Gardener, Alcatraz Historic Gardens; Seasonal

Gardener, Alcatraz Historic Gardens (Temporary Seasonal) Organization Description

Since 1981, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (Parks Conservancy) has served as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, collaborating with the Presidio Trust, partners, donors, and the community to support the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The GGNRA stretches across three Bay Area counties north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge and includes iconic places such as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, Mori Point, Lands End, and the Presidio of San Francisco.

The Parks Conservancy's Community Stewardship and Engagement (CSE) team is passionate about creating and strengthening connections between communities and parklands, while supporting priority park needs, through a variety of programs that serve a diversity of Bay Area communities. We strive to build trustful relationships and impactful experiences that provide opportunities for stewardship and science, storytelling, recreation, exploration, and wellness. We work to understand the needs of our local communities, listen deeply, and collaborate with our community leaders to co-create programs.

We seek to support the health, well‑being and care of both our local communities and our flora and fauna and inspire new ways of learning and contributing to social justice and environmental issues.

With a focus on support for priority park sites, our Gardens team offers programs that seek to restore and sustain the vitality of two historic gardens with the support of the larger CSE team. Community programs offered include hands‑on gardening, garden tours, community‑science data collection, and programs specifically geared to youth and other affinity groups. In addition, staff develop and mentor the next generation of horticulturists via internships and workforce development opportunities.

This is a part‑time, 27 hours per week (on average), non‑benefitted position from April through September.

The Alcatraz gardener works closely with the Gardens of Alcatraz Sr. Program Manager to assure the general maintenance and daily upkeep of garden areas on Alcatraz Island while welcoming visitors and engaging volunteers.

• Care for all garden areas utilizing the proper techniques and practices of horticulture: this includes weeding, propagating, planting, efficient irrigation, fertilizing, composting, pruning and insect/disease control.
• Utilize the greenhouse for growing annuals and perennials for the garden.
• Meet regularly with and coordinate work with Sr. Gardens Manager.
• Lead volunteers in planned activities; supervise and train volunteers in safe garden practices.
• Track volunteer hours and attendance using a database.
• Maintain a clean and orderly storage areas. Manage equipment and supplies, including proper care of garden tools and volunteer supplies. Report any necessary replacements and repairs.
• Assist in maintenance of greenhouse and irrigation systems. Report necessary repairs and replacements.
• Be part of the team and courteous to visitors.
• Occasionally drive to pick up plants from nursery.
• Occasionally provide hands‑on support to Black Point Historic Gardens (at Fort Mason).
• Other duties as assigned.

All candidates who can perform the essential functions and responsibilities are encouraged to apply.

There is no minimum education requirement for this position. We will consider candidates based on interest in this line of work as well as any combination of relevant education, work/lived experience, or training.

• Experience and knowledge in horticulture and the care of gardens.
• Experience as a volunteer or with volunteer management.
• Be able to drive garden vehicle safely on the island, be comfortable driving around visitors and small spaces.
• Be able to learn to use chipper for composting.
• Must possess California driver’s license.
• Energetic and self‑motivated. Work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g., Word,…