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Job Description

This position will be responsible for the daily operation of the Massey Greenhouse complex, including greenhouses, shade houses, lathe houses, and outdoor growing areas.  Tasks include, but are not limited to, propagation of woody and herbaceous plant material and maintaining permanent non-hardy plant collections such as orchids, cacti, succulents, and various tropical plants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• General care and maintenance of permanent, non-hardy plant collections - watering, fertilizing, repotting as needed, monitoring and treating pests and diseases
• Oversee production of seasonal crops- chrysanthemums, poinsettias, bedding plants, etc.
• Maintenance of the Garden’s permanent orchid collection.  Tasks will include:
  • Daily care and maintenance- watering, fertilizing, repotting as needed, monitoring and treating pests and diseases
  • Displaying blooming plants in the Conservatory
  • Maintaining orchid records in the plant records database- verifying current nomenclature, updating database records, creating display and accession tags as needed

Participate in garden-wide events,  exhibitions, and group-projects as directed by Supervisor- position will be expected to take a lead role in Orchids Galore seasonal exhibition

• Coordinating and scheduling greenhouse use with the Volunteer Coordinator for the Garden’s plant sales
• Use and maintenance of greenhouse structures- mechanical and structural aspects
• Daily use and troubleshooting of computerized Argus control systems

·         Application of pesticides, biological controls, and fertilizers as required for best growth of plants using IPM approach as required and directed

·         Use and preventive maintenance of assigned equipment, tools, vehicles and irrigation systems

·         Supervision and training of assigned paid and unpaid staff

·         Coordinates effectively with contractors hired for outsourced services (e.g., irrigation)

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Complies with provisions of the current Employee Handbook, all published personnel policies and the requirements job description
• Performs duties in a manner consistent with a public garden serving multi-generational families, and in accordance with directed practices and procedures
• With supervisor, monitors and documents safety and risk management programs and training for assigned personnel
• Works with an awareness of surroundings, and vigilant to any possible threat to the safety of visitors, volunteers, and staff or to their property.  Ensures all concerns are reported promptly
• Ensures all mishaps, injuries and incidents are reported immediately and ultimately in writing to supervisor and the Assistant Executive Director for Finance and Operations
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations
• Performs other duties as assigned and required by supervisor, other Directors and Executive Director

Physical Demands / Working Conditions:

·         Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly

·         Must be able to bend, squat, kneel, stand and walk for extended periods of time

·         Must be able to work indoors in conservatory conditions and outdoors in all seasonal extremes
 

Note: Duties described above, other duties and physical demands have been identified as essential functions as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Skills/Abilities:

·         Must be able to obtain a Virginia Pesticide Applicator’s License within the first four (4) months of employment

·         Experience operating and troubleshooting  Argus or similar computerized greenhouse environmental control system

·         Time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks

·         Ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels

·         Comfortable interacting with garden visitors

·         Organizational Skills

Education/Knowledge:

·         Bachelors or Associate’s degree in horticulture preferred

·         Bachelors or Associate’s degree in landscape maintenance / construction or related field might be considered based on experience

·         A minimum of five (5) years of experience in greenhouse production with an emphasis on growing orchids preferred

·         Other combinations of education/experience appropriate to the job will be considered

For more information please contact Karen Clowers at karenc@lewisginter.org.