Reports To: Mike Page, Horticulturist

General Description: Assist staff with the production of garden plants. May work in garden as needed.

Principle Duties:

• Duties include sowing seed, transplanting seedlings, taking cuttings, weeding, fertilization and irrigation, pest scouting and control, mixing soil; cleaning nursery facilities, flats and pots. May also assist in the garden if needed. Our need for greenhouse volunteers is greatest in late winter and late summer when variety trials are being produced.

Qualifications:

• Successful completion of the Master Gardener training program
• Ability to effectively communicate with others
• Desire to learn more about plants and their pests
• Dependable and reliable
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and stand for long periods of time, do light lifting and be willing to get your hands dirty. Manual dexterity is desirable because you may be handling very small seedlings.
• Be able to perform physical duties as listed above

Procedures:

Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Arrive on time
• Call if you cannot keep your scheduled time
• Dress appropriately for outdoor work (hat, gloves, sunscreen, and drinking water and snacks)

Staff Responsibilities:

• Provide training to enhance horticultural skills (e.g., advanced Master Gardener training, workshops, field trips)
• Provide current and updated University of Florida information as it becomes available