Gardener

Gardener (Hourly) REQUISITION #: req8381 DEPARTMENT: Arts & Culture LOCATION: GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK BENEFIT CATEGORY: Variable Hourly Hourly Employee Benefit Highlights.pdf EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Part-Time Hourly FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt HOURLY RATE: $16.00 - 19.00 per hour (based on relevant experience) SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 6/5/2026 . 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 Requirements - Background check (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position) - Motor vehicle report 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. While the City of Fort Collins offers many remote and/or hybrid positions, all remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado. At the City, we are focused on finding the strongest candidate for the role, and we recognize that excellence can come from a wide variety of experiences and paths. When reviewing applications, we consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experiences that align with the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to view your background broadly and highlight the skills and experiences that best prepare you 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 is currently seeking two hourly Gardeners to join a highly motivated, talented team to help strengthen the world-class botanic gardens and horticultural experiences we provide for the community. Our Gardeners work together as a team, caring for the many themed and transitionary gardens around the grounds ranging in a wide variety of plant types, locations and aesthetic displays. Gardeners will also work alongside and be mentored by the Gardens' permanent Horticulture staff in various larger display gardens working with more intensively curated collections and aesthetic designs. The position offers a positive and engaging environment, training, and professional growth opportunities in the green industry. The position is a non-benefitted, fluctuating hourly position working 40 hours per week for up to 9 months, not to exceed 1,560 hours total. Work may include some weekends and holidays as necessary. Positions generally open in early spring and last until early winter. Essential Duties: - Assist in maintenance of the Gardens' living plant collection, grounds and facilities - Responsible for horticulture maintenance and plant health care in shrub beds, flower beds, specialty gardens and pathways keeping them free of weeds, trash and other debris - Assist with integrated pest management which may include applying pesticides with required training - Use machinery and equipment including and not limited to backpack blower, push mower, Walker riding mower, rototiller, and string trimmer as well as common garden hand tools - Learn to operate a variety of equipment including utility vehicles, hand tools, power tools - Assist with irrigation maintenance and repairs - Frequently respond to the needs of visitors at the Gardens on Spring Creek - Clean and remove trash from all areas of the Gardens including shelters and restroom facilities - May assist with aspects of turf care (mowing, trimming, irrigating, fertilizing, aerating, etc.) - Assists with setting up displays and holiday light installations for late season Special Events - May help with snow removal Work Benefits: - Possible paid holiday and personal leave time based on hours worked - Health and Wellness classes and incentives available - 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 40-hour work week (Monday through Sunday), work hours generally completed within the 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. time frame. May be involved in rotating weekend coverage. 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/Experience: - At least 18 years old - Valid driver's license and good driving record - Gardening and landscaping experience required - 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 - Physical, mental, and cognitive abilities sufficient to perform the essential duties outlined above These include: - Ability to read, write and communicate well with others - Physical ability and stamina to perform duties including bending, lifting, digging, pushing, and kneeling Working Conditions: - Schedules may vary from part-time to full-time and may include weekends, and holidays - The employee will work outdoors in a variety of conditions - Will wear proper safety gear including, but not limited to, safety-toed boots, safety glasses and ear protection as required - May attend weekly staff meetings and safety meetings as scheduled - City of Fort Collins works together with staff to prevent the spread of germs (COVID, etc.) to maintain a clean, safe environment 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 is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee's protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy. Consistent with the City's respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City's commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation. Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act. Apply Now Share Save Job