Gardener Assistant

The MDG Difference: Why We Are Not a "Landscaping" Company

At My Dragonfly Gardens, we do not simply maintain properties, we steward living ecosystems designed to support biodiversity, healthier environments, and long-term sustainability. We convert yards into gardens.

Unlike conventional landscaping companies that rely on "cutting and blowing," our work requires deep observation, patience, and meticulous attention to detail.

We focus on how living systems function over time—including Florida native plant relationships, seasonal cycles, wildlife interactions, and long-term garden health. If you want to move away from commercial mowing and truly connect with nature, this is your gateway into ecological stewardship.

Who Fits the MDG Lens?

We are seeking a highly responsible, detail-oriented individual who treats our field operations with respect. The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Comes Prepared: Arrives at work daily, on time, and fully mentally and physically equipped to tackle outdoor field conditions.
• Follows Written and Verbal Workflows: Possesses a strong ability to read, comprehend, and strictly execute written instructions and digital workflows without taking shortcuts.
• Listens and Learns: Is highly coachable, absorbs verbal instructions readily, and applies feedback immediately to their work.
• Loves the Outdoors: Enjoys physical, rewarding outdoor work and genuinely thrives in nature.
• Sweats the Small Stuff: Takes deep pride in attention to detail, maintaining organized, tidy environments.

Crucial Note on Experience: Prior personal or professional gardening experience is strictly required. Please note that conventional commercial mowing or basic landscaping experience alone is not considered equivalent to ecological gardening experience.

Primary Responsibilities

Under the guidance of senior team members, you will support field operations using hand tools only—we use absolutely no power tools or chemical applications.

• Ecosystem Care: Hand-pulling weeds, removing invasive species, minor deadheading, and redistributing mulch.
• Garden Evolution: Assisting with native landscape installations, garden restoration work, and ecological maintenance tasks.
• Plant Identification: Learning to accurately distinguish between aggressive/invasive weeds and desirable native plants.
• Digital Stewardship: Using your smartphone to read daily job instructions, capture before-and-after photos/videos, and complete accurate digital service reports while on the clock.
• Site Management: Maintaining tidy work areas, following strict task priorities, and practicing safe, low-impact gardening techniques.

60–90 Day Onboarding & Training

We invest heavily in your ecological education. During your initial onboarding period, your training will cover:

• Introduction to Florida native plants and ecological gardening principles.
• Common invasive plant identification.
• Proper, low-impact pruning and cutback techniques.
• MDG smartphone-based workflows, documentation standards, and reporting.
• Client property etiquette and professional standards.

Job Qualifications

Required:

• Valid personal or professional gardening experience.
• Demonstrated ability to listen actively, retain verbal training, and meticulously follow written instructions.
• Ability to perform physical work for up to 8 hours a day in Florida weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, uneven terrain, and insects).
• Ability to kneel, bend, lift, and perform repetitive movements.
• Reliable transportation to travel to assignments across Central Florida counties (fuel and toll reimbursements apply depending on the assignment).
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Comfort and discipline using smartphone applications for real-time task tracking and report reading.

Preferred:

• Experience with organic or ecological gardening practices.
• Experience documenting field work via photo or video.

Clear Growth Path Opportunities

We reward capability, sharp listening skills, and field accuracy—advancement at MDG is performance-based, not tenure-based. Candidates entering with stronger initial experience may be evaluated for higher-level placement.

Gardener Assistant Entry-level role focusing on foundations, learning native plants, mastering digital workflows, and proving reliability.

Gardener I (G1) Performs routine maintenance independently, identifies common natives/invasives, and produces accurate field reports.

Gardener II (G2) Demonstrates strong plant knowledge and independent field judgment; handles advanced garden decisions and assists with workflow coordination.

Gardener III (G3) Advanced ecological understanding; leads quality control, field operations, training, and represents MDG in high-responsibility environments.

Ready to Grow With Us?

Healthy gardens are built through consistency, observation, and attention to detail over time. If you are a reliable professional who wants to build a career restoring Central Florida's natural beauty, we want to hear from you.

Pay: $14.00 - $16.00 per hour

Work Location: In person