Summary of Position

Reporting to the Community Gardens Manager and Gardens Engagement Manager, the Gardens & Horticulture Assistant supports team members in the ongoing care of the Conservancy’s Community Gardens, Food Forests, and Park spaces. This role will assist in executing horticultural and landscape tasks that promote plant health, food production, garden design intent, and the overall mission of the Conservancy: Cultivating exceptional public gardens and experiences in Charleston’s city parks.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Assist with the daily maintenance of Community Gardens, Food Forests, and Parks including planting, pruning, weeding, seeding, harvesting, mulching, watering, deadheading, and general garden and landscape maintenance and care
• Support installations and garden improvements based on horticultural best practices and design plans
• Candidate has strong interest in agriculture and horticulture, knowledge of fruit tree, shrub, and vine species and care
• Experience or willingness to learn mowing, string trimming, edging,  blower and other battery operated power equipment
• Weekly support within Cut Flower and Pollinator spaces
• Support for Educational programming and service learning opportunities; comfortable facilitating school groups K-12
• Coverage for volunteer groups - leading groups while having friendly interactions with volunteers
• Monitor plant health and report signs of pest, disease, or environmental stress
• Follow integrated pest management (IPM) practices under supervision
• Help maintain  garden equipment and tools in clean, working order
• Ensure all equipment, tools, supplies are cleaned and stored properly daily
• Work collaboratively with Conservancy staff, volunteers, and community members to foster stewardship and pride in public greenspaces
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers during scheduled workdays
• Participate in public events and educational programs as needed
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and horticultural standards at all times
• Learn and incorporate into regular duties the skills of mushroom cultivation and flower farming
• Ability to contribute to social media content through photo and video content

Qualifications, Knowledge, & Skills

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in horticulture, environmental science, biology, landscape design, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience and interest/passion for Horticulture and Gardening may be considered in lieu of a degree
• ~1 year of hands-on experience in horticulture, landscaping, or garden maintenance (volunteer experience may be applicable)
• Knowledge or interest of plant ID, soil health, pruning techniques, and sustainable landscape practices
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and lift 40+ pounds
• Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills
• Passion for horticulture, ecology, public spaces, and community engagement
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Activities, duties, and responsibilities may change at any time with or without prior notice.