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Weekend Gardener Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Menlo Circus Club

Gardener

Atherton, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are seeking an experienced gardener to maintain the appearance of the club's gardens, grounds, and walkways. Responsibilities include planting, trimming, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and other ...

Stay Green Inc.

Gardener

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Gardener must have the ability to communicate well in Spanish and be willing to learn to communicate in English. Gardeners must successfully pass the SGI Technical/Horticultural Skill Training ...

Stay Green Inc.

Gardener

Castaic, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

IndustryLandscaping, Landscape, Gardening * Required Degree * Manage OthersNo * Minimum Experience1 Year Contact information * Name Gladys Mendez * Phone(818) 441-6124 * Email: gmendez@staygreen.com ...

Stay Green Inc.

Gardener

Sun Valley, CA

The Gardener must have the ability to communicate well in Spanish and be willing to learn to communicate in English. Gardeners must successfully pass the SGI Technical/Horticultural Skill Training ...

Stay Green Inc.

Gardener

Santa Fe Springs, CA

$18 - $20/hr

The Gardener must have the ability to communicate well in Spanish and be willing to learn to communicate in English. Gardeners must successfully pass the SGI Technical/Horticultural Skill Training ...

Stay Green Inc.

Gardener

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Gardener must have the ability to communicate well in Spanish and be willing to learn to communicate in English. Gardeners must successfully pass the SGI Technical/Horticultural Skill Training ...

Stay Green Inc.

Gardener

Jurupa Valley, CA

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

The Gardener must have the ability to communicate well in Spanish and be willing to learn to communicate in English. Gardeners must successfully pass the SGI Technical/Horticultural Skill Training ...

Stay Green Inc.

Gardener

Los Angeles, CA

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

The Gardener must have the ability to communicate well in Spanish and be willing to learn to communicate in English. Gardeners must successfully pass the SGI Technical/Horticultural Skill Training ...

The Quail

Gardener

Carmel, CA

$25.80/hr

Working alongside the amazing team at The Quail, we are seeking a Gardener to support our Engineering Department. * Work for a highly prestigious hotel located in sunny Carmel Valley, California.

East Bay Regional Park District

Gardener

Oakland, CA · On-site

$83K - $94K/yr

While Gardener assignments throughout the East Bay Regional Park District vary by location, this position will primarily support the maintenance of irrigated turf and landscape systems. The ideal ...

The Living Desert

Collections Gardener

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$20.75/hr

Weekend and holiday work required. Some evenings may be required during special events. TRAVEL: Conference or workshop attendance available. Visitation of other zoos, botanic gardens, or botanically ...

Saint Mary's College of California

Gardener

Moraga, CA · On-site

$43K - $68K/yr

Job Title Gardener Job Summary Under direct supervision of the Grounds Manager, the Gardener ... weekend hours as needed) for this position? * Yes * No 07 Do you have legal authorization to work ...

California State University

Gardener

San Jose, CA

$5.0K/mo

Gardener Apply now Job no: 559242 Work type: Staff Location: San Jose Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in ...

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Weekend Gardener information

See California salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do weekend gardener jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for weekend gardener in California is $21.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a weekend gardener?

Weekend gardeners are individuals who tend to gardens, lawns, and outdoor plants primarily during weekends. They may work for residential clients, community gardens, or public spaces, performing tasks such as planting, weeding, pruning, watering, and general garden maintenance. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors and have a flexible schedule that allows for weekend work. Weekend gardeners may work independently or as part of a landscaping team, and their responsibilities can vary depending on the season and the specific needs of each garden.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a weekend gardener, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weekend Gardener, you need a basic understanding of horticulture, plant care, and landscaping techniques, often supported by hands-on experience or relevant short courses. Familiarity with gardening tools, irrigation systems, and organic or chemical fertilizers is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and a passion for working outdoors are important soft skills. These abilities ensure healthy plant growth, efficient garden maintenance, and a visually appealing outdoor environment.

What are some common challenges faced by weekend gardeners, and how can they be managed effectively?

Weekend gardeners often face the challenge of limited time to complete tasks such as weeding, planting, and lawn care, which can lead to a backlog of work if not managed efficiently. Prioritizing tasks based on seasonality and plant needs, and using time-saving tools or techniques, can help maximize productivity. Additionally, weather variability on weekends may require flexibility in planning, so having a list of both indoor and outdoor gardening activities can ensure progress regardless of conditions. Collaboration with other team members or homeowners for clear communication about expectations and priorities is also key to maintaining a well-kept garden.

