Grounds Supervisor

Job Description

The Grounds Supervisor works closely with the Arboretum Manager of Horticulture and is responsible for supervising horticulture staff.

About Us

Gardens are an essential part of the human experience. We visit gardens to find peace and healing, to be with friends and family and to better understand and connect with the natural world. Plants shape how we live, what we notice, and how we care for one another.

Right now, we are building something extraordinary in Seattle: an exceptional organization that brings together the unique strengths of the Arboretum Foundation and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens. We are joining forces to become a destination garden, exemplifying leadership in scientific research, public engagement, and inclusive access. Our vision is to be a home for discovery, a force for sustainability, and a gateway to wonder. In every visit and through every season, we’ll help people of all ages meaningfully connect with the living world of plants and how they shape our lives and our shared future.

The 230-acre Washington Park Arboretum includes a vibrant collection of more than 40,000 plants from around the world with trails to explore, educational programs for youth to adults, and respite for all.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership, Supervision, and Coordination
• Supervise Horticulturists and Horticulture Interns.
• Assist with hiring and conduct onboarding of new staff.
• Coordinate with Manager of Horticulture in following a horticulture work plan.
• Assign work, check in with each staff regularly, and conduct annual performance evaluations.
• Lead biweekly staff group projects.
• Lead horticulture staff with larger projects and plantings.
• Lead volunteers and volunteer groups in horticulture and restoration projects.
• Identify areas of the park that need attention and strategize how to get the work done, including delegating work to horticulture staff.
• Enforce all safety rules and regulations.
• Conduct training for staff, interns and volunteers in horticulture, equipment usage and maintenance, and safety topics.
• Serve on the Operations Committee as well as Safety Committee(s) as needed.
• Coordinate with Fiddleheads Preschool staff regarding work needed for classroom maintenance and projects.
• Coordinate with Volunteer Programs Manager regarding work for volunteer events.
• Coordinate work with Seattle Parks Department Senior Gardener and crew.
• Work alongside Horticulture staff in completing horticulture related tasks.
Equipment and Tool Maintenance
• Operate large equipment such as a Tractor, Bobcat, Dingo, and wood chipper.
• Coordinate routine maintenance on utility vehicle fleet and specialized equipment.
• Research and order supplies and equipment needed for operations in coordination with Manager of Horticulture.
• Keep records of equipment maintenance in coordination with Manager of Horticulture.
• Direct the installation and/or repair of sprinkler systems.
Communications, Record keeping, and Administrative Tasks
• Submit reports for collection plants, including planting reports, dead reports, and condition reports.
• Assist direct reports in record keeping.
• Maintain daily email correspondence.
• Provide clear oral and written communication with staff, supervisors and community partners.
• Help develop and follow collection management plans for addressing pest and disease issues.
• Occasionally lead tours of collections, gardens and operations for donors, partners and special interest groups as assigned.

Education and Experience

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Physical ability to do required work and two years of college training in botany, horticulture, landscape, forestry, or allied field AND two years of experience in grounds maintenance, nursery, parks, or related activity; at least one year of which must have been lead.
• Possession of a Washington State Public Operators Pesticide Control License (may be obtained within first 6 months of employment).
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
• Ability to take direction, work well with others and as a leader of a team.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with high emotional intelligence and a collaborative leadership style.
• Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations.
• Proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfort interacting with the public.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining horticultural equipment including utility vehicles, tractors, mowers, trimmers, and blowers.
• Experience operating and maintaining irrigation systems.
• A college degree in horticulture or related field.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
• May be required to accept variable work shift, including occasional weekend and evening work.
• Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Ability to works at heights using approved safety precautions.
• Ability to lift and move heavy material
• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Approved footwear must be provided at the employee’s expense and worn on the job.
• Ability to work with hazardous materials such as bleach, gasoline, pesticides, and motor oil.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required
BENEFITS
● Generous paid vacation, sick time and holidays
● Medical, dental, and vision
● Matching retirement contribution

Disclaimer:
This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. All Seattle Botanic Gardens employees may be required to perform duties outside of their typical responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.
Seattle Botanic Gardens’ EEO Statement:
Seattle Botanic Gardens (SBG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at SBG are based on one’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, age, HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis C status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity; honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability or, any other characteristic protected by law.
This Equal Employment Opportunity policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, access to benefits and training, and all other conditions and privileges of employment.

Application Instructions

● Please electronically send application materials, including resume and cover letter, to Seattle Botanic Gardens: hr_jobs@arboretumfoundation.org. Please, no calls or in-person visits without an appointment. Position open until filled.