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Texas Discovery Gardens

Job Description:     Greenhouse Assistant

Department: Horticulture

Reports to:  Horticulture Director

Status: Full time 40 Hrs, Non-exempt

Salary: $10.00 per hour

Job Summary

This position will perform horticultural maintenance and plant production in the TDG greenhouses and nursery, TDG gardens and water features. Also assist with development and on-going care of botanical exhibits and related special events.  Will supervise and coordinate greenhouse volunteers upon successful completion of training by the Director of Horticulture.

Duties and Functions:

Upon completion of successful training by the Director of Horticulture this position will assist in:

* Maintaining 5,000 square feet of greenhouse production space and 2,500 square feet of nursery area.

* Perform preventative maintenance and inventory control of greenhouse tools, equipment, and supplies

* Supervises the activity of greenhouse volunteers

* Participate in training/meetings as required

* Flexibility in work schedule for evening or weekend commitments

* Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification Standards

Education & Experience:

* Associates Degree in a related major, or High School Education or GED

* One year of greenhouse plant production preferred but not required

* Valid Texas Department Class C Drivers License or ability to acquire license within six months of employment

Personality:

* Should be personable, able to work with people of diverse backgrounds.  A friendly, helpful, and positive attitude is imperative!

Physical requirements:

* Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time

* Tolerance of primarily an outdoor work environment.  Exposure to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, including extreme temperature fluctuations, high humidity, dust, and allergens

* Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects

* Ability to perform physically strenuous work assignments on a regular basis

Mental requirements:

* Ability to follow and give specific written and oral instructions with close attention to detail

* Knowledge of greenhouse maintenance tools and equipment and their use preferred but not required

* Knowledge of ornamental and/or native plant material would be helpful.

* Familiar with horticultural tasks such as watering, pruning, fertilizing, planting, transplanting.

* Knowledge of plant propagation methods preferred but not required.

* Knowledge of greenhouse sanitation practices, pest and disease control through IPM strategies preferred but not required.

* Ability to schedule, propagate and grow ornamental crops preferred but not required.