Jobs and Volunteering
Lan Su Chinese Garden strives to attract, hire, train and promote quality individuals who have a proven ability to perform in a professional organization. The Garden is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best available person in every job.
It is the policy of the Lan Su Chinese Garden to conduct its relations with employees and applicants without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, religion, marital status, medical condition, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classifications, except as permitted by law.
Current Openings
Horticulturist
PLEASE READ THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS, EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Job Title:
Horticulturist
Department:
Operations
Reports to:
Horticulture Manager
Position status:
Non- exempt. $12 per hour plus benefit package: including health, dental, vision, paid vacation and sick leave, 401K and family membership to the Garden
Hours:
40 hrs a week. Schedule dependent on time of year, weather and visitor demands. Some weekends and evenings required. Typical daily hours: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Position Purpose:
This position is responsible for the superior health and appearance of the Garden’s plant collection. Through assistance at horticulture events and programs and daily Garden interactions, this position helps visitors understand the significance of plants at Lan Su and within Chinese culture.
Position Scope:
Perform all horticulture maintenance activities including routine grooming, watering, pruning, fertilizing, pest management as well as specialized care of plantings beds and potted plant material. Perform on-going monitoring of overall plant health and report issues/concerns to manager. Assist in the preparation and staffing of horticultural events and programs and provide horticulture information for visitors and guests on a daily basis.
Essential Elements
60% - Perform general horticulture maintenance activities at the Garden & greenhouse locations using techniques appropriate for world-class public garden
* On-going grooming of landscaped areas and container plantings including weeding, mulching, dead-heading, raking, litter clean-up etc.
* Implement pruning plan, as directed
* Monitor and assess watering needs, using visual and manual aides. Provide supplemental water, as directed
* Implement extreme weather protection plans, as directed
* Monitor and report pest/disease/nutrient issues or concerns to manager. Implement integrated pest management program, as directed
* Implement trans/planting plan, as directed
* Use landscape maintenance tools & supplies according to the safety rules and training of the Garden. Store and maintain tools appropriately
* Purchase and pick-up supplies and tools in company vehicle, as directed.
* Assist volunteers in Garden & greenhouse activities ensuring their safety and positive experience
20% - Provide horticulture & general Garden information for visitors
* While working in the Garden be open and available to visitor questions about plants and general Garden information
* Produce monthly bloom guides
* Lead monthly bloom walk
* Understand the activity schedule and actively promote upcoming events
* Understand the membership levels and benefits and actively promote the benefits of garden membership
15% - Assist in the production of horticulture and general Garden events & programs
* Perform tasks, within the team, to organize and stage spring plant sale
* Install, maintain and break-down horticulture exhibits including annual plant displays to meet the high standards of the Garden’s program team and participating horticultural partners
5% - Keep accurate, timely records and participate in department and organizational meetings
* Maintain daily activity and specialized maintenance logs
* Participate in weekly team meetings, monthly staff meetings and other planning committees, as directed
Education & Experience
* Horticultural training from an accredited learning facility
* Proven experience in working in an environment where exceptional plant care & maintenance was a primary task
* Previous experience in relating well with visitors, customers and/or stakeholders
* Proven professional history of collaboration and working successfully with a team
* Proven job history where on- time performance and managing multiple tasks was a component of the job
* Possession of a valid Oregon driver’s license and ability to operate company truck in a professional manner
* Basic computer skills (Word, Excel & Outlook)
Skills & Abilities
* Outgoing with professional demeanor and appearance
* Excellent verbal & written communication skills
* Detailed oriented with good organizational skills
* A talent for collaboration, problem solving and remaining calm under pressure
* Can lift 50 lbs, bend, lift and work in all weather conditions
* Ability to respond professionally and appropriately to visitors, colleagues and volunteers
* Self motivated and directed
* Knowledge of Chinese culture and language is advantageous
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please MAIL your resume and cover letter AND the answers to the following questions:
1. Describe the importance of proper watering practices for any landscape maintenance program.
2. Describe a professional work situation in which you had to work as a team towards a common goal.
3. Why do you want to work at Lan Su Chinese Garden?
Applications must be postmarked by September 10 to:
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Attn: Horticulture Job Posting
PO Box 3706
Portland, Oregon 97208-3706
Emailed applications will NOT be considered. No phone calls please.
Volunteering
We are always looking for Greeters, Tour Guides, and Special Event Volunteers to help us throughout the year. Training is provided for all volunteers.
Volunteer benefits include free admission to the Garden on the day of your volunteer shift, discounts in the Gift Store, and invitations to work at or attend evening events in the Garden. Special Event Volunteers are needed for evening events. This is a great opportunity for your friends, family and co-workers to volunteer together! For more information, please contact Katie Hill, Volunteer & Group Tour Manager at 503.228.8131 ext. 1001 or .