic gardening tools, wheelbarrows, hoses, and approved landscaping equipment
Maintain tools, equipment, storage areas, and workspaces in a clean and orderly condition
Identify and communicate repair, maintenance, irrigation, landscaping, or property concerns to the designated representative
Support landscape improvements, garden expansion, native planting, and property enhancement projects as requested
Assist with garden-based programs, events, workshops, or property activities when included within the agreed scope of services
Travel to assigned service locations as required

UNSCHEDULED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with cleanup following storms, severe weather, or seasonal transitions
Support composting, propagation, soil testing, seed starting, and related agricultural activities as needed
Assist with trail clearing, native plant restoration, invasive species removal, or other land-management projects
Support special planting, landscaping, groundskeeping, or property-improvement projects
Provide basic plant-care guidance to authorized visitors, representatives, or program personnel when appropriate
Perform other gardening, horticultural, landscaping, and grounds-related services that fall within the agreed scope of the contractor engagement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly perform physical activities including lifting, digging, raking, shoveling, bending, kneeling, reaching, pulling, and pushing
Stand and walk for extended periods while performing outdoor work
Lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly
Push and maneuver wheelbarrows and other gardening equipment
Handle irrigation hoses, gardening tools, plant materials, soil, compost, mulch, and landscaping supplies
Perform repetitive physical tasks associated with gardening and grounds maintenance
Work on uneven outdoor surfaces and agricultural terrain

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Working knowledge of gardening, landscaping, horticulture, groundskeeping, or agricultural maintenance
Knowledge of common plants, weeds, pests, plant diseases, and invasive species
Understanding of basic soil preparation, planting, watering, pruning, fertilizing, and plant-care techniques
Familiarity with sustainable, organic, regenerative, or environmentally responsible gardening practices preferred
Ability to recognize plant-health concerns and recommend or implement appropriate corrective actions within the scope of services
Ability to safely and responsibly use common gardening and landscaping tools
Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining attractive, clean, and productive outdoor spaces
Ability to organize and prioritize assigned services
Ability to work independently and complete agreed-upon tasks with limited oversight
Good communication and professionalism when interacting with company representatives, customers, visitors, and other contractors
Dependability and ability to travel between assigned service locations

LEVEL OF EDUCATION / TRAINING / QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED preferred
One or more years of gardening, landscaping, horticulture, farming, groundskeeping, or related experience preferred
Practical knowledge of plant care, soil preparation, pruning, weed management, gardening equipment, and landscape maintenance
Experience with vegetable gardening, sustainable agriculture, regenerative farming, or horticulture is preferred
Valid driver's license required
Reliable transportation required
Ability and willingness to travel to Baltimore, Maryland; King William, Virginia; and other assigned service locations
Ability to perform the physical requirements associated with outdoor gardening and groundskeeping services
Ability to provide and maintain any insurance, licensing, tax documentation, or other contractor documentation required under the independent contractor agreement