Gardener

Title: Gardener
Reports to: Lead Gardener
Department: Operations
Employment Classification: Seasonal
Salary: $20-22/hr
Job Description (PDF)

Duties/Responsibilities

This job involves keeping The Santa Fe Opera gardens healthy and attractive during the summer rehearsal and performance season.  The primary responsibility of this job is readying the campus and theatre flower garden areas and flower pots in the spring and maintaining them throughout the summer.  Additional responsibilities could include supervision of Opera gardening volunteers, purchasing of plants and gardening tools in consultation with the Operations Manager and the Facilities Manager.  Supervisor may assign other duties.

Employment Standards

Education/Experience: 

• Must have high school education or equivalent.
• Gardening experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge: 

• Must be very familiar with all aspects of establishing and maintaining decorative gardens, including choices of plants for both aesthetics and suitability of high-desert environments or have a willingness to learn these topics.

Skills:

• Must be able to drive a motor vehicle.
• Must be willing to learn new skills and techniques.
• Ability to interact with and provide minimal supervision to volunteers and other crew members is a plus.
• Ability to discuss landscaping alternatives is a plus.

Licenses:  

• Must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, and have a clean driving record.

Hours/Restrictions: 

• This is seasonal hourly position, April – September. Up to 40 hours per week, regular schedule including weekend shifts are from 8am to 4:30pm. There is a 15-minute morning and afternoon break; lunch is unpaid and should be taken off the clock.  Some flexibility of hours may occur due to scheduled events during the course of the year.  This is an hourly position without benefits.  Compensation is commensurate with the local market.

Physical Standards: 

• This job involves working outdoors, kneeling, digging and lifting plants and bushes.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The fundamental job requirements are included, and these are the essential job functions. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The Santa Fe Opera supports employees with its robust safety program, devotion to environmental sustainability and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion while setting the industry standard for stagecraft. The Santa Fe Opera has an industry-wide reputation as an excellent employer, providing rewarding opportunities amid a setting of great natural beauty. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Santa Fe Opera celebrates diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, political affiliation or philosophy. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.