Greenhouse Assistant

Position Summary

The Greenhouse Assistant is a part-time, non-exempt status position, working within the Gardens and Landscapes Department under the direct supervision of the Greenhouse Supervisor. The Greenhouse Assistant supports the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the Department to preserve, care for, and interpret the Association’s historic, cultural, and natural resources. This person assists with the day-to-day operations of Mount Vernon’s behind the scenes production greenhouse complex to include greenhouses, hoop houses, lath house, and raised beds.

Essential Duties

• Tasks include: watering, seed sowing, transplanting and general care and maintenance of plants within the production greenhouse complex at the direction of the Greenhouse Supervisor. Also helps keep production areas clean and organized and assists with sanitizing plant pots.
• Familiarity with many different plants and their cultural needs, including: annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.
• Help stock and maintain seasonal plant sales area for the gift shop.
• Works with other horticulture staff to set-up, work during and take-down the annual spring and fall Mount Vernon Historic Plant Sales which includes: labeling, pricing and grooming plant material, restocking plant material and providing good customer service.
• Assists with collecting seeds from the estate gardens and landscape and cleaning seeds for in-house use as well as retail sales.
• Uses current best practices, responsible stewardship, and environmental stewardship when per-forming the tasks outlined above.
• Maintains records of work activities and submits information for monthly reports.
• Interacts positively with visitors, answering questions and giving directions.
• Practices and maintains safety standards and procedures in all work areas and assures others’ work safely as well.
• Works independently and with minimum supervision, however, certain tasks require individual to work closely with other horticulture staff in a team setting.
• Conducts all work in accordance with the Mount Vernon Ladies Association’s procedures and guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as requested by immediate supervisor and carries out the completion of special assignments.

Required Qualifications

• At least one year of greenhouse or plant care work experience.
• Basic plant identification skills and propagation experience desired.
• Detail oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and possess effective organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions, including extreme high and low temperatures.
• Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, squatting, kneeling, and the ability to navigate uneven terrain.
• The incumbent will frequently handle objects weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office suite such as Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Must be available to work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license.

Work Environment

Work is performed mostly outdoors and in greenhouses. Conditions can include exposure to heat, humidity, cold, and potential contact with insects and chemicals (with PPE provided). Tasks may involve working alone or with a team.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds, kneel, bend, reach, and stand for long periods.
• Frequent use of hands for planting and pruning is required.
• Ability to safely use horticultural tools and equipment is essential.