We're Always Seeking Hard Working, Passionate Plant People Join Our Team as a Garden Assist
Do you feel a strong urge to pull weeds, even in stranger's yards? When you buy a new plant, do you dream what it will look like all grown up? Do you feel a deep satisfaction after working up a sweat? Do you stop in your tracks to stare at bugs and blossoms? Are you the person who goes an extra mile to make a friend's day?
If so... You have just found your people :)
We are seeking hard-working, kind and compassionate plant people to join us as Garden Assists on our many job sites (from rooftops to public parks, private homes to community gardens) and to uphold our values of respect and dedication to our clients and environment at all times. This requires punctuality, honesty, a genuine passion for organic and ecologically sustainable gardening as well as an adventurous spirit for the ebb and flow that comes with building and growing a young company.
Duties:
Assist in soil preparation and planting installations while adhering to organic growing practices
Harvest and Care for edible crops utilizing sustainable harvesting and proper food handling methods
Assist in planting, transplanting, weeding, watering/irrigation, pruning, cleaning and overall stewardship of garden spaces
Assist others with additional projects as needed (i.e. supply shopping, tool care, meeting deliveries, etc.)
Maintain cleanliness in regards to all gardening-related equipment, tools and supplies as well as all client spaces during workdays and especially when leaving a jobsite
Communicate with clients according to our honest, kind and professional culture
Work creatively and be able to problem-solve without sacrificing basic horticultural standards (ex. ID weeds, mulch responsibly, see small seedlings, etc)
Document plant status/job process through photos and notes (i.e. plant growth, disease, pests, client feedback, water and/ or other condition issues)
Qualifications:
A strong desire to learn and work according to organic, ecological and sustainable practices.
Possess a basic knowledge of plants/horticultural practices such as shrub removal, moving large quantities of compost, topsoil and/or mulch, lifting and/or stacking pavers and paver base materials (not frequently), moving shrubs, planting trees and plants, and more. This includes how to use gardening tools independently and safely for both self and others.
Physical ability to lift 50 pounds, walk, stand, reach, squat, bend, twist, kneel, dig, work for long periods of time, endure some repetitive hand, finger and arm motion and work on uneven surfaces
Must be able to sustain and genuinely enjoy physically demanding outdoor work in all types of weather
Reliable transportation to garden sites on the north side of Chicago and Downtown
Ability to follow directions and readily ask for clarification when needed
Capability to communicate and take photos by personal phone from jobsites as needs arise
Proactive communication in the event of availability changes or vacation/sick days
Enthusiasm and self motivation for learning and completing tasks at hand in a timely manner
A Friendly Compassionate Demeanor that enjoys working on a team
A Kind Listening ear to clients who love to talk about their gardens :)
This position requires a minimum commitment of 12 hours per week (with opportunities up to 25 hours) and requires availability for shifts between 7am- Noon and 1-6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and occasional Fridays. Hourly pay is DOE, with the option to move up a company ladder in June based off performance and demonstrated knowledge during our Spring season.