Native & Edible Landscape Maintenance Team Member

Rustic Hills Garden Co. is an ecological landscaping company with a special focus on edible and native landscapes and gardens. Our clients are always excited to have our crews at their homes, because these projects are so meaningful to them - we are creating an environment in their own yard to connect with nature, and to browse berries, herbs, fruit trees, medicinals, and fresh vegetables to nourish themselves and their families. We are looking for crew members who are excited to be a part of this work, and are ready to get their hands dirty.

Job Description: The Maintenance Team Member works under the Maintenance Lead, visiting our past projects to provide seasonal check-ups and care. Tasks include mostly weeding, with seasonal tasks like transplanting, pruning, topdressing, chop and drop, and other miscellaneous tasks. Occasionally there are projects that involve buckthorn removal, planting, mulching or vegetable garden care. The maintenance team is comprised of the Maintenance Lead and one or two Maintenance Team Members. Individuals should be comfortable working in a small team, as well as independently throughout the day (the Maintenance Lead is always available for guidance, but the nature of the work is sometimes quiet and independent).

Job Type and Schedule: Work days are Thursdays and Fridays, starting when the position is filled through mid-October. Hours vary based on work load, with some months heavier than others. The Maintenance Team Member should expect a mixture of full workdays (8am-4:30pm) and light days varying from 4-6 hours.

Compensation: $20-$23/hour depending on experience

Job Requirements:

  • Knowledge of and ability to identify native plants

  • Garden and/or landscape experience

  • Plant knowledge, including some familiarity with pests and diseases

  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team

  • Good physical condition, manual dexterity and stamina

  • Able to bend, kneel, walk, stand, and crouch for long periods of time during the workday

  • Able to work around natural materials , such as soil, plants, wood chips, straw, etc. that may contain mold, fungi, pollen and other allergens.

  • Positive outlook, ‘can do’ attitude, and a team player

  • Open to constructive feedback and learning new things

  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to job sites around the greater Twin Cities metro area

Our ideal candidate is someone who:

  • has vegetable garden knowledge and experience

  • can identify many native plants both as young seedlings and mature plants

  • has experience pruning fruit trees and shrubs

  • has an interest in permaculture, ecological landscaping, and/or foodscaping

  • truly enjoys working hard outside - likes being tired at the end of the day!

What you can expect from us:

  • Honesty and integrity in the work that we do, both with our clients and our team members

  • No requirements for team members to apply chemicals, as we rarely, if ever, resort to their use (we do use a selective chemical for treating buckthorn stumps and occasional spot treatment of invasive plants)

  • Opportunities to learn and grow, with potential to expand your role/hours with the company

  • Great communication

  • Awesome people!