What is the difference between Weekend Gardener vs Part-Time Groundskeeper?

AspectWeekend GardenerPart-Time Groundskeeper
CredentialsBasic gardening knowledge, possibly horticulture certificationsSimilar; may require groundskeeping or horticulture certifications
Work EnvironmentResidential gardens, small-scale outdoor spacesCommercial or institutional outdoor areas, parks, sports fields
Employer & IndustryHomeowners, landscaping companiesMunicipalities, schools, golf courses
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for casual gardening work on weekendsPeople seeking part-time outdoor maintenance roles

The main difference between a Weekend Gardener and a Part-Time Groundskeeper lies in their work setting and scope. Weekend Gardeners typically focus on residential gardens during weekends, while Part-Time Groundskeepers work in larger outdoor spaces like parks or sports fields during part-time hours. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but their work environments and employer types differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gardener jobs in California?

The most popular types of Gardener jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Weekend Gardener jobs in California?

For Weekend Gardener jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Weekend Gardener jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Weekend Gardener jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Weekend Gardener jobs?

Cities in California with the most Weekend Gardener job openings:

Weekend Gardener jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Gardener job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,961 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Gardener 2

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Overview:

The Gardener 2 position is principally responsible for garden maintenance and oversight of designated sections at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Under the direction of the Grounds Manager (or their designee), the Gardener 2 will manage their garden section(s) daily, and will proactively seek and aid other members of the Horticulture team to maintain a high aesthetic standard, across the Garden, for public enjoyment.

This is a front-line position in primary plant care, including: planting and weeding (by hand and tools); manual watering and operation of irrigation systems; mulching, pruning, grooming and dead heading; trapping rodents, removal of trash and debris; and generally maintaining aesthetic standards of the Garden for members and guests. Gardeners also participate in cleaning and maintaining tools and keeping an inventory of supplies, ensuring all equipment is in safe, working order. Gardeners should understand that the Garden is a museum-curated living collection and the importance of their role in maintaining integrity of plant labeling and high-quality plant care. This is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt position that reports to the Grounds Manager.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide general plant care, including: soil preparation, planting, watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, soil amending, mulching, and monitoring/controlling pest populations.
  • Assist with general maintenance of Garden grounds, including: trails, brush chipping, compost pile turning and seasonal weed mitigation in undeveloped sections of the Garden.
  • Participate in staff crew days outside of their section and lead volunteer work crews, when assigned.
  • Operate non-mechanical tools such as shovels, rakes, shears, saws, wheelbarrows, etc.
  • Operate mechanical power tools such as chain saws, blowers, line trimmers, electric carts, tractors, and manual vehicles.
  • Install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair irrigation systems.
  • Conduct all assigned tasks in accordance with the Garden’s safety procedures.
  • May be assigned to perform one or more of the following:
    • Water containerized plants within the nurseries
    • Substitute to cover other Gardeners’ holidays, vacations, and sick days
    • Participate in setup for Garden events when needed
    • Train volunteers in safe and effective gardening tasks when needed
  • Proactively participates in teamwork with coworkers to ensure the Garden is maintained to a high aesthetic degree for public enjoyment.
  • Maintain positive and professional working relationships with all staff, volunteers and visitors. Assists visitors in answering questions and wayfinding as needed to ensure great customer experience.

Knowledge and Abilities:

  • Proficiency in MS Word and Outlook email for effective written communication in a timely manner.
  • Must manage their time and work under pressure to meet deadlines and priorities.
  • Knowledge of California plants and their cultivation preferred.
  • Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time, lift and carry up to 75 lbs., bend, squat, and walk the Garden trails.
  • Tolerance of an outdoor work environment including exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including: extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.
  • Ability to perform physically strenuous work assignments on a regular basis, 8 hours a day.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Two years of applied work experience in garden maintenance, preferably in a public garden setting.
  • College coursework in horticulture, ecology, wildlife science, and/or habitat restoration preferred.
  • Experience with ornamental garden techniques and standards preferred.

Certificates & Licenses:

  • Must have valid California driver license and maintain an acceptable driving record (this position requires driving a Garden cart and Garden vehicles).