Greenhouse and Nursery Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Greenhouse & Nursery Manager
Reports To: Director of Horticulture
Department: Horticulture
Supervisory Responsibility: Greenhouse & Nursery Assistant Manager, Greenhouse Technicians, and Seasonal Workers, Interns, and Volunteers as available
FLSA: Exempt
Full Time Position: Salaried, minimum 40 hours per week

Position Summary: Works with and leads a team of staff members to manage and maintain all aspects of greenhouse and nursery maintenance and production at Bellingrath Gardens & Home. Responsible for scheduling, propagating, growing and finishing all seasonal plants to be displayed at Bellingrath, and growing or holding any trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and perennial vines in the nursery from such time as they are received until they are planted on the grounds. Regularly interacts with other Horticulture team members. Reports regular maintenance needs of the Greenhouse/Nursery complex both to the Director of Horticulture and the Maintenance Manager.

About Us

About Bellingrath Gardens and Home: Bellingrath Gardens and Home is the historic 65-acre estate and home of Walter D. Bellingrath and Bessie Morse Bellingrath, opened to the public in 1932. The Bellingrath-Morse Foundation was established by Mr. Bellingrath in 1949 on his 80th birthday to perpetuate the Gardens and Home as a “permanent and fitting memorial” to his wife’s “artistry and genius.” Today, visitors to Bellingrath Gardens and Home stroll through the vibrant and ever-changing estate garden and tour the historic home, built in 1935 and filled with the original furnishings and pieces collected by the two founders. Bellingrath is Alabama’s oldest public garden, remaining relevant today through its many varied programs, including its award-winning “Magic Christmas in Lights” holiday festival.

Duties & Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities:
● Manage and prepare weekly schedule of tasks for all Greenhouse and Nursery staff members, including weekend assignments
● Develop scheduling, propagation, growing, and finishing protocols for all bedding plants and florist pot crops (including our cascading chrysanthemums, poinsettias, etc.)
● Develop and manage an annual budget for the Greenhouse and Nursery Department
● Procure plants for seasonal displays, planned trials, permanent plantings, and new stock plants to be used in future plantings.
● Propagate and produce, or procure from other supplies all plants to sell at seasonal plant sales and ongoing sales in the Atrium with a goal of maximizing and annually increasing earned income
● Assess and communicate proper safety practices
● Oversee Bellingrath’s greenhouse and nursery facilities, including cleanliness and sanitation both for staff and for all plants
● Regularly discuss with Director of Horticulture and Executive Director needed upgrades and major repairs of these facilities (i.e., greenhouse irrigation) and related structures.
● Work directly with and effectively lead and supervise greenhouse and nursery staff, delegating tasks as needed to the Greenhouse and Nursery Assistant Manager
● Maintain and/or grow all greenhouse plants (seedlings, plugs, finished specimens) to Bellingrath standards
● Apply pesticides as needed to produce requested crops
● Organize greenhouse plants to optimize growing conditions for each plant variety
● Propagate plants both from seed and cuttings, division, or other means
● Work with Director of Horticulture to maintain accurate documentation of hazardous materials according to Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
● Work with Maintenance Manager to ensure that water, electrical, heating/cooling, and shade systems are maintained in running order
● Assist in planning for new or renovated greenhouse/nursery complex and associated facilities
● All other tasks and duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
● Associate’s degree in horticulture or related subject required; bachelor’s degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
● Strong management skills including hiring, retaining and training staff
● Strong organizational skills
● Proven excellence in scheduling multiple crops from propagation to finishing
● Familiarity with basic greenhouse and nursery equipment and tools required
● Working knowledge of basic greenhouse plants required
● Ability to work daily for extended periods of time in climatic conditions typical to Mobile, Alabama
● Ability to lift 50+ pounds
● Current Alabama Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License, or ability to procure one upon hire
● Valid driver’s license

Additional Information

Bellingrath Gardens & Home is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other legally protected basis under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Bellingrath Gardens & Home makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Application Instructions

Send a copy of current resume with a cover letter and reference to tlasseigne@bellingrath.org by the end of the day August 29, 2023.