Seeking Historic Garden Horticulturist for Marian Coffin Garden at Gibraltar
1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
Owned and managed by Preservation Delaware, Inc.
Preservation Delaware is seeking a contracted part-time gardener (15-25 hours a week- not to exceed 700 hours per year) for the Marian Coffin Garden at Gibraltar. Basic duties include routine tasks such as: weeding, watering, pruning, mulching, planting, integrated pest management, and occasional work with volunteers, student interns, and garden club/ tours. Hours are flexible with potential of some evening and weekend hours. Additional duties are outlined in the Scope of Work below. Please submit a letter of interest, resumé and three references to Dee Durham, President of Preservation Delaware, Inc., deedurham@dca.net, and Anna Wik, Garden Chair, Preservation Delaware, Inc., wikanna@hotmail.com.
SCOPE OF WORK
Below are outlined the tasks required to maintain the gardens throughout the growing season. The areas are to be maintained under this contract are identified on the attached site document.
- Monitor the gardens for unwanted or damaged plants and misc. debris, remove weekly.
- Prune and fertilize shrubs throughout the growing season.
- Lawn and mower maintenance throughout the growing season.
- Source and install annuals and perennials in garden beds in consultation with the advisory committee.
- Source items necessary for maintaining the garden, shed and related amenities.
- Provide invoices and receipts documenting purchases and hours worked.
- Maintain shed.
- Supervise volunteers, garden interns, and special work groups in the gardens.
- Plan meaningful and enjoyable tasks for volunteers; recruit and orient new volunteers.
- Supervise weekly volunteer sessions (approximately 5-8 hours a week).
- Promote the gardens through tours and public speaking opportunities.
- Work with Marian Coffin Garden Advisory Committee members, Preservation Delaware, Inc., and subcontractors in support of the gardens as requested.
- Maintain records and provide written and/or verbal reports on the gardens as requested.
- Assist in grant writing and visioning exercises for the gardens.
- Additional tasks as identified by the gardener with the approval of PDI.
EXCLUDED FROM THE SCOPE OF WORK
- Maintence of any built surfaces, structures or sculptures
- Maintenance of any paths other than weed removal,,
- Snow or ice removal,
- Treecare,
- Animal control,
- Pest or weed control using hazardous chemicals.
In addition to a commitment to the care and restoration of the Marian Coffin Garden at Gibraltar, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:
● Initiative, determination and a collaborative nature;
● Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking;
● Excellent planning, time management and organizational skills;
● A willingness to experiment, test new ideas, and pursue new opportunities;
● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent job experience in the field;
● An interest in/familiarity with public/nonprofit horticulture institutions;
● Ability to meet the physical demands of outdoor work, including the ability to lift 50 lbs;
● Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Compensation: $25- $35/hr to start, with opportunities for growth and development of the role. Timeframe: Needed as soon as possible.
