IMMEDIATE OPENING:

Part-Time Residence Gardener / Grounds Assistant

Job Title: Residence Gardener / Grounds Assistant

Location: Poolesville, MD

Position Type: Part-Time, Non-exempt / Hourly Contractor

Schedule: 4–8 hours, once weekly (or split across 2 days) — flexible weekday or weekend schedule to be agreed upon

Salary/Rate: $25/hour

Join Our Team

We’re seeking a dependable, self-motivated individual to provide essential weekly garden and yard upkeep for the private residence located on the campus of Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC). Working independently once a week, the Gardener/Grounds Assistant ensures the immediate yard, gardens, walkways, and residential grounds are well-maintained, tidy, and peaceful. This position focuses purely on the home’s surrounding landscaping and routine yard care, coordinating as needed with the KPC Facilities team for shared property tools or larger site needs.

Key Responsibilities

Lawn & Turf Care: Mow, edge, and trim lawn areas immediately surrounding the private residence; clear grass clippings from pathways and stone surfaces.
Garden Bed Maintenance: Weed flower beds, vegetable patches, and ornamental plantings; deadhead flowers and apply mulch or soil top-dressing as seasonal needs arise.
Pruning & Trimming: Maintain low-hanging branches, shrubs, bushes, and vine growth around windows, entryways, and fences using hand tools or hedge trimmers.
Debris & Yard Cleanup: Rake leaves, clear fallen sticks/branches, remove invasive weeds or brush, and keep the porch, driveway, and walkways clear of natural debris.
Basic Watering & Plant Care: Deep-water priority garden beds, potted plants, or young plantings during hot or dry spells.
Seasonal Tasks: Support spring bed preparation (planting annuals/perennials, clearing winter mulch) and fall clean-up (leaf collection, cutting back perennials).
Equipment Care: Maintain provided lawn care tools and equipment in clean, functional condition; flag tool repair or supply needs (mulch, soil, fuel) promptly.

Qualifications

1–2 years of hands-on experience in home gardening, landscaping, or basic grounds maintenance.
Familiarity with common garden plants, basic pruning techniques, and proper weed identification.
Comfortable operating standard yard equipment (lawn mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, shears).
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently using a weekly prioritized checklist.
Physical capability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, perform manual labor (bending, kneeling, lifting up to 40 lbs), and navigate uneven ground across the campus.
Respect for the quiet, spiritual environment of the KPC community and temple grounds.
Reliable transportation to and from the Poolesville campus.

Apply for This Position

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email *

Gardening & Grounds Experience

Please provide a summary of your experience with home gardening, landscaping, or grounds maintenance — including lawn care, garden bed upkeep, pruning, and seasonal yard work:

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Affirmations & Consents

Background Check Consent *

I authorize a comprehensive background check as a condition of employment to ensure the safety of our community and animals. I understand any history of violence or harm will disqualify my application. I understand that Kunzang Palyul Choling Buddhist Temple may conduct a criminal background check as part of the hiring process; however, this inquiry will only be conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been extended.

Respect for Values *

I acknowledge this position operates within a Buddhist environment at Kunzang Palyul Choling. I agree to respect the authority of the Spiritual Guide and follow her guidance regarding the care and maintenance of the residence grounds and gardens.

UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A LIE DETECTOR OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.

Acknowledgement *

By checking this box, I affirm that I have read, understand, and agree to the above terms.

Kunzang Palyul Choling is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or disability.

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Application Received! Thank you for your interest — our team will review your application and follow up if it's a good fit.

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