Lead Gardener

The Position

The Episcopal Academy has an immediate opening for a Lead Gardener who will be an integral part of the Facilities and Operations team and will report to the Grounds Superintendent. You will create and execute both seasonal and short-term plans for garden renovation and plant growth management, while maintaining the integrity of the landscape designs. Your role will involve a wide variety of horticultural tasks, including planting, pruning, weeding, watering, and dealing with plant diseases and pest infestations. We are looking for a detail-oriented candidate with a can-do attitude. Additional roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Plant and care for plantings, shrubs, lawns, using such tools and equipment as brooms, edgers, mowers, and sprayers, hoes, picks, shears, rakes, spades, spreaders, cultivating machines, etc.
• Develop detailed annual plans for the seasonal rotation of plants, flowers, etc., in the facilities various landscaped areas and flowerbeds resulting in fresh, eye-catching, and pleasant flower and plant displays.
• Participates in the application of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Design and implement seasonal flowers in containers or hanging baskets.
• Detects, reports and manages evidence of disease, insects, trees, shrubs, and flower damage, implementing IPM strategy.
• Plant, edge, weed & maintain landscape beds and trim hedges.
• Water, spray, fertilize, and cultivate flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Rake and dispose of leaves, twigs, and other debris.
• Clean and care for tools and equipment.
• Design and install new landscapes.
• Help maintain a trash-free campus.
• Assist with general grounds maintenance of the campus.
• Assist with snow removal by shoveling, salting, sanding, and operating snow removal vehicles and equipment (24-hour on-call during inclement weather).
• Other duties as assigned.

About You

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a associate or bachelor's degree from a vocational school or BS/BA in Horticulture, Botany, Natural Science or related field or at least 2 years' experience in similar position comparable experience in related field
• Hold a current PA pesticide applicator license or can obtain it within 90 days of hire.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Possess the ability to walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time and withstand exposure to noise and inclement weather.
• Possess the ability to lift/carry heavy (70 lbs), moderate, and light plant materials.
• Have a desire to work on a team committed to creating a positive work culture.
• Maintain adherence to safety policies and procedures;
• Possess outstanding organizational and communication abilities.
• Proven ability to work independently without constant supervision.
• Possess working knowledge of the grounds machines, tools, methods, and materials used in grounds maintenance.

About Us

A school of over 1300 students in Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, of which 30% identify as students of color, Episcopal takes a holistic approach to educating all students in mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in The Stripes, our curriculum is designed to enable students to lead lives of purpose, faith, and integrity. Further supporting that mission is our commitment to building an inclusive community, articulated in our 11 Commitments. While each employee at Episcopal brings a unique set of competencies and skills to their work, we believe all employees should:

• Be student-centered, embrace school and life, and show it through actions and interactions with students, colleagues, and parents.
• Embody and live The Stripes.
• Consistently maintains high standards for his or her work and motivates others to achieve the same standard of excellence.
• Demonstrates a desire and willingness to constantly grow and learn, both personally and professionally, and sees others - especially students - as having the ability to learn and reach success.
• Foster a positive culture by being optimistic, selfless, flexible, and collaborative.
• Demonstrate a belief in and commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse school community.

The Episcopal Academy seeks candidates who hope to help foster a school environment where all people are valued and where all perspectives are respected and appreciated, as described in our Diversity and Inclusion Statement.

Application deadline: Until Filled

Position start date: Immediate Opening