Gardener, Alcatraz Historic Gardens (Seasonal)

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Job Location:

San Francisco, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 6 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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 engages at the intersection of national park sites local communities social justice and climate resilience. Collaborating with partners our staff are dedicated to enhancing public awareness and providing volunteer and educational opportunities in the parks. We are park builders caretakers ambassadors and educators all working to connect people to parks in support of our vision Parks for All Forever.

DepartmentDescription:

The Parks Conservancys 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 offersprograms 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 addition staff develop and mentor the next generation of horticulturists via internships and workforce development opportunities.

Position Overview:

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.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

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.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

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 drivers license.
Energetic and self-motivated. Work with minimal supervision.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Proficiency in basic computer applications (e.g. Word Excel Google Docs) and able to learn additional programs.
Be able to foster a culture of belonging among colleagues interns and members of the broader community. Understand how background and lived experiences shape perspectives and interactions.

Health and Safety:

It is the goal of the Parks Conservancy to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace. We work to mitigate hazards and risks that may cause harm to employees consistent with state and federal laws. Employees play an active role in creating a safe and healthy workplace and are expected to comply with all applicable health and safety rules.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The schedule for this position is typically Tuesday Thursday 8:00am 4:00 pm. On average this position works about 80% of the time in the gardens with related hands-on tasks.
Work is primarily performed in-person on Alcatraz Island. Regular travel required to Alcatraz via a free ferry ride from Pier 33.
Some of the work is located near the top of Alcatraz Island which requires close to a ¼ mile walk up a 13% grade and then gardening on slopes across the island.
The field portion of this position can be physically strenuous and involves walking squatting lifting and/or kneeling repetitive work working in uneven terrain and in different types of outdoor weather conditions

Terms and Compensation:

This is a part-time 27 hours per week (on average) non-benefitted position from April through September.
Thispositionhas a typical Tuesday Thursday schedule.
This position is non-exempt non-benefitted. The pay rate is $25.00 per hour (Grade13)

Application deadline date: February 18 2026

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Recruitment placement and promotions are conducted without regard to an individuals race color religion sex national origin age physical handicap veteran status or sexual orientation or any other classification protected by Federal State and local laws & ordinances. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

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 suppor...