Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden - Seasonal Horticultural Intern

Full Job Description

Agency Summary

With over a century of history advancing the value of parks, Indy Parks is committed to protecting and enhancing the community's assets for the future.

We will be a leader in making Indianapolis a vibrant, happy, and healthy place to live.

By providing premier greenspaces and recreation opportunities, we welcome all residents, regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, ability, or identity, to connect to nature, to the community, and to themselves.

The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Job Summary

Position responsible for developing, overseeing, and implementing the operational plans including regular maintenance of the Sunken Gardens/Conservatory in alignment with Garfield Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens values of sound environmental and horticultural practices.

Established policies and procedures control actions.

The incumbent filling this position is encouraged to use their own judgment and initiative, in alignment with Garfield Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens sound environmental and horticultural practices, on a regular basis.

Position reports to the Supervisor Conservatory.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Assists in the design, installation, and maintenance of the garden/conservatory, which includes a wide variety of plant materials
• Prepares soil for promulgation of seeds, bulbs, and container stock purchase
• Manages inventory and supplies
• Assessment and Identification of pest and disease problems, application of proper controls with emphasis on proper Integrated Pest Management methods
• Assists in planning, prioritizing, and scheduling spring, summer and fall annual installations as well as any special shows and events held in the conservatory or gardens
• Implementation of proper horticulture practices, which include but not limited to pruning, watering, turf management, property cleanup, leaf removal, and overall maintenance procedures
• Oversees proper safety standards
• Maintains production standards and quality control
• Assists in training and supervising personnel including volunteers and students

• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

An Associate’s degree in Horticulture or a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in the private and/or public horticulture with an emphasis on planting, propagation, and maintenance.

Preferred incumbent will demonstrate effective personal relationship skills. A valid Indiana driver’s license required. A pesticide license desirable.

Candidate must be comfortable working within a diverse organization and have a fluency in and commitment to matters of equity and inclusion.

Additional Information

The incumbent filling this position is encouraged to use their own judgment and initiative based on the guidance from Park staff and sound environmental and horticultural practices.