Horticulturist

Job Description

The Horticulturist performs landscape maintenance for woody and perennial species, display bed maintenance, creates, and suggests ways to enhance collections, and assists with planting projects. This position is an integral component of the Horticulture team. The Horticulture department is responsible for managing all aspects of Bernheim’s 620-acre, Level IV Arboretum. This position will directly maintain 40 acres and perform all tasks to a standard of horticulture excellence.

Bernheim’s commitment to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) began with the vision of our Founder, Isaac Wolfe Bernheim. He envisioned a Bernheim that would be accessible to all, and to this day Bernheim is committed to this core principle.

About Us

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is an exceptional individual who is adept at ensuring landscape upkeep, while also showcasing efficiency in project management, as it relates to the arboretum.

Bernheim is home to a 600-acre arboretum, designated as Kentucky’s official arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not-for-profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 350,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Duties/Responsibilities
• Interact in an appropriate and professional manner with visitors, staff, and volunteers, and interpret botanical and horticultural subjects for the public.
• Perform both extensive and routine horticultural maintenance within area of responsibility. Tasks include but are not limited to: site/soil preparation, sowing, planting, transplanting, weeding, mulching, watering, pruning, mowing, tree removals, herbicide application, and invasive species removal.
• Develop plans and techniques for a more efficient and ecologically stable maintenance strategy within area of responsibility.
• Ensure accurate accession records of the collections within area of responsibility.
• Lead volunteers in horticultural tasks.
• Operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, small/large engine equipment and vehicles safely and effectively.
• Serve on the prescribed fire burn crew and assist with routine and hazardous tree removal, including storm clean-up.
• Lead a horticulture tour and/or teach horticulture related classes.
• Green Roof Outreach Component: Maintain 2 green roofs (with the aid of volunteers and staff) in downtown Louisville.
• Contribute content for social media, blogs, and print (Forest Echo).
• Assist with educational programming and special events.
• Other duties as assigned, including participation in events and all-staff projects.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience
• Required previous work experience in the field of Horticulture. A degree in Horticulture or a related field preferred but not required.
• ISA Certified Arborist certification preferred but not required.
• Broad knowledge of woody species.
• Related experience is also considered and valued.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Baseline knowledge and skills for the position include but are not limited to excellent verbal communication, including public speaking, strong interpersonal skills, professional writing skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Utilization of various software and technology programs to complete work duties.
• Work independently and in a team-based environment.
• Comfort and ability to engage in outdoor environments, in all weather conditions.
• Role may require the ability to continuously walk, stand, bend, twist and/or stoop and lift up to 50lbs.
• Flexibility to work a variety of hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Licenses and Certifications
• Must possess a valid driver’s license at time of hire.
• Current Kentucky Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License with the 3N Category or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

This full-time, hourly position reports to the Arboretum Manager.
Pay range: $19-$21/hr.
Competitive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403(b) match benefit and paid sick, holiday and vacation leave.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Application Instructions

Please send all inquiries and resumes to: HR@bernheim.org.