Job Description

Gardener

In support of Fort Ticonderoga's commitment to preserve and educate, Gardeners cultivate and maintain the many gardens and decorative plantings developed annually for the enjoyment of visitors by the Horticulture team at Fort Ticonderoga. From starting seedlings in our 1909 greenhouse to preparing flower beds for the winter, Gardeners practice horticulture techniques across the entire growing season. This full-time seasonal position extends beyond planting, watering, weeding, and deadheading. Gardeners use power equipment for edging, mowing, weed whacking, and pruning. Gardeners greet visitors to the King's Garden, helping orient visitors and answer their questions. The skilled work and friendly demeanor of Gardeners ensure that the King's Garden and other plantings welcome visitors to Fort Ticonderoga year after year.

Mechanical Skills

• Understand and practice all common techniques for cultivating and maintaining plants.
• Safely operate power equipment: rototillers, mowers, & etc.
• Understand and practice basic tree and shrub pruning.
• Help identify and control pests as part of Integrated Pest Management.

Communication Skills

• Able to talk to an audience of diverse age and backgrounds.
• Communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
• Presents a professional image with regards to Fort Ticonderoga in all media.
• Work with all other members of the Public History staff.
• Understand and follow the directions of the Vice President of Public History and all supervising staff.
• Able to work independently, following prior directions.

Physical Effort

• Able to lift fifty pounds.
• Able to stand and walk for an extended period (up to four hours).
• Able to be outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Manual dexterity appropriate to the interpretive requirements.

Safety for Others

• Required to safely use and maintain garden tools and power equipment.

Responsibilities

• Learn the history of the King's Garden and the surrounding landscape.
• Use general knowledge of plants and their importance in everyday life. Perform basic gardening tasks including weeding, watering, deadheading, mulching, pruning, raking, sweeping, staking, planting, seeding, bed preparation, dividing, edging, mowing, and others.
• Perform basic maintenance tasks including cleaning garden benches, ornaments, displays, signs, and structures, skimming/cleaning the pool, and others.
• Open and close the King's Garden.
• Assist with corn maze operations, being prepared to perform all duties associated with daily maze operation.
• Answers questions and assist visitors whenever necessary.
• Care for tools and equipment used in the course of work.
• Sell iris rhizomes, produce or other goods as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Schedule

The normal working hours for this position will be determined with weekend, evening, and holiday work required on a scheduled basis.

Salary

Pay ranges from $16.50-$20 per hour, with compensation based on skill and experience. Fort Ticonderoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Required Documents with Application

Letter of interest, resume, and three references.

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