Intern

POSITION TITLE: Intern - Horticulture (Hourly) REQUISITION : req7481 DEPARTMENT: Cultural Services LOCATION: GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly View Classifications & Benefits EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Hourly HOURLY RATE: $15.50 per hour (based on relevant experience) SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is Open Until Filled The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile. Post-offer background check required . Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure SUMMARY: The Gardens on Spring Creek, the community botanical garden of Fort Collins, Colorado, is seeking a Horticulture Intern to support and learn from their horticulture team. This position will rotate and work with each member of The Gardens horticulture team, exposing them to all areas of public horticulture including gardening, plant production, curation of a living collection, urban agriculture, community education and more. This work will take place in naturalistic gardens, perennial flower gardens, annual flower gardens, food production gardens, a small conservatory, and a greenhouse and nursery. This position offers a positive and engaging environment, training, and professional growth opportunities in the green industry. It seeks a candidate that is willing and able to work independently and proactively, is comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment, and is looking for professional experience and training in all aspects of public horticulture. The position is a non-benefited, seasonal hourly position working a maximum of 40 hours per week for up to twelve weeks and may include weekends and holidays. Work hours are flexible based on school schedule and school requirements. Positions will follow the local university schedule and will begin in mid-May and end in early August. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Gardens on Spring Creek is the community botanic garden of Fort Collins. It is a City of Fort Collins facility with a non-profit partner, the Friends of the Gardens on Spring Creek. The mission of The Gardens is to enrich the lives of people and foster environmental stewardship through horticulture. The Friends of the Gardens supports The Gardens through fundraising and advocacy. The facility includes a Visitor's Center, Butterfly House and 12 acres of gardens. A detailed description of the Gardens on Spring Creek and its programs can be found at ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist horticulturists with daily outdoor gardening tasks including watering, weeding, pruning, deadheading, dividing, planting, mulching, plant signing, mowing, edging, irrigation system maintenance/repair and other botanical garden maintenance Assist with plant propagation and maintenance in greenhouse and outdoor nursery Use machinery and equipment including and not limited backpack blower, push mower, Walker mower, rototiller, and string trimmer as well as common garden hand tools Help with special event set-up and take-down Respond to the needs of visitors at the Gardens on Spring Creek Occasionally assist in plant curatorial tasks, i.e., databasing, plant I.D. signage and ground-truthing City Competencies Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends. A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations. A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: At least 18 years old Valid driver's license and good driving record Some horticultural skills and knowledge Willing and able to do strenuous physical work in a productive and efficient manner Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral or schedule form Self-directed, responsible, and uses good judgment Works well as part of a team and individually Present a positive image while working in public settings Proper safety measures for lifting/moving any item are expected to be followed; including, but not limited to, the use of proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), use of lifting/moving equipment, and/or assistance from co-workers. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: No degree required. A desire to learn about and engage in public horticulture is required. Bachelor's or associate degree in progress in horticulture or related field is appreciated. WORKING BENEFITS: Potential for paid holiday and personal leave time based on hours worked Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal and financial assistance. Wellness program, workout facilities. Discounted Passes to City Recreation facilities (including initial 5 free visits Complimentary admission for friends and family to The Gardens Discounts at The Gardens gift shop, tickets for select special events, and on education programing Complimentary adult education lecture programing Boot reimbursements and issued logo attire Mentored by world-class, knowledgeable, and experienced Gardens professionals Training opportunities to expand educational background WORKING HOURS: Some schedule flexibility during the up to 40-hour work week (Monday through Sunday), work hours completed within the 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. time frame. Occasional weekend duty may be required across the 12-week term. WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work activities are performed in the outdoors, under the varying and sometimes demanding weather conditions associated with this time period During office hours, this position may need to show flexibility in limited space work environment; ability to move workstations based on available space PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, dig, and use hands, arms and legs to operate gardening tools and equipment. The employee is regularly required to lift and carry 20-40 pounds; and occasionally lift objects up to 50-60 lbs. The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call for assistance. Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use: Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy. The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED. Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.