Project Manager and Garden Maintenance Supervisor

Job Title:

Project Manager & Garden Maintenance Supervisor Job Category:

Non-Exempt Location:

3450 Dairy Creek Road San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

Education:

Construction, Facilities Maintenance, HR Management, and Customer Service experience preferred

Hours:

Full time, some evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed

Job Description:

San Luis Obispo Botanic Garden provides visitors with an extensive array of skillfully nurtured California native and Mediterranean plants. Most of the plants we sell are grown on site and sold in our year-round sales area. We also custom grow plants and trees for restoration projects and county plantings. We are looking for a motivated and skilled individual to join our management team as the Project Manager & Garden Maintenance Supervisor. The Project Manager/Maintenance Supervisor at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden (SLOBG) is responsible for: a) managing garden infrastructure maintenance and improvement projects, and b) designing, managing, and implementing large-scale event installations, such as the Garden's annual Nature Nights Holiday event. Candidates should have an understanding of horticulture and grounds maintenance, possess the skills necessary to perform infrastructure (buildings, roads, irrigation, hardscaping) upkeep and repair, and be proficient in the operation of a wide variety of machinery. They should also have the ability to work as a team, communicate clearly, and manage people. Experience and creativity in designing and implementing large-scale outdoor event displays is desirable. We are a small non-profit organization and welcome applicants who reflect the mission, vision, and values of our workplace (https://slobg.org/our-mission/) Specific responsibilities include: 1. Project Management

• Plan and implement ongoing maintenance and improvement projects, and help define project scope, goals, tasks, and deliverables.
• Manage project teams including volunteers and workgroups.
• Monitor expenses, and operate within budget constraints. Utilize creative solutions to keep costs low and minimize funds spent.
• Be proficient with computer applications such as Google, Outlook, Excel, etc.
• Coordinate with propagation and garden maintenance teams to ensure smooth workflows. 2. Large-Scale Event Installations and Oversight
• Plan and design the Nature Nights holiday lights event and other large scale fundraising events
• Beginner's level knowledge of electrical systems and capacities
• Ability to oversee and manage large numbers of volunteers and interns to build, maintain, and operate the fundraising Events and requirements of associated components (such as guest parking, food vendors, etc.). 3. Maintenance of Grounds and Facilities
• Recognize and assign the daily maintenance needs of the Garden and its facilities
• Physically work in all aspects of garden maintenance including mowing, tree and brush cutting, chipping, trail maintenance, and fence repair
• Proficiently and safely operate equipment such as mowers, string trimmers, electric carts, tractors, chain saws, and other power equipment
• Ensure that buildings, roads, hardscaping, irrigation systems, and gardens receive ongoing maintenance (utilizing staff and volunteers)
• Monitor the water access and water delivery situation at the garden, and provide irrigation design and/or repair as needed
• Oversee development and maintenance of trails
• Utilize (and/or supervise use by volunteers) hand tools (such as shovels, rakes, pick axes, saws, ladders, etc)
• In consultation with Propagation staff and volunteers, ensure that the greenhouse and propagation areas are maintained according to industry standards, and meet operational needs of the SLOBG
• Maintain landscape machinery and make minor repairs (for example sharpen mower blades and saw chains, change tires and tubes, replenish fuel and oil, etc.). Identify equipment problems and report then to Executive Director
• Perform minor carpentry repairs
• Perform periodic safety checks of buildings, equipment and tools, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency lights, etc.
• Successfully perform above tasks without daily supervision 4. Communication and Teamwork
• Demonstrated past success in ability to communication clearly and effectively
• Ability to work well with others in a team setting
• Patient and respectful with staff, volunteers, and visitors 5.

Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS/ KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Two year's work as a Garden/Landscape Project Manager, Professional Grounds-keeper or equivalent experience
• Past experience with Event Installation and management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including use of Microsoft Office
• Leadership ability and independent problem- solving skills
• Ability to plan and direct the work of staff, volunteers, and interns
• Familiarity with management of natural landscapes
• Knowledge of horticultural and/or ecological practices
• Ability to use hand tools and power equipment safely and make minor repairs
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts needed for carpentry, water delivery, electrical systems, etc.
• Ability to track and manage a budget
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lifting objects regularly (up to 50 lbs.)
• Able to be on call in the event of problems related to area of responsibility
• Ability to work as a team and have positive interactions with staff, volunteers, and visitors

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

A valid California Class "C" driver's license or ability to obtain one. Valid Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED certification within 6 months of appointment to position.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Experience:

Gardening:

2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person