Salary: $15-$16/hr depending on experience

Job Type: Part Time – 20 hours onsite and outside. Routine days can be established by candidate M-F any combination during the hours of 8:00 – 5:00 and will be consistent from the starting point.  (Temp to Perm)

Job Summary: You’ll be responsible for the operations and care of the garden meadows located at the entrance and along Roswell Rd/Lakemoore Dr. of the Blue Heron Nature Preserve.  Experience in some plant recognition, hand-pruning (deep, rejuvenating, thinning) and general horticultural garden practice is desired.

Essential Functions:

• Removal of invasive species (porcelain berry, privet, English ivy, wisteria, Johnson grass, Japanese honeysuckle, etc.) using manual methods.
• Removal of all tree saplings especially under the power lines where no plant material should be over 15′ tall.  (required by Ga Power)
• Seasonal removal of dead plant material
• Removal of trash
• Assist in spreading pine straw, mulch, etc
• Height control and monitoring of plant health.
• Where necessary identify and install additional native meadow plantings that are common to the Piedmont area, to complement the existing meadow spaces.
• Lead volunteers
• Coordinate work with those responsible for maintaining the paths and fence line around the meadows.
• May carry out other duties as assigned, especially on rainy days.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to pass a basic background check
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, pull, push for long periods of time, and the ability to carry 30 pounds
• Ability to work independently
• Reliable, reporting on time
• Operate various hand held garden tools and some power tools.
• Willing to learn about natives
• Passionate about the outdoors and environmental issues
• Able to lead volunteers in a positive manner
• Detail oriented
• Ability to solve problems
• Friendly

Would be great if….

• Holds a valid Georgia State Pesticide Applicator License
• Member of a group or organization such as Georgia Native Plant Society, Master Gardener

About Blue Heron Nature Preserve:

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and caring for a 30-acre green space nestled in Atlanta’s North Buckhead neighborhood. Blue Heron is home to the 3-mile Blueway Trail, our largest capital project to date, which allows visitors to experience woodlands, wetlands, riparian areas and meadows – all without leaving the city. Our mission is to help foster personal connections with nature through conservation, education, and the arts.