Native Plant Gardener

ABOUT THE UNDERLINE

The Underline is a bold project  reclaiming 10 miles of land beneath the Miami Metrorail and transforming it into a beautiful, active green space  for residents and visitors alike. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a movement for a safer, more resilient and connected community.

The first phase of the project – Brickell Backyard – opened in early 2021 and has already attracted nearly 2 million visitors. The second phase, Hammock Trail, is a 2+-mile segment just opened to the public. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by 2026, creating a 120-acre park completely landscaped with South Florida native plants.

Friends of The Underline (FUL) is a nonprofit corporation driving the fundraising to build and sustain what will become a place that is uniquely Miami. Come work for a growing team as we grow our impact in the community. Upon completion, The Underline will feature more than 500,000 trees and native plants, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, bioswales, and 24 micro forests using the Miyawaki Afforestation Method.

For more information visit theunderline.org

Opportunity Summary

The Underline seeks a full-time gardener to join its growing Horticulture team to cultivate, restore and maintain our urban gardens. With a focus on our native Pine Rockland and Rockland Hammock ecosystems, this position is a unique opportunity to work creatively with native plants and cultivate urban habitat in our city.

Where You Fit in:

• The Underline’s Horticulture team performs a range of duties including all garden maintenance, working with volunteers, facilitating educational activities, and occasional off-site outreach.
• The Underline uniquely showcases a diverse community of native plants, and approaches horticulture from an ecological perspective to create a natural aesthetic and functional habitat.
• You will work in collaboration with our team of gardeners, maintaining the gardens along the 2.7 miles and growing trail, and work under direct supervision of the Horticulture Manager.

  Professional Responsibilities and Duties

• Hands-on garden maintenance activities include planting, pruning, weeding, watering, debris removal, blowing, mulching, raking.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Report updates on plant health, and other concerns to Horticulture Manager for records and timely management.
• Work with Horticulture Manager to communicate and implement best practices as determined by field conditions
• Work independently or with team members to maintain all garden areas to desired standards.
• Work with a variety of garden hand tools.
• Safely operate Underline vehicles (UTV, golf carts, e-bikes, bicycles).
• Maintain supply and gardening areas clean and organized as directed.
• Procure and deliver plants from local nurseries.
• Properly clean, store and maintain tools.
• Participate and lead educational events or programs as needed (tours, workshops, etc.).
• Work directly with and assist volunteers as needed on garden-related tasks.
• Educate and activate volunteers and apprentices as required.
• Interact and engage with park visitors to help cultivate long-term park stewards.
• Provide garden tours as needed.

Minimum Job Requirements, Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, botany, floriculture, landscape architecture or closely related field OR 4 years of work experience in public gardens, botanical collections, habitat restoration, horticulture, or a closely related field.
• Knowledgeable and skilled in basic plant physiology and common South Florida landscape plant identification.
• Understanding of or ability to learn quickly South Florida ecosystems, such as the Pine Rocklands, Tropical Hardwood Hammocks, Dry Prairie, etc. and its plants and soils.
• Familiarity with Xeriscape (without irrigation) landscaping.
• Ability to oversee and direct a crew.
• Hold or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license.
• Able to follow directions and collaborate effectively with other staff members.
• Ability to work on garden tasks independently at times.
• Ability to work as a team.
• Comfortable working around and communicating with members of the public.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner with staff, contractors, vendors and visitors.
• Flexible to a changing schedule according to the needs of the Garden and scheduled events, including weekends and evenings.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in English. Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
• Must have ample experience using landscaping tools such as hand pruners, loppers, hand and pole saws, shovels, pick axes, auger, blowers.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S.

 

Preferred Skills:

• Positive attitude, attention to detail, good interpersonal skills, flexibility and commitment to collaboration.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for South Florida’s native plant communities.
• Proficiency with carpentry and tools is highly desired (screwdriver, drills, power saw, etc.).
• Proficiency in small engine repair is highly desired.
• The ability to administer environmentally sound and safe application of herbicides and insecticides, and ability to acquire State of FL Pesticide Applicator license.
• Proficiency in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole is a benefit.

Physical Demands and Working conditions

• Ability to safely operate chainsaws and other powered hand tools as required
• Ability to walk long distances, stand for prolonged periods, traverse uneven grounds.
• Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders.
• Ability to perform tasks that require bending, stooping, twisting and reaching overhead.
• Exhibit a team-oriented, positive, problem solving attitude.
• This position is predominantly outdoors and exposed to heat, sun, rain, sharp plants, biting insects. Additionally, The Underline is a public park in a densely urban environment connecting to multiple transit lines, roads, intersections and a multimodal trail used by pedestrians, bicyclists, e-bikes, scooters, and dog walkers. At times, you will be working alone in public urban spaces or somewhat remote locations along the park.

Location: As a 10-mile park the working locations span the entirety of The Underline and vary day to day from  Brickell, the Roads, Shenandoah and Silver Bluff, growing toward Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and South Miami.

Compensation: This is a full-time position. Annual salary range, contingent upon experience is $44,230.00-$54,000 + Benefits package.

Interested applicants, please send a resume and cover letter to horticulture@theunderline.org 

For more information, please visit our website www.theunderline.org