Full-Time Gardener, Land Management, Earth Steward (Seasonal)

Full-Time Gardener

What We Do: Garden Search and Rescue is a small company in Madison, WI. We specialize in rescues, restoration and sustainable-minded landscaping. Our goal is to help our clients manage their property to enjoy the most out of their outside spaces. We work in a huge diversity of yard types and sizes across the greater Madison area, and provide a variety of land management services, consulting, stewardship, design, and implementation.

What We Need: We are seeking qualified individuals with minimum of 2 years experience in natural areas management and/or landscaping to apply for the Full-Time Gardener position. We value a strong work ethic, a love of the outdoors, good communication, curiosity, motivation, and the desire to make the earth a better space one yard at a time.

Primary Responsibilities: The Full-Time Gardener would work primarily in the field with a small team, but there’s always room for some specific attributes to be highlighted and supported. Daily tasks include, but are not limited to: exotic and invasive species removal, native perennial planting, small hardscaping, rain garden installation, pruning, weeding, garden maintenance, and soil health management.

This position also includes duties such as tracking and documenting job related use of materials, maintaining equipment & hand tools, assisting with office and shop operations as needed, and project development. Room for personal growth and education opportunities exist.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• A minimum of 12 months working as professional or volunteer experience in the fields of natural areas management, landscaping, or horticulture.
• Experience identifying plant and animal species.
• Dedication to an environmentally sound way of living and working.
• Experience working in a team environment and ability to follow instructions from colleagues and supervisors and work cooperatively.
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Ability to physically perform duties and physical labor for extended periods, including bending, reaching, crouching/kneeling, lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work outdoors.

Additional Desirable Skills:

• Ability to identify plants indigenous to southern Wisconsin.
• Ability to identify and manage invasive species common to the Midwest.
• Experience installing and maintaining perennials, trees, shrubs, and other landscaping elements.
• Knowledge of composting, gardening, permaculture, and edible landscaping.
• Experience with hardscaping techniques including retaining walls, pathways, and patios.
• Advanced skills and/or an interest in carpentry.

Work Hours: 5 day work week (Monday - Friday) starting at 7:30am. Mondays & Fridays are done by 2:00pm. Full, longer days on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Accountability: Reports to Crew Leader and Manager.

Employment Status: Position is a seasonal full time, 40 hours a week position from April - October/November.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt. Overtime paid for hours over 40 hours in a week.

Compensation: Starting at $25 per hour depending on skills, qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

• Paid time off accrued after completion of your first season
• Paid holidays and sick time depending on average hours & longevity
• Some clothing and all tools are provided.
• Paid training and professional development opportunities.
• Insurance stipend for employees averaging 32 hours per week.

Equal Opportunity Policy: We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action Employer. We value diversity in our workforce just as we value diversity on the land, for many of the same reasons. A range of cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds give us the variety of experiences and perspectives that make us stronger, more resilient, and better able to cope with the many challenges that come with doing our work. Women, people of color, individuals with a disability and of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Parent friendly.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Karina Loska, gardensearchandrescue@gmail.com, ideally in one PDF file.

Application Deadline: Until positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the job posting will be open until filled. To learn more about our vision, core values, and recent work, please call (608) 438-9571.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person