Floral Designer/Gardener

Working at The Preservation Society of Newport County offers you the opportunity to work for an organization that preserves, protects and presents 13 historic properties and landscapes in Newport, Rhode Island. As part of the team, you have an opportunity to help preserve and maintain the cultural and historical treasure of Newport, Rhode Island.

The Preservation Society of Newport County seeks a part time Floral Designer/Gardener to work Monday through Friday, up to 30 hours per week.  There may be occasional work on weekends or evening hours due to special events.

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

The Floral Designer/ Gardener will design and fashion live, cut, dried, and artificial floral and foliage arrangements for both routine mansions needs and special PSNC events. Under the direction of the Head Floral Designer, you will plan arrangements according to event requirements. Utilize knowledge of standard design principles including properties of materials and costing factors to select appropriate flora and foliage necessary for individual designs. Work in the greenhouse with greenhouse materials and in exterior cutting gardens to maintain the growth and overall status of developing flowers and foliage. Trim materials for use in the arrangement of bouquets, sprays, wreaths, and other items. May assist in decorating buildings or other facilities where events are planned, perform routine maintenance on existing designs, and pack, deliver, and set in place completed arrangements. 

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

• Create floral designs following direction of the Head Floral Designer.
• Plant, weed, stake, prune, and remove plant material in cutting garden.
• Prepare and condition floral material for use in arrangements.
• Water, fertilize, prune, or otherwise maintains all houses’ foliage, and container plants on all properties.
• Deliver and retrieve floral designs from PSNC properties.
• May assist in decorating buildings, halls, or other facilities where events are planned. 
• May prepare floral arrangements for transportation, delivery, and setup.
• Perform routine gardening and greenhouse work as instructed.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Follow prescribed safety and health rules, regulations, and practices.
• Perform other related duties as required or directed.

The desirable candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Minimum three years of documented floral arranging experience.
• Ability to multi-task and establish priorities.
• Ability to maintain organization in a changing environment.
• Work is “hands-on” in nature, varying between mansion interiors and property exteriors, including the presence or lack of exposure to the elements.
• Broad knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and familiar with all relevant environmental laws.
• Ability to maintain flexible behavior and approach towards assignments and seek clarification of assignments and priorities when necessary. 
• Ability to consistently arrive at work on time and ready to begin duties.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Requires knowledge of spoken and written English.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two-step instructions.
• Possess a valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is “hands-on” in nature, varying between mansion interiors and property exteriors, including the presence or lack of exposure to the elements.
• Frequently required to sit and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, usually 40-45 minutes per hour.
• Ability to walk quickly for extended distances under emergency circumstances.
• Requires use of various hand tools and adjuncts such as wheelbarrows.  
• Must be able to climb ladders and reach.
• Must be able to use power tools.
• Consistently lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to drive between work locations.