Seasonal Gardener (Summer) PT)

Description

Why Cheekwood?

Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you'll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests.  Whether you're passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You'll find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting. 

What does the Cheekwood Gardening Team do and why join?

At Cheekwood, the Gardening Team members play a crucial role in maintaining the beauty, functionality, and health of outdoor spaces. Their responsibilities typically encompass a wide range of tasks including planting, watering, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and pest control to ensure the optimal growth and appearance of plants. They often work closely with landscape designers or garden supervisors to execute plans and maintain the desired aesthetic.  Joining this team offers not only the chance to work in a tranquil and picturesque setting but also the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of a cultural and historical treasure while engaging with a diverse range of individuals, from garden enthusiasts to tourists.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

• Understands and stewards the Mission Statements for individual gardens and collections.
• Assists the garden supervisor in upholding the historic and current intent of the garden.
• Frequently practices landscaping maintenance and upkeep including, but not limited to weeding, mulching, watering, planting, pruning, pest control, spraying, string trimming, leaf removal, and trash removal.
• Troubleshoots irrigation issues in the garden.
• Maintains bed edges and tree rings.
• Applies a basic understanding of plant physiology and botanical nomenclature.
• Practices safety measures during task execution.
• Maintains water features in assigned garden, if applicable.
• Actively participates in large seasonal exhibitions such as Blooms, and additional Seasonal Garden Projects.
• Supervises seasonal employees and volunteers in support of the garden supervisor.
• Maintains standards for the daily care and storage of garden equipment.
• Safely and responsibly operate and maintain landscape equipment including, but not limited to, backpack blowers, edger’s, gas powered shears, string trimmers, and utility carts.
• Maintains records of work activities in assigned areas of the garden.
• Serves as an external representative of Cheekwood and engages members of the community and industry to exchange information and ideas to support individual and institutional growth.
• Maintains a constant awareness of the guest experience and makes every reasonable effort to ensure the safety and comfort of all persons moving through the garden.
• Understands and upholds the Cheekwood Mission, Vision and Values, and maintains great awareness and flexibility to accommodate and support organizational goals and operations.

Requirements

Work Requirement and Qualifications

· High School diploma or equivalent.

· Strong Customer service skills.

· Ability to lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50 lbs.

· Work in inclement weather.

· Work up to 28 hours per week.

· Position to end August 31st, 2024.

Part-time Benefits:

• Membership & Discounts: As an employee, you receive a Cheekwood membership, which entitles you to unlimited admission during regular Garden hours and a limited number of free tickets to special events. Members also receive discounts classes, ticketed events, and purchases at the Gift Shop. Your Cheekwood membership also include reciprocal admission for named members to more than 300 gardens though the American Horticultural Society.
• Reciprocal Admission: As an employee of Cheekwood you have free general admission access to many local cultural, historical, and art institutions as part of the employee admission program.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Statement

Cheekwood is committed to embracing, pursuing, and celebrating inclusion, diversity, equit