Hands-on Gardening Job descriptions
Weeding Technician
Position Overview: Responsible for identifying, removing, and preventing weeds throughout garden areas to maintain optimal growing conditions for crops and ornamental plants.
Key Responsibilities
• Identify various weed species and differentiate between weeds and desired plants
• Remove weeds using hand tools, hoes, and mechanical equipment while preserving crop root systems
• Apply pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides according to safety protocols and label instructions
• Maintain mulching systems to suppress weed growth
• Monitor garden areas daily and prioritize weeding tasks based on crop vulnerability and weed pressure
• Document weed patterns and treatment effectiveness for seasonal planning
• Clean and maintain the weeding tools and equipment
Watering Technician
Position Overview: Ensures all garden areas receive appropriate irrigation through efficient water management systems and techniques.
Key Responsibilities
• Operate and maintain drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and hand-watering equipment
• Monitor soil moisture levels using meters and visual assessment techniques
• Adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, plant growth stages, and seasonal requirements
• Identify and repair irrigation system leaks, clogs, and equipment malfunctions
• Calculate water requirements for different crop types and garden zones
• Maintain water quality standards and test pH levels when necessary
• Record daily watering activities and system performance data
• Implement water conservation practices and efficient irrigation methods
Tomato Pruning Specialist
Position Overview: Maintains tomato plant health and productivity through specialized pruning techniques and plant training methods.
Key Responsibilities
• Remove suckers, diseased foliage, and unproductive branches using proper pruning techniques
• Train tomato plants using stakes, cages, and trellising systems for optimal growth structure
• Monitor plant development stages and adjust pruning strategies accordingly
• Identify early signs of disease or pest damage during pruning activities
• Sanitize pruning tools between plants to prevent disease transmission
• Maintain detailed records of pruning schedules and plant performance
• Harvest ripe tomatoes and assess fruit quality during routine maintenance
• Support plants with ties and adjust support structures as plants grow
Garden Disease Control/Prevention Tech
Position Overview: Position Overview: Monitors, prevents, and treats plant diseases to maintain garden health and maximize crop yields.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct regular plant health inspections and identify symptoms of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases
• Apply preventive treatments including fungicides, bactericides, and organic disease control methods
• Implement cultural practices that reduce disease pressure, such as proper spacing and air circulation
• Remove and properly dispose of infected plant material following biosecurity protocols
• Maintain detailed disease monitoring logs and treatment records
• Coordinate with other garden technicians to implement integrated disease management strategies
• Research and recommend new disease prevention techniques and products
• Monitor environmental conditions that contribute to disease development
Pest Control/Prevention Tech
Position Overview: Protects garden plants from insect pests and other harmful organisms through integrated pest management strategies.
Key Responsibilities
• Scout garden areas regularly for pest presence and damage assessment
• Identify beneficial insects versus harmful pests and implement targeted control measures
• Apply pesticides, biological controls, and organic pest management solutions safely and effectively
• Install and maintain pest monitoring traps and exclusion barriers
• Release beneficial insects and maintain habitat for natural predators
• Document pest population levels and treatment effectiveness
• Coordinate pest control timing with other garden activities to minimize crop disruption
• Maintain pesticide application equipment and ensure proper storage of control products that contribute to disease development
Produce Harvester
Position Overview: Harvests crops at optimal ripeness and quality while maintaining post-harvest handling standards to preserve freshness and market value.
Key Responsibilities
• Assess crop maturity and determine optimal harvest timing for various produce types
• Hand-pick fruits and vegetables using proper techniques to avoid damage and maintain quality
• Sort harvested produce by size, quality, and market specifications
• Pack produce in appropriate containers and prepare for storage or distribution
• Maintain cold chain requirements and proper handling procedures for perishable items
• Clean and sanitize harvest containers and processing areas
• Keep accurate harvest records including quantities, quality grades, and timing data
• Operate harvest equipment such as bins, carts, and weighing scales
• Identify and separate damaged or diseased produce from marketable items
HANDS-ON GARDENING JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Grounds/Lawn Technician
Position Overview: Maintain the overall appearance of the garden workspace. This includes trash removal, transfer of undesired produce to the compost area, and trimming of unwanted brush or trees at ground level or higher.
Key Responsibilities
- Mow, edge, trim, and fertilize lawns
- Prune shrubs, trees, and hedges to maintain shape and health.
- Operate lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers, and other landscaping tools.
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment (e.g., oil changes, blade sharpening).
- Report and assist with repairs of malfunctioning equipment.
- Pick up litter and debris from grounds.
- Maintain walkways, driveways, and parking lots.
- Ensure outdoor areas are safe, clean, and visually appealing.
- Document work performed and materials used.
- Follow safety protocols and report hazards.
administration
Administrative Assistant
Position Overview: Supports the day-to-day operations of the garden’s administrative team by managing communications, scheduling, and documentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and organize digital and physical files
- Assist with scheduling meetings and events
- Respond to general inquiries via email or phone
- Support other administrative volunteers as needed
Communications Coordinator
Position Overview: Oversees internal and external communications to ensure consistent messaging and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Draft newsletters, announcements, and press releases
- Coordinate communication between garden teams and community partners
- Maintain a consistent tone and message across all platforms
- Support outreach efforts for events and programs
Volunteer On-Boarder
Position Overview: Welcomes and orients new volunteers, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and connected to the garden’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct volunteer orientations and tours
- Distribute welcome packets and training materials
- Match new volunteers with appropriate roles
- Serve as a point of contact for new volunteer questions
Volunteer Scheduler
Position Overview: Manages the scheduling of volunteer shifts and ensures adequate coverage for garden operations and events.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and maintain weekly volunteer schedules
- Communicate shift reminders and updates
- Coordinate with team leads to identify scheduling needs
- Track volunteer hours and attendance
Social Media Technician
Position Overview: Creates and curates engaging content to promote the garden’s mission and activities across social media platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and schedule posts for Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms
- Capture and edit photos and videos of garden events
- Monitor engagement and respond to comments/messages
- Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator on campaigns
- Create and schedule post on Hootsuite approved by the Garden Director and reviewed by Editor.
Website Maintenance Coordinator
Position Overview: Maintains and updates the garden’s website to ensure accurate, timely, and user-friendly content provided by the Garden Director
Key Responsibilities
- Update event calendars, blog posts, and volunteer info
- Troubleshoot website issues and broken links
- Ensure accessibility and mobile responsiveness
- Collaborate with other teams to keep content current
administration
Organizational Checklist Coordinator
Position Overview: Develops and maintains checklists to streamline garden operations and ensure consistency across tasks
Key Responsibilities
- Create checklists for daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks
- Distribute and update checklists for team leads and volunteers
- Monitor completion and suggest improvements
- Help standardize procedures for efficiency
System Records Recorder
Position Overview: Maintains accurate records of garden activities, volunteer hours, donations, and program outcomes
Key Responsibilities
- Log volunteer hours and participation
- Track produce yields and distribution
- Maintain donor and partner records
- Generate reports for grants and community updates
Photo/Video Editor
Position Overview: A photo video editor is a creative professional who enhances, manipulates, and refines visual content to meet specific artistic, commercial, or communication goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Color correct and grade to achieve desired mood and consistencyEdit and organize photos and video clips for use in social media, newsletters, and promotional materials
- Cropping and resizing images for different platforms and formats
- Adjust exposure contrast saturation and other technical parameters
- Adjust exposure, contrast, saturation, and other technical parametersersrs
Relations & development
Plant Propagation & Nursery Technician
Position Overview:
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Checklist Coordinator
Position Overview: Develops and maintains checklists to streamline garden operations and ensure consistency across tasks
Key Responsibilities
- Create checklists for daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks
- Distribute and update checklists for team leads and volunteers
- Monitor completion and suggest improvements
- Help standardize procedures for efficiency
Staff Photographer/Videographer
Position Overview: Captures the heart and soul of the garden through compelling photography and video. This role documents events, volunteer activities, and the growth of the garden to help tell our story, inspire community engagement, and support outreach efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Photograph and film garden events, volunteer days, and seasonal changes
- Edit and organize photos and video clips for use in social media, newsletters, and promotional materials
- Collaborate with the Communications and Social Media teams to align visual content with messaging
- Maintain a digital archive of visual content for future use
- Ensure all media is captured with respect to privacy and consent guidelines
Content Creator
Position Overview: Captures the heart and soul of the garden through compelling photography and video. This role documents events, volunteer activities, and the growth of the garden to help tell our story, inspire community engagement, and support outreach efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Photograph and film garden events, volunteer days, and seasonal changes
- Edit and organize photos and video clips for use in social media, newsletters, and promotional materials
- Collaborate with the Communications and Social Media teams to align visual content with messaging
- Maintain a digital archive of visual content for future use
- Ensure all media is captured with respect to privacy and consent guidelines