Horticulture Manager, Japanese Garden

Job Description

FWBG is seeking a talented and motivated individual to join our Horticulture team as our Horticulture Manager, Japanese Garden. The right candidate will share our values, be dedicated to the support of our mission, and want to help us achieve our vision of being renowned globally and treasured locally for exceptional and influential research, horticulture, and education.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Japanese Garden Horticulture Manager is a key role at the FWBG. The 7.5-acre traditional Japanese Garden (JG) is a major draw for FWBG members, local community members, families, international travelers, and garden clubs, associations and societies. Dozens of events and weddings are hosted in the JG each year and two annual Japanese Festivals are held in and around the garden. The JG Manager has primary responsibility for ensuring that the highest horticultural standards are applied consistently by those working in the JG and that efforts to achieve greater authenticity in style and affect remain at the forefront of all maintenance activities. The JG Manager collaborates closely with the Senior Director of Horticulture and the Guest Experience and Operations Teams’ staff on exhibit information and venue preparation for public and private events. The JG Manager is also responsible for recruiting, training, supervising, and developing JG Horticulture staff. The JG Manager composes written instructions, essays, maps, photographs, articles, memorandums, and proposals for staff communication and educational outreach; guides tours for guests; and gives presentations to public and private entities.

QUALIFICATIONS – Key Qualifications to be considered for the Japanese Garden Manager Position

• At least one year of experience in Japanese gardens design, construction, and maintenance, particularly pruning techniques.
• Education or experience in general landscape design and construction techniques with knowledge of Japanese garden history, design, construction, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of various shrubs, trees, ground covers, and turf, and their appropriate use in a traditional Japanese landscape.
• Skilled in methods of propagation, planting and pruning, including those techniques specific to Japanese gardening.
• Skills to design, construct, and install Japanese-style landscapes, decks, arbors, walls, etc., and maintain the garden’s various Karesansui (Dry Garden) exhibits.
• Ability to lead, mentor, develop, and effectively support the Japanese Garden team and ensure staff are equipped with the right skills and tools to collaborate with others and execute key responsibilities aligned with FWBG’s goals and its mission.
• Excellent oral communication skills including the ability to give clear and concise instruction and direction, and comfortably speak with guests, educators, media, and groups.
• Ability to oversee, provide a positive environment for, and ensure the safety of volunteers working in the JG.

About Us

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to our Mission to explore the critically important world of plants, collaborate to discover the role they play in our cultural and natural environments, and engage people to conserve nature and improve the human experience.

As part of the FWBG Team, you will collaborate with and learn from other passionate individuals who enjoy a workplace immersed in the beauty of nature. Our employees enjoy a positive workplace culture that serves our community, brings joy to children and families, and demonstrates the core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and enthusiasm in our day-to-day interactions with each other. All full-time employees have access to outstanding medical benefits and exceptional paid time off and many positions are able to take advantage of scheduling flexibility. FWBG gives employees many opportunities to actively participate in conversations and decisions that impact their jobs and work environment. In return, our employees are making it possible for us to expand our botanical research and biodiversity conservation programs, engage with a large and diverse audience, create exceptional gardens to inspire and serve our guests, and change lives through our education programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES – How will you use your knowledge, skills, and experience?

The Japanese Garden Horticulture Manager will:
• Integrate a variety of plants, traditional Japanese garden elements, landscaping and horticultural techniques, with appropriate gardening practices, and apply them in a cohesive and visually effective manner to the JG.
• Plan and lead seasonal JG garden tasks and maintenance activities including but not limited to mowing, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, planting, and irrigation, etc.; assess plans; and execute specialty techniques such as candling required to appropriately maintain plant material according to traditional Japanese methods.
• Lead and perform the day-to-day maintenance of plants, structures, irrigation, pond, and water features including maintaining/repairing the extensive irrigation system and its controller units.
• Care for the pond and its living inhabitants.
• Prepare various JG venues for rentals and special events.
• Serve as the JG curator, providing interpretive information about various exhibits and serving in an advisory role on architectural additions and upgrades.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience Required:
• Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Horticulture, Floriculture, or related field.
• Two years of responsible experience in a professional gardening or nursery environment.
• Basic carpentry, plumbing, wiring, paving, and stonemasonry skills.
• Education in botany and plant taxonomy.
• Experience with effective methods of Integrated Pest Management.
• Experience performing Irrigation system maintenance and repair, including controller repair.
• Knowledge of pond and recirculation system maintenance and repair, including Koi care.
• Experience supervising and training others.
• Computer and mobile phone app skills for benefits enrollment, time reporting, scheduling staff, managing timecards, and electronic communications including Outlook and Teams.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a current Texas Drivers’ License and Auto-Related Liability Insurance.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Texas Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Ability to pass a physical exam to assess whether you are able to perform the duties of the position with or without accommodation.

Additional Information

LOCATION DETAILS

Work Environment
This is a full-time position, and the regular hours of work and days are Saturday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.; however, this position can regularly require long hours. This schedule may be adjusted seasonally or as needed to accommodate special projects or enhance guest experience. Working some evenings and holidays may be required.
Job duties are primarily performed outside in Texas climate conditions. To perform the job duties the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms; and may use repetitive motions.
Employee can expect to be required to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects. Position requires ability to work on ladders and lifts. Employee must be able to review and maintain many parts of the garden where there is very limited access and not easily accessible.

Application Instructions

To Appy

Visit FWBG’s Careers Page at https://fwbg.org/about-us/careers/ to learn more about us. Click the link to view current job openings. Apply online by answering screening questions, filling in a basic application, and uploading your resume and cover letter. Qualified applicants whose skills and experience best match the needs of the position will be contacted for interviews. Candidates invited to the interview must provide three professional references and contact information to verify work history. The successful candidate will receive a written offer and be required to submit personal information for criminal background and motor vehicle checks. Relocation funds may be available for the right candidate.