Glasshouse Horticulture Assistant

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The Glasshouse offers a thrilling year-round escape to the fantastic spiny desert of Madagascar and the butterfly-filled rainforest of Costa Rica. The Glasshouse features 350 species of exotic plants and 50 different types of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The Glasshouse is unique among conservatories because it shows how plants, animals, geology, and climate interact in delicate balance.

Glasshouse Horticulture Assistants help with cleaning, maintenance, and plant care of the Glasshouse biomes and other plants in the Botanical Garden building.

Responsibilities:

• Support staff and serve as a positive representative of Holden Forests & Gardens
• Follow supervisor instructions to complete tasks
• Daily preparation of rainforest and desert biomes
• Sweep fallen leaves from paths, stairs, and canopy. Wash paths and leaves using 50’ hose and various spray attachments.
• Irrigate canopy epiphytes and main-floor epiphytes, ferns and other selected plants using 50’ hose and various spray attachments
• Spread grit on slippery surfaces, collect fallen leaves from path borders, and collect and collate animal and plant identification pamphlets
• Depending on work season, other tasks could be detail composting, cleaning perimeter ventilation screens, etc.
• Ensure that all equipment is cleaned and put away in proper location
• Maintain the safety of people, plants, and animals
• Attend trainings, orientations, or clinics as required
• Additional related tasks as needed

Qualifications, Skills and Characteristics:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have familiarity with gardening and gardening tools, as well as some basic mechanical experience
• Physical ability necessary to complete tasks which may involve bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, using basic tools, etc.
• Must be willing to learn information and procedures relevant to plant care in the biomes
• Willingness to get a little wet and dirty
• Ability to do detail work
• Ability to listen to and follow supervisor instructions
• Good communication skills
• Advanced knowledge of exotic plants or animals is welcome but not required
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and ability to adapt if needed
• Demonstrate respect for the diversity of people and nature

Volunteers need to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Booster shots are not required.