Part Time Vegetable Gardener, Tyler Arboretum

Posted by on March 16, 2009

[posted 3/1/09]

Vegetable Gardener for Tyler Arboretum – Part Time

Background:
Tyler Arboretum is a historic arboretum with 100 acres of horticultural collections and 550 acres of natural areas. The Vegetable Demonstration Garden is a ¼ acre teaching garden demonstrating environmental stewardship and focusing on vegetable and food plants. The Garden serves as both a destination exhibit for Tyler’s visitors as well as an outdoor classroom for adult and youth gardening classes and summer camp programs. Educational themes include environmentally sustainable food production, nutrition, growing techniques, extended season gardening, composting, soil management, Integrated Pest Management, pollinator and beneficial insects, and heirloom gardening.

Responsibilities:
The Vegetable Gardener is responsible for planning and maintaining Tyler Arboretum’s Vegetable Demonstration Garden. The Gardener will work with Education Department staff to develop annual educational themes, determine garden design and layout, and select appropriate plants. He/She will research and order the plants and develop a planning schedule for crops from March through October with possible extended season plantings for late fall and winter. Working with Arboretum Volunteers, the Gardener will plant, grow, maintain and harvest crops, address pest issues and keep accurate records. The Gardener will direct and manage volunteers and interact with staff and the public. Other duties may include assisting with interpretive material development and teaching.

Schedule:
Position is part-time, weekdays, about 15 hours per week mid-February through October. Schedule is flexible throughout the season as work demands warrant.

Qualifications:
Candidate must possess excellent organizational, communication, and people skills and be self-directed and able to work as part of a team. Supervisory ability and experience working with volunteers is desirable. Professional training and/or experience in gardening with a focus on vegetable production and sustainable gardening practices desirable. Basic computer skills and experience with Microsoft based programs helpful. Interest or experience in public speaking or teaching is a plus.  Position requires a valid driver’s license. Current Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicators License desirable.

Apply To:
Send a resume in MS Word format with cover letter and names and contact information for three references to: Betsey Ney, Director of Public Programs, Tyler Arboretum, 515 Painter Road, Media PA 19063; fax: 610-566-1490; email bney@tylerarboretum.org. Phone 610-566-9134, ext. 214.