Horticulture Program Specialist

Job Description

Within the Horticulture Department of the Division of Cultural & Environmental Resource, under the supervision as designated by the Director of Cultural & Environmental Resources, the Horticultural Program Specialist is responsible for developing educational materials and instructing classes on a variety of horticultural and botanical subjects for various groups, including garden clubs, Master Gardeners, industry organizations and professionals, children and horticultural therapy and the general public at any of the Morris County Park Commission horticultural l facilities.

About Us

This public arboretum is a place of natural beauty and learning, with nearly 2,000 specimen trees and plantings, gorgeous formal gardens, woodlands, meadows, walking trails and a historic mansion. The Frelinghuysen Arboretum offers endless opportunities – take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a picnic on the manicured Great Lawn, shoot memorable photographs, take a gardening class or join a special tour. Open to the public year-round, every season delights the senses and beckons your visit.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops, prepares and presents a wide variety of programming for adults and children in various horticultural and botanical subjects or site related topic. This includes:
o Creating, preparing, and presenting successful programs to children, special needs groups, home schools and school field trips
o Researching, contacting, scheduling and confirming outside speakers for public programs.
o Planning, developing, and leading horticultural site tours.
o Obtaining all supplies for their assigned programming and maintaining an inventory of the program supplies.
o Participating in programs and events, developed by other Horticulture Education staff, to acquaint the public with the Commission’s horticultural facilities.
• Researches the continuing education and training requirements (CEU’s) for professional and governmental agencies and integrates such training offerings into the overall horticultural education program; submits programs to regulating agencies for CEU/Credit approval and advertises programs to target audiences.
• Works with the Horticulture Volunteer Coordinator to train and supervise educational volunteers and tour guides.
• Handles outreach to schools, teachers and parents to schedule school field trips as well collect fees and insurance.
• Assists in planting, weeding, watering and all other maintenance tasks needed of the horticulture education gardens which include the Scherer Garden, Branching Out, the greenhouse and indoor light racks and hydroponics.
• Helps compile the quarterly calendar as well as promote programming which would include, but is not limited to, sending out emails and distributing flyers.
• Ensures compliance with Morris County Park Commission rules, regulations, policies and procedures, especially in conjunction with public access and educational initiatives.

Other Functions:
• Works at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, as well as Willowwood Arboretum, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and at other parks within the Morris County Park System, as determined by the Manager of Horticulture or their designee. Assists their Supervisor in various other administrative and educational functions related to the Department’s work.
• Answers horticultural and botanical inquiries from the public as well as referring to other sources of horticultural information such as the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service.
• Maintains records such as inventories, attendance, expenses, statistics and others as directed.
• Assists with all programming of the Horticultural Education Unit as required.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Graduate of a college of recognized standing with a major program of study in horticulture, botany, education or related field.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evenings, as required to meet the needs of, and providing continuity in, the Division’s functions.
• At least two years of experience in presenting programs to adult and/or children’s groups and program development and management.
• Ability to develop innovative horticultural programming.
• Hands-on use of personal computer and applications with proficiency in Microsoft Office Products, specifically Excel & Word.
• Ability to comprehend established office routines, rules, and regulations of complexity, organize assigned work, and to develop effective work methods with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal, written print and electronic forms, to compose routine letters, memos, transmittals, e-mails and similar correspondence to park staff, managers, vendors, contractors, professionals, and general public of all ages.
• Possession of a valid New Jersey driver’s license.
• Ability to maintain, lift and carry weights of thirty pounds;
• The ability to maintain a satisfactory attendance record to accomplish the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation

Application Instructions

Please complete the Job Application on morrisparks.net then attach it to an e-mail addressed to the Human Resources Department (email through the website) and indicate the position to which you are applying. You are welcome to attach your resume and cover letter to your submission. No phone calls please.

You will be contacted by the Hiring Manager if your credentials meet the requirements of the position.

The Morris County Park Commission is an equal opportunity employer